Rohtas Fort Facts for Kids

Quick facts for kids
Rohtas Fort
UNESCO World Heritage Site
Kabuli Gate, Rohtas Fort
Location	Jhelum District, Punjab, Pakistan
Criteria	Cultural: (ii), (iv)
Inscription	1997 (21st Session)

Rohtas Fort (Urdu: قلعہ روہتاس, Qila Rohtas) is a very old and strong fort in Pakistan. A powerful Afghan king named Sher Shah Suri built it. This huge fort is about 4 kilometers (2.5 miles) around. It is special because it was the first time that building styles from the Pashtun and Hindu cultures were mixed so well in this part of the world.

Discovering Rohtas Fort
- Why Was Rohtas Fort Built?
- Who Built Rohtas Fort?
  - The Fort's Design and Size
Exploring the Fort's Features
Rohtas Fort Today
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Discovering Rohtas Fort

Rohtas Fort is a large historical fort located in the Jhelum District of Punjab, Pakistan. It sits on a hill overlooking the Pothohar Plateau. The fort was built to protect the area and control important roads.

Why Was Rohtas Fort Built?

King Sher Shah Suri ordered the building of Rohtas Fort in the 16th century. He wanted a strong fort to help him control the region. It was also meant to stop the local Gakhar tribes from helping the Mughal emperor, Humayun, whom Sher Shah Suri had defeated. The fort helped Sher Shah Suri keep his power.

Who Built Rohtas Fort?

The construction of Rohtas Fort started in 1541. It took many years to complete. The fort was designed by Todar Mal Khatri, a very skilled engineer and minister for Sher Shah Suri. Thousands of workers helped build this massive structure.

The Fort's Design and Size

Rohtas Fort is known for its strong walls and clever design. The walls are made of stone and are very thick. The fort has many gates and bastions (strong towers) for defense. Its large size and strong build made it very difficult for enemies to attack. The fort's design shows a mix of different building styles, making it unique.

Exploring the Fort's Features

Rohtas Fort has many interesting parts inside its walls. These include different gates, stepwells (called baolis), and other buildings.

The Grand Gates of Rohtas

The fort has 12 main gates, each with its own name and design. Some of the most famous gates include:

Sohail Gate: This gate is known for its beautiful decorations and carvings. It is one of the most impressive entrances to the fort.
Kabuli Gate: This gate faces towards Kabul, which is why it got its name. It was an important entry point.
Langar Khani Gate: This gate was likely used for bringing food and supplies into the fort.
Shah Chandwali Gate: Named after a local saint, this gate is also very strong.
Gatali Gate: This gate leads to a nearby village and is well-preserved.

Water Sources Inside the Fort

To make sure the soldiers and people inside the fort had enough water, several baolis (stepwells) were built. These stepwells allowed access to underground water, even during a siege. The central stepwell is a good example of this clever design.

Other Important Structures

Inside the fort, you can find the remains of a mosque, known as the Shahi Masjid. There are also ruins of a haveli (a large house) that belonged to Raja Man Singh, a general who later used the fort. These structures show how people lived and worshipped inside the fort.

Rohtas Fort Today

Today, Rohtas Fort is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This means it is recognized as a very important historical place that needs to be protected for future generations. Many tourists visit the fort to see its impressive architecture and learn about its history. It stands as a reminder of the powerful rulers and skilled builders of the past.