Kangra Fort, Dharamsala

Located on the outskirts of Kangra city, about 20 km from the famous tourist destination Dharamshala in Himachal Pradesh, Kangra Fort is one of the oldest forts in India. It is also one of the largest forts in India, ranked 8th on the list. Spread over 463 acres on the Shivalik hill, covering an area of ​​about 4 km. Majhi and Banganga rivers confluence at the base of this ancient fort, here you can also get a beautiful view of Dhauladhar. Let us tell you about some fascinating facts about India's oldest fort.

Construction of Kangra

According to local legend, the Kangra fort was built some 3,500 years ago by Maharaja Susharma Chandra of the Katoch dynasty. Although few people are aware that he fought against the Kaurava princes in the Mahabharata battle. After the conflict, he relocated his army to Kangra, where he took over Trigarta and built this fort to safeguard his kingdom from attackers. An intriguing feature about Kangra Fort is that everyone who entered it was permitted to behead the guard gate.

The fort was surrounded by treasure

Everyone who entered the fort was allowed to beheaded because the news had spread far and wide that the fort was full of treasure and many kings like Mahmud Ghazni, It was attempted to be captured by Alexander the Great and others. Also tried.

How the fort turned into a mine of wealth

The Hind and other monarchs are claimed to have sent great gems, gold, and silver to the fort to be presented to the presiding deity in the house temple. They wanted to earn good deeds by doing this. As a result, wealth began to accumulate in the Kangra Fort, making it difficult for anybody to track its size. The amount of money maintained in the fort's treasury is legendary.

Treasure Well

In 470 AD, King Shrestha of Kashmir was the first king to attack Kangra Fort, according to historical records. Even Mahmud of Ghazni had landed his army around 1000 AD in search of the wealth of the fort. It is thought that the fort contains 21 treasure wells, each 4 metres deep and 2.5 metres wide.

In the 1890s, the rulers of Ghazni succeeded in looting 8 wells, while the British rulers looted five wells. It is rumoured that there are another eight wells full with riches in the fort that have yet to be discovered.

The riches can still be found in other wells around here.

It is rumoured that there are another eight wells full with riches in the fort that have yet to be discovered. In the early 17th century, the Mughal army led by Akbar made 52 unsuccessful attempts to conquer the fort. The fort eventually passed into the hands of British troops and remained so until a massive earthquake shook its strong foundation in April 1905.

How is kangra fort today

The fort is traversed through a long outer circuit covering an area of ​​4 km on either side. It is protected by majestic ramparts and massive walls made of black stone The shrines of Ambika Devi, Lakshmi Narayan, and Lord Mahavira are located beneath the palace's courtyard. There are 11 gates and 23 bastions on the fort. Just outside the main temple gate is the most prominent defense gate known as Andheri Darwaza. It is 7 metres long and wide, allowing two men or a horse to pass through. The gate was constructed to prevent the attack of enemy soldiers. Following India's independence, the ASI agreed to return the fort to Maharaja Jai Chandra of the Katoch dynasty. The royal family now visits the temples.

List Places to Visit around Kangra Fort

Conclusion

Kangra Fort is a magnificent landmark that serves as a reminder of India's unique past and religion. Without a question, visiting Himachal Pradesh should be on every traveller's bucket list, and your journey through this hilly paradise should not finish without a visit to Kangra Fort.