Rohtas Fort Historical Facts and Pictures

Rohtas Fort (Qila Rohtas) was built in the 16th century by Sher Shah Suri and is located near the city of Jhelum in Punjab, Pakistan. It was originally built to crush rebellions from local tribes of the surrounding region.

Rohtas Fort

Rohtas Fort Images

Rohtas Fort Photos

Rohtas Fort Pictures

The main fortifications of this 70-hectare garrison consists of massive masonry walls, more than 4 kilometers in circumference, lined with 68 bastions and pierced at strategic points by 12 monumental gateways.

Rohtas Fort

Rohtas Fort Entrances

The Rohtas Fort is a massive defensive complex surrounding a small hill alongside the Kahan River. The stone walls are almost 12.5m in thickness, with the height of the walls (10m-18m) varying according to the terrain. Among the gates that adorn the Fort, the Sohail Gate is the finest. It is flanked with elaborately decorated balconies on either side of the central arch.

Rohtas Fort Kabuli Gate

Rohtas Fort Langar Khani Gate

The Shishi gate derives its name from the use of glazed tiles and is the earliest example of a technique applied widely in the architecture of the Mughal Empire. Four other gates cover vulnerable points of the fort and are built in the form of double trap gates to provide extra safety from attackers.

Rohtas Fort Shishi Gate

Rohtas Fort Sohail Gate

Inside the Rohtas Fort

Very few buildings were constructed within the interiors of the fort. The Haveli Man Singh is a two storied brick structure and is named after the trusted general of the Mughal Emperor Akbar. The Fort also had its own internal water supply in the form of baolis (stepped wells or tanks) cut into the limestone bedrocks.

Inside Rohtas Fort

Inside View of Rohtas Fort

Rohtas Fort Inside View

Rohtas Fort Inside

Rohtas Fort Mahal and Mosque

The Shahi Masjid, located near the Kabuli Gate, is a small mosque consisting of a prayer hall and a courtyard.

Rohtas Fort Rani Mahal

Rohtas Fort Roof of Rani Mahal

Rohtas Fort Shahi Mosque Prayer Chamber

The Rohtas Fort blends architectural and artistic traditions from Turkey and the Indian subcontinent to create the foundation for Mughal architecture and its subsequent refinements and adaptations. It is also an exceptional example of the Muslim military architecture in Southern Asia.