ROHTAS FORT(QILA ROHTAS)
1. Rohtas Fort, (Qila Rohtas) is an exceptional example of early Muslim military architecture in
Central and South Asia, for it was built essentially for military purposes. Following the
defeat of the Mughal Emperor Humayun in 1541, Sher Shah Suri built a strong fortified
complex at Rohtas, a strategic site about 16 kilometres north-west of the city of Jhelum.
The gigantic fort is founded on steep rocks jutting into the river Kahan, its ramparts
protected on the west and north sides by the river and by high hills on its east and south.
It was never taken by assault and survives intact to the present day. The main fortifications
consist of the massive walls, which extended for more than 4km; they are lined with
bastions and pierced by monumental gateways.
There are indications that more structures had existed earlier, which either collapsed due to
neglect, or were demolished in Mughal or later periods.
The Rohtas Fort is now a protected monument under the Antiquities Act 1975, and
maintained by the Department of Archaeology, Government of Pakistan. Owing to its
marvelous qualities of strength and solidity, and being the finest specimen of medieval
military architecture in Pakistan, the fort was inscribed in the World Heritage List, by
UNESCO, in 1997.
Although built for purely military purposes, yet a few of its twelve gates were exceptionally
fine examples of the architecture of that period. The Sohail Gate, guarding the south west
wall, is in fair condition even today and it is being used as a rest house. This gate is an
example illustrating that how a feature built for strength could also be made architecturally
graceful. As it is more than eighty feet in height so it provides a grand entrance to the
magnificent fort complex. Every part of its structure has been carried out in broad and
simple manner, each line and plane has a sober and massive elegance, while the whole is
aesthetically competent. Within the fort a small town has developed and several thousand
people live here
History
The Rohtas fort lies sprawling upon a low rocky hill north of Jhelum in a bend of the river Ghan (mostly
spelled as Kahan). It occupies an uneven piece of land cut up by deep mountain torrents of which the
ChandWali Kas and Parnata Kas are the most important. The eastern wall of the Anderkot follows the
edge of the former whereas the corresponding walls the outer fort follows that of the latter. This Rohtas
is not to be confused with the Rohtasgarh fort in Bihar, from which it derives its name.
The fort was built in compliance with the orders of Sher Shah (actual name Farid Khan) son of Hassan
Khan, son of Ibrahim Khan, and Afghan of the Sur section of the Lodhi tribe. The project was financially
looked after by Todar Mal, the finance minister of Sher Shah; it was executed by Shahu Sultani who
acted in the capacity of what may presently be called a superintending engineer.
The project took many years to complete (perhaps 10 years) and was finished during the reign of Sher
Shah’s son and successor Jalal Khan who assumed the title of Islam Shah at the time of his accession to
the throne in AD 1545. The expenditure is variously recorded by the Tahrik I Daudi as eight crores five
lace five thousand and two and half dams i.e. Bahluli’s and Tuzuk I Jehangiri as sixteen crores , ten lacs
of dams and a little more. Both the source refer to inscribed to a stone slabs fixed on gates as their
source of information, It is likely that the estimate if the Tahrik I Daudi pertains merely to the Anderkot
and that of Tuzuk I Jehangiri to the outer fort.
Nasiruddin Humayun (r.1530-1540, 1556-1556), son and successor of Zahiruddin Babur
(r.1526-1530), the Mughal emperor of India had at the hands of Sher Khan (Sher Shah Suri,
(r.1540-1545) suffered devastating defeats in two pitched battles, the first at Chaunsa on the Ganges
below Benares, and the second near Qanaauj, also on the Ganges, but much higher up the river. He had
to retire into the Punjab where he expected to reach some kind of an accommodation with his younger
brother Mirza Kamran who held Kabul and Ghazni under his control. When Humayun reached the sarai
(Inn) of Daulat Khan near Lahore, Kamran came forward to receive him. Humayun stayed in the garden
of Khawaja Dost, but suspecting deception on the part of his brother, he decided to fall back on Sindh in
search of a possible exit to Persia. Sher Khan who had now assumed sovereignty and the tile of Sultan
Sher Shah and had reached Khushab on the river Jhelum. It was here that the Afghans of Roh presented
themselves and paid homage to him. Amongst those who attended upon him were the Baluch chiefs
Ismail Khan and Fateh Khan of the Dudai clan of Hut, and Ghazi Khan the Marlani, the founders of three
Deras bearing their respective names. Sher Shah expended a vast sum of money and presents upon the
Afghans who presented themselves before him, but, although all the zamindars and nobles of the areas
had done so, the Gakkar chief, the Rai Sarang, who depended upon the strength of his country in the
Koh e Jud, did not think fit to do so, and, according to one source, when Sher Shah summoned him,
dispatched some lion and Tiger skins in reply. This enraged Sher Shad so much that he decided to ravage
and lay desolate the Gakkar country. On this occasion he inspected the Kohistan, visiting Nandana and
Tilla Balnath the Jogi, for a possible site to erect a fort, saying, that he would drive such a spike into the
breast of the Gakkhars as should remain there till the end of time. How far the story is correct it is
difficult to say. The obvious reason that led him to take such a decision was the Gakkar –Mughal alliance
which could pave the way for the Mughal reentry. His own analysis of the situation led ultimately led him
to believe that a strong frontier fort was urgently needed for the dual purpose of suppressing the Gakkars
and blocking the successful Mughal advance from Kabul or Kashmir.
The new fortress was placed under the charge of Haibat Khan Nayazi, Khawas Khan, Isa Khan Nayazi and
Habib Khan Kakar- his most trusted generals, along with numerous armies. The posting of his great amirs
in Rohtas shows the kind of concern Sher Shah in his mind regarding the sensitive nature of the frontier.
In AD 1543-44, Sher Shah recalled the other generals and left Haibat Khan in sole charge of the Punjab.
Haibat Khan held Rohtas with a force of 30,000 Afghan horse; all in his own pay. After his services in
Multan the same Haibat Khan was raised to the highest rank, with the title of Masnad- Ata Azam,
Humayun (The Most August, The Occupant of the Exalted Seat of Dignity). He was likewise assigned a
scarlet tent, which only the family of the sovereign was hitherto allowed to use. The fortress was not
finished, however till some years later.
Structural Details
Location & Area
Rohtas Fort (Qila Rohtas) is situated in a gorge approximately 16 km North West of Jhelum and 8 KM
from Dina. It was constructed on a hillock where the tiny Kahan river meets another rainy stream called
Parnal Khas and turns east towards Tilla Jogian Range. The fort is about 300 feet above its surroundings.
It is 2660 feet (818 meters) above sea level and covers an area of 12.63 acres.
Reasons of Construction
Sher Shah constructed Qila Rohtas to block Emperor Humayun return to India after defeating him in the
Battle of Kanauj. This fort lies on the old GT Road between the North (Afghanistan) to the Plains of
Punjab. It blocked the way from Peshawar to Lahore. The other reason was to suppress the local tribes
of this region Potohar called Gakhars who were allies of Humayun and refused their allegiance to Sher
Shah Suri.
The Structure
Qila Rohtas is a garrison fort and could old a force of up to 30,000 men. Due to its location, massive
walls, trap gates and 3 Baolis (stepped wells) it could withstand a major siege although it was never
besieged.
The fort is rectangular in shape and follows the contours of the hill it was constructed on. The fort is
approximately 4 km in circumference and a 533 meter long wall divides the citadel (for the Chieftain)
from other parts of the fort.
The fortification has 68 bastions (towers) at irregular intervals, three Baolis (Stepped Wells), one of them
is in the citadel and the rest are in the other parts of the fort. It has twelve gates with four of them trap
(double) gates, 1,900 battlements and nearly 9,500 stairs. The other buildings in the fort are Haveli Man
Singh, Rani Mehal and a Shahi Mosque.
The Khwas Khani gate is an example of double walling. A small enclave on the western side is a citadel
within a citadel. It is accessible by only one gate and also had a very fine Baoli which suggests that it was
meant for the Chief and his family. In this citadel there is a beautiful Masque called the Shahi Mosque
(Not to be confused with the one in Lahore). There are no palaces in the Fort except for a structure built
by Raja Man Singh called the Haveli of Man Singh. It is built on the highest point of the citadel.
Fortification Wall
The height of the outer wall varies between 10 and 18 meters. Its thickness varies between 10 and 13
meters. The wall has 2 or 3 terraces and varies in thickness, the maximum being 13 meters near the Mori
Gate. The terraces are linked by staircases. The topmost terrace has merlon-shaped battlements.
Muskets can be fired from these battlements. Soldiers could also pour molten lead over the walls.
The wall is built in sandstone laid in lime mortar mixed with brick. The gates are in gray Ashlor Masonry.
Some portions have been built using burnt brick.
The Rohtas Fort has the following 12 gates. All of them are built in Ashlor Stone
There are 3 Baolis in the fort. These were made by cutting deep into the lime rock.
Bari (Main) Bowali
It is in the middle of the Fort for soldiers, elephants, horses etc. This Baoli has 148 steps (now 134 left
due to filling of mud). Each step is 20 cm (8 inches) wide. The upper portion has been cut in stone. It
has three arches that span the length of the baoli.
The Shahi Bowali
It is near the Kabuli Gate for the Royal family. It has 60 steps and has small chambers that were used as
baths by the Royal family.
he Sar Gate Bowali
It is a small Baoli near the Sar Gate, most likely used by soldiers.
HAVELI MAN SINGH
This is not an original structure of the fort. It was built by a general of Akbar, Raja Man Singh I of Amber.
He died in 1614 so it must have been built between 1550 and 1614. It is a 2 storey building constructed
with bricks and plastered neatly. Architecturally it bears no resemblance to the Qila Rohtas. A part of the
structure has fallen away. There seems to have been 4 rooms out of which only one exists now.
The existing room is 5.5 meters square and there are balconies on the outside of it. These balconies are
similar to the one outside Sohail Gate. One could see the whole fort from these balconies.
Rani Mehal
The Rani Mahal (Queens palace) is near Haveli Man Singh. It is a one storey structure. It originally had
four rooms but only room remains standing today. The foundation of the four rooms can still be seen
today.
It is not an original part of the fort and is an example of Hindu architecture and built around the same
time as the Haveli Man Singh. The room still standing today is about 20 feet high and beautifully
decorated on the inside and outside. The roof of the dome like room is like a flower. The inside of the
roof is decorated with flowers, geometrical patterns and fake windows. The room is about 8 feet by 8
feet.
Shahi Mosque
This small mosque is near the Kabuli gate. It has a prayer chamber and a small courtyard. It is the most
decorated of the original buildings of the fort. To be ever ready in case of attack , stairs lead directly from
the courtyard of this mosque to the top of Kabuli Gate.
The prayer chamber is 19.2 meter long and 7.3 meter deep. It is divided into 3 equal chambers. There
are domes from the inside but from the outside no domes can be seen. There is a small room at the end
of these three chambers. this room was for the Pesh Imam(Prayer Leader). This room has a small domed
roof from the inside but no outer dome. There is no place for ablution(cleaning up before prayers) in the
mosque. This mosque is built into the fortification wall i.e. soldiers walked over the mosques roof. The
outer wall of the mosque is the fortification wall itself.
On the outer wall of the mosque are beautiful round designs in which Islamic verses are written in Naqsh
script. These verses are surrounded by a Lilly going around the Naqsh script. The Lilly design was later
used by Mughals in Tomb of Jahangir, Tomb of Nur Jehan and the Shah Burj Gate in Lahore Fort. The
design seems to have been copied from the coins used in that time.
Archtictural Style
This fort was built in the Afghan-Persian architectural style. Afghan and Persian Kings had been coming
to the Indian subcontinent for at least 5 centuries before the construction of this fort. Before the
construction of this fort, the combination of these styles had not been harmonious. Rohtas Fort is the
earliest example of the successful mixing of these two styles with the Afghan style being more prominent.
The elements of Hindu Architectures are
1. Balconies on Sohail Gate.
2. Decorations on Shahi Mosque derived from Hindu Architecture.
3. Haveli Man Singh (Pure Hindu Architecture).
The elements of Afghan architecture are
1. Utilitarian Construction.
2. Use of stone instead of bricks in building wall.
3. No Living quarters.
4. Comparatively less decorations.
Rohtas Fort is an outstanding example of early Muslim military architecture in the Indian subcontinent
which incorporates features from elsewhere in the Islamic world. It also had a profound influence on the
development of architectural styles in the Mughal Empire (and hence on the European colonial
architecture that made abundant use of that tradition).
It is also outstanding by virtue of the refinement and high artistic value of its decorative elements,
notably its high- and low-relief carvings, its calligraphic inscriptions in marble and sandstone, its plaster
decoration, and its glazed tiles. There are no surviving examples of military architecture of this period on
the same scale in the sub-continent which survive to the same degree of completeness and conservation.
Fatehpur Sikri (India) which is already on the World Heritage List represents the full Mughal realization of
a form and style that owes everything to its precursor, Rohtas Fort.
Decurative Features
This fort is an example of purely “Masculine” architecture. It places function over form. This can be
gauged from the fact that the fort had NO building for living. Even Kings had to live in tents when they
came here.
Carvings are found on the gate and in the mosque. Most of these are engravings in Arabic and
sunflowers.
One of these carvings is inside the Shahi Mosque outside the Pesh Imam's (Prayer leaders) room. The
carving is of the word "Allah" (God) in Arabic. The same carving is also done on merlons on top of Shahi
Mosque.The sunflower motif is on each sides of the arches of Shahi Mosque. It is also present in the
guard post in between each gate.
Calligraphic Inscriptions
Most of these inscriptions are on the Shahi Mosque. On the outer wall of the mosque the “Kalima” is
written in beautiful calligraphy on both sides of each arch of the Shahi Mosque. The Naskh script is used.
There is an inscription in Persian on the Shishi gate which gives the date of start of construction. The
same inscription is also found over the Talaqi gate. There are other inscriptions on the Khwas Khani,
Langar Khani and Gatali gate.
Glazed Tiles
These tiles are found on Shishi gate. This type of tile became extremely popular with the Mughals who
further refined them. The tiles on Shishi gate are the earliest example of the usage of these tiles. These
tiles were made in Lahore.
Plaster
Plaster has been used in the Shahi Mosque.
Machiolations
Machiolations are small drains that lead from the inside to the walls outside. They are built into the walls
and are used by the soldiers on the inside to pour molten lead or other hot liquids on soldiers trying to
scale the walls.
The Rohtas fort has hundreds of them and each one is beautifully decorated with geometric patterns.The
pictures is of a machiolation near the Langar Khana(Mess Hall).
Current Status
From the last seven years, the fort is being looked after by a local NGO called Himalayan Wildlife
Foundation. The organization has been working and restoration/conservation of the structure,
development of facilities for visitors and improving the quality of life of the people of Rohtas. These
efforts include restoration of Shah Chandwali Gate, Documentation, Conservation and Illumination of
Haveli Man Singh, Documentation of Sohail Gate, setting up a Visitors Information Center and
establishment of Sher Shah Suri Museum , construction of Suri Park , conservation and restoration of
Talqi Gate and Gatali Gate. These conservation and development efforts have been supported by Natioanl
Fund for Cultural Heritage, Shell Pakistan Limited, Royal Norwegian Embassy, and Embassy of the United
States of America , United Nations Development Program (UNDP) and Pakistan Poverty Alleviation Fund
(PPAF).
At present the Department of Archaeology and Museums, Ministry of Culture, who are the sole custodian
of Rohtas Fort, are working for the conservation and restoration of Rohtas Fort with a grant of Rs. 163.00
million. The department is employing a full conservation team lead by the Project Director.
The President of Pakistan on his visit to Rohtas Fort in 2003 approved an annual grant of Rs. 1.00 million
for public facilities and directed to constitute a Steering Committee to over sea the conservation and
development work.
An annual Sound and Light Show is held at the Fort to raise funds for its restoration and Conservation.
Most of the fort is in a very good state of preservation. In the portions that have fallen away (Haveli Man
Singh and Rani Mahal) one can still see some part of the original construction.
Visit Fort
Rohtas Fort is located in Jhelum District of Punjab near the small town of Dina.The main access to the
fort is from G.T road from Islamabad or Lahore. Its a beautiful historical architectural monuments that
can be visited and enjoyed.
Places of Intrest
There are number of places inside the fort that can be visited and enjoyed. Specifically these include;
Sher Shah Suri Museum at Sohail Gate
Visitor Information Center at Sohail Gate
Bari Bowli (134 step down stone cut well)
Haveli Man Singh
Rani Mehal
Phansi Ghat
Shahi Mosque
Shishi Langar Khani Gate
Shahi Bowli
Talaqi Gate
You can sit in the Suri Park for rest or have a meal there.
Hotel and Resturants
During your travel to and from Rohtas Fort, you will find number of good hotels and restaurants. You can
have a stopover at any one and have have a meal or fast food or even refreshment. The good ones are;
Al-Kausar Hotel
Near town of Dina when driving towards Islamabad
Iqbal Hotel
Near town of Dina when driving towards Islamabad
Al-Bilal Hotel
Near town of Dina when driving towards Lahore
Driving Directions
The main access to the fort is by G.T road from Islamabad or Lahore
From Islamabad
The dual-carriage G.T road takes you past Gujar khan and Sohawa, to the
small town of Dina 130Km away. Just past Dina you will drive over a railway overpass, stay to the right of
the road and take the first U-turn to drive back towards Dina. After about 100 meters to your left you will
find a signpost, which is indicating towards a black toped road leading to Rohtas Fort which is 8 KM
away. Drive on the road to enter into the fort from its first gate, Khawas Khani Gate. keep driving when
you are reached in parking area near Sohail Gate..
From Lahore
Drive on G.T Road past Gujranwala, Wazirabad and the city of Jhelum. About 10 minutes drive beyond
the Jhelum bridge just short of the city of Dina, you will find a signpost to the left directing you to Rohtas
Fort.
For any assistance or in case of any emergency you can approach National Highways and Motorways
Police by dialing 130.
Guidelines for Visitors
Best Time and Atmosphere
The most suitable time to visit the Fort is winter season, September - March. The temperature is normally
on a high in summer due to location of the fort in sand stone area.
Visitors Facilities
There is a nominal entry fee you have to pay. A secure car parking is available, toilets for public and an
information center to brief and guide the visitors. Cold drinks and fast foods are available on different
stalls by local. at different places with in the fort. There are park and benches as sitting
General Guidelines
Your dressing should be casual and its advisable to wear sports shoes as you have to walk on stones and
dust and clime number of uneven steps of the fort. Carry some fluids and food with you and don't forget
to take with you a still or video camera.
Please adhere to the advice of security staff and in case of any problem, contact the local staff or
Information Center.
Conservation Work
At present, the Department of Archaeology and Museums is working for conservation and restoration of
portion of the fort including Rani Mahal. Work has already been done on Shah Chandwali Gate, Talaqi
Gate, Gatali Gate and Haveli Mansingh which included the excavations and documentation of the
structure.
The Rohtas Fort Conservation Programme was conceived by the HWF in 2000 to help protect our national
heritage 'Rohtas Fort' and develop it as a heritage site conforming to international standards of
conservation and tourism. Under its Rohtas Fort Conservation program HWF has completed several
projects of conservation, restoration and development.
.
Under the Rohtas Fort Conservation Program HWF has up till now completed conservation/restoration
and development of the following.
- Restoration of the Shah Chand Wali Gate
- Documentation and Conservation of Haveli Mansingh
- Conservation of Talaqi Gate
- Conservation of Gatali Gate
- Development of Heritage Village
- Development of Sher Shah Suri Museum
- Development of Visitors Information Center
- Development of Master Conservation Plan
Shah Chandwali Gate
The HWF has been involved in restoring and conserving several of the twelve gates of Rohtas, in
accordance with international standards of conservation. The Shahchandwali Gate was the first to be
restored: funded by the National Fund for Cultural Heritage in 2001, the HWF’s conservation team
documented the layout, structure, and original elevations of the gate; carried out archaeological
excavations and lime mortar analyses to determine the original materials used to build the gate; and then
restored the main arch that had caved in. Four internal arches were also rebuilt, using stone collected
from a nearby quarry, and dressed and carved by highly skilled artisans.
Documention and Conversation of Haveli Man singh
Another important project ccompleted by HWF is the conservation and documentation of Haveli Man
Singh, the Rajput haveli (palace) located within Rohtas. Funded by the United States Ambassador’s Fund
for Cultural Preservation, the HWF has documented the structure and layout of the haveli, and carried out
a topographic survey of the surrounding area; the conservation of the haveli is still in progress.
Documentation
The purpose of documenting a historical or archaeological site is to catalogue the condition of the
structure in need of conservation or restoration. The documentation work included a topographic survey
of the Haveli and its environs, including a small adjacent building known as the Rani Mehal.
The documentation team comprised data collectors, AutoCAD operators, and draftsmen, who were
engaged to carry out an initial survey of the anderkot where the Haveli is located. The process involved
reviewing archaeological literature and popular lore; documenting the area and its structures before and
after conservation using film and
digital photography; and locating and documenting sources of damage to the buildings, i.e., caused by
seepage, rain, soil erosion, and natural structural collapse. The dimensions of the Haveli, its rooms,
doors, windows, brackets, and niches were hand-measured and logged; revised based on second
measurements; and finally recorded in electronic form.
This information was then collated and used to prepare detailed computer-aided design (CAD) drawings
representing the Haveli and surrounding area on various scales. These allowed the appointed
conservation architect to analyze the structural and architectural problems of conservation, and prepare
further CAD drawings representing sections and elevations of the building. The documentation has been
compiled in book form and submitted as an appendix to this report; a copy is available at the
documentation centre set up at Rohtas for visitors and researchers.
Conservation and Repairs
A working agreement for this project was signed by the Department of Archaeology in September 2003.
The work plan for site works was submitted to the Director General Archaeology in January 2004, and
subsequent permission granted.
Under the work plan approved by the department, the building was furnished with scaffolding and
walkways allowing safe access to the site; the ground floor was cordoned off to the public to allow
conservation work to continue safely. The consolidation of decaying parts and emergency measures on
the ground and the first floor is now complete. This work involved repairing damaged portions of the
floors and walls—including the shades on the upper floor—using lime plaster. In addition, soil erosion in
the haveli’s courtyard which had allowed rainwater to seep into the ground floor, was checked so that no
water should accumulate.
Restoration of Cupola
Basic conservation repairs were carried out to restore the cupola of the Haveli. Invasive botanical growth
had caused extensive damage to the exterior and interior. In the western part of the cupola, for instance,
a growing focus tree had penetrated deep into the structure and reappeared on the inside of the upper
storey ceiling. The plant’s expanding trunk had caused part of the base of the cupola’s drum to separate
entirely from the structure. Multiple tufts of grasses were also found growing through the cupola. The
plant growth was checked successfully using chemicals provided by the Pakistan Agricultural Research
Council; no new growth has occurred for over a year.
Two original motifs encircling the base of the cupola were discovered unexpectedly while stripping away
damaged and decayed mortar. One of the motifs was originally built in brick and embedded in the
structure, while the other was painted on the rim: both have been restored.
The brick design has been restored on roughly 10% of the rim to allow visitors a glimpse of what the
original design looked like; the remaining portion has been left as is. The second motif on the rim of the
cupola has been completely restored.
Illumination
As part of the illumination plan that was also funded under this project, the Islamabad Electric Supply
Corporation installed an electricity transformer at the site in December 2003. This currently lights the
walkway leading to the Haveli as well as parts of the building itself. The illumination of the Haveli and the
path leading to it has increased the number of visitors choosing to view the building by evening. On the
request of the security staff at Rohtas, the Haveli is lit up only on special occasions rather than daily.
Installation of Safety Railing
The original railing installed along the stairs leading to the second floor of the Haveli was grouted
minimally in the floor; it was deemed unsafe for visitors and site workers and, given that it only extended
until the first floor landing, left the haveli’s terraces unprotected.
A new, sturdier, and aesthetically more pleasing railing has now been installed along the haveli’s
staircase. The railing consists of light wire cables that blend into the building’s backdrop. The vertical
steel bars supporting the railing have been reinserted deeper into the staircase and grouted in cement.
Supporting steel plates have also been grouted into the old sandstone base, and the railing on both sides
linked by plates hidden in the tread of the stairs; this will ensure that the handrail remains firm and
stable.
Visitor Information Panels
A set of visitor information panels have been installed in the Haveli compound. The first two panels
describe in English and Urdu the history of the Haveli and the conservation measures carried out on the
building. A third panel lists the donors and people involved in this project.
Sher Shah Suri Muesum
Innovative thinking lead HWF to establish a museum in one of the rooms in Sohail Gate. Funding from
the Rroyal NNorwegian Eembassy and money generated by the HWF through various fundraising efforts,
HWF established the world’s only museum dedicated to Sher Shah Suri—the emperor who commissioned
the building of Rohtas in 1541.
The museum is housed in the 20-m-long and 6-m-wide upper storey of the Sohail Gate. A curator’s office
and library will be set up once the conservation of the external structure of the museum has been
completed. After internal plastering the interior of the museum will has been designed and constructed,
including a number of illuminated display cabinets, information panels and artifacts.
In addition, a long disused room adjacent to the proposed entrance to the museum has been cleaned
and restored, and now houses a Visitors Information Centre.
Conversation of Talaqi Gate
The conservation of the Talaqi Gate at Rohtas was funded by an annual grant awarded to Rohtas by the
President of Pakistan. In early 2005, seepage, heavy rains, and general neglect caused the left inner face
of the gate to collapse, and the right flank and foundation to become detached from the original
structure. Emergency repairs were carried out on the two-storey gate to protect it from further damage
or structural failure.
The Gatali Gate forms the original entrance to Rohtas. Over time, its right bastion and supporting wall
have collapsed as a result of permeated rainwater and the erosion of its foundations. Although, the
Department of Archaeology attempted to repair the bastion in Portland plaster, it did not bond well and
collapsed again. Funded by the RNE, the HWF has recently begun restoration work on the gate.
Sond and Light Show
To ensured continued support of development and conservation work at Rohtas Fort, HWF conceived the
idea of holding a Sound and Light show as annual function of Rohtas. Sound and Light Show 2006
The 3rd annual Sound and Light Show was held on April 22, 2006 at Rohtas Fort. HWF, annually
organizes this show to generate funds for conservation and development of the Rohtas Fort. The 2006
show was attended by Prime Minister Mr. Shaukat Aziz as chief guest. The Prime Minister inaugurated the
Sher Shah Suri Museum. In his speech, the Prime Minister said that it was time for Pakistan to properly
showcase its rich heritage and cultural history to the world to attract tourists. He added that the
government would do all that was necessary to speed up development work on the 450-year-old fort,
which is undergoing extensive restoration.
The beautiful evening was attended by over 700 gusts most of them included government officials and
heads and senior officers of leading local and multinational companies in Pakistan. The show was
produced by Dr. Uxi Mufti in collaboration with Cosmos Production, where he tried to show how the fort
looks like in Sher Shah Suri’s rein and exposed leading artists of Pakistan in his caste.
The major donors to this years function were, Shell Pakistan, Mobilink, Warid Telecom, Telenor Pakistan,
HaglerBailly Pakistan, Sui Southern Gas Pipelines, Sui Northern Gas Pipelines, Pak-Arab Refinery, U-Fone,
PTCL, PPL, OMV, BHP Petroleum, NCR SHV Energy, HBL and Kingrete Associates.
Sound and Light Show 2003
President of Pakistan General Pervaiz Mushraf attended the function as chief guest on October 22, 2003.
Development of Master Conservation Plan
HWF, with the help of Royal Norwegian Embassy, has prepared a master plan for conservation of
historical Rohtas Fort. The master plan has been prepared by Unicon Consulting Services (Private)
Limited, Lahore. The master plan deals with current problems, improvements and restoration issues. A
draft of Master plan can be downloaded here.
Visitor Information Centre
HWF, with the help of Royal Norwegian Embassy has converted one of the old rooms in Sohail Gate into
a visitors information centre (VIC). The VIC is managed by a lady manager who is available to help and
guide the visitors.
The VIC has been named after Mr. Sohail Akbar Khan, am Architect of HWF who lost his life during
conservation of the Rohtas Fort.
The VIC houses information panels with important information about the fort