| Ramkot Fort | |
| Location: | Dadyal, Mirpur district, Azad Jammu and Kashmir |
| Start Date: | 16th century AD |
Ramkot Fort (Urdu: قلعہ رام کوٹ|Qila Ram Kot) is a medieval fort in Mirpur, Azad Kashmir.[1] [2] The fort is accessible via three routes from Dina, Dadayal, and Mirpur, with 440 stairs leading to the main gate, which is built on a sloped rock for defensive purposes.[3]
The fort was constructed in 1186 during the Ghurid dynasty by Sultan Ghiyas-ud-din, according to the information board at the entrance but that fort is no longer in existence.".[3] In the late 14th century, the fort was under control of Jasrat, a Punjabi Khokhar chieftain. At this fort Khokhars clashed with the armies of amir Timur in 1398.[4] However, the current structure probably dates to the 16th century builted by Kashmir Sultanate.[5] [6]
A temple with a large red Shivalinga, brought from the Ganges River, suggests a significant Hindu population once resided in the area.[3] The presence of Hindu mythological figure Ram Chandra's birthplace in nearby Pharwala may explain the fort's name.[3] However, British geologist and historian Frederick Drew attributes the fort's construction to a Gakhar named Taghlu, contradicting the information board.[3] The fort underwent renovation during the reign of Gakhar Queen Mango, whose daughter married Aurangzeb Alamgir's son.[3] During the Sikh era, the fort was handed over to the Dogras.[3]
Ramkot Fort held strategic importance, as one of the four ancient routes to Srinagar passed through it.[3] The nearby Mangla Fort, attributed to Queen Mangla, daughter of King Porus, is closely associated with the famous battle between Raja Porus and Alexander the Great in 326 BC.[3] The area is also significant for being the birthplace of Ram Chandra in 1500 BC and, much later, Mian Muhammad Bakhsh, author of Saif-ul-Malook.[3]
The main gate, constructed with red bricks, contrasts with the stone used elsewhere, suggesting possible destruction and reconstruction.[3] A smaller gate at the back was likely used for escape.[3]
The fort's interior features two large ponds for rainwater collection, essential due to its elevation and previous location at the confluence of the Jhelum and Poonch rivers.[3] Collapsed rooms, raw iron deposits, and the superintendent's residence are found within the complex.[3] The fort also includes a slope for hauling cannons, with a donated cannon on the rampart.[3]