| Conflict: | Siege of Kishangarh Fort |
| Partof: | Rajasthan Campaign (1965) |
| Date: | 8–18 September 1965 |
| Caption: | Pakistani flag hoisted over Kishangarh Fort |
| Place: | Kishangarh Fort, Rajasthan, India |
| Result: | Pakistani victory |
| Combatant1: |  Pakistan
|
| Combatant2: |  India
|
| Commander1: | Brig. Khuda Dad Khan Brig. K. M. Azhar Khan Faqir Jamal Mangrio |
| Commander2: | Unknown |
| Units1: | 51 Infantry Brigade Hurs Pakistan Rangers |
| Units2: | 30 Indian Infantry Maratha Regiment Rajasthan Armed Constabulary |
| Casualties1: | Unknown |
| Casualties2: | Heavy |
The Siege of Kishangarh Fort was a key engagement during the Rajasthan Campaign (1965) in the Indo-Pakistani War of 1965. The fort, located 11 kilometers from the border with Pakistan, was strategically significant as it was situated along the only road linking Rajasthan to the Pakistani city of Rahim Yar Khan.
Kishangarh Fort, originally known as Deenugarh, was built in the 18th century with a mix of Mughal and Sindh architectural styles. The fort's strategic position made it a key target during the war.[1]
Hostilities in this sector commenced on 6 September 1965, with the Pakistani forces adopting a defensive posture initially. The Hurs tribe, familiar with the harsh desert terrain, played a crucial role in the campaign. Using their expertise in desert survival and guerrilla tactics, they inflicted significant casualties on Indian forces.[2] [3]
On 8 September 1965, Pakistan launched its first major incursion into Rajasthan, besieging Kishangarh Fort. The assault, spearheaded by the Desert Force and Hur militia, took the Indian garrison by surprise. Fighting as light infantry and employing skirmisher tactics, the Hur were able to exploit the terrain and engage Indian forces effectively. The defenders resisted fiercely, but after ten days of bitter fighting, the garrison surrendered, and the fort fell to Pakistani forces on 18 September.[4] [5] [6]
The capture of Kishangarh Fort was a significant achievement for Pakistan, as it secured a key route and demonstrated the effectiveness of the Desert Force and Hur militia in desert warfare. The event remains a notable episode in the history of the 1965 war.[7]