Showing posts with label sher shah suri. Show all posts
Showing posts with label sher shah suri. Show all posts

Sunday 29 December 2019

KOT SATGARAH the GATEWAY to SOON VALLEY (2019)



All research work and text owned
All photos are owned and raw format available
Date of Visit February 02, 2019
 32°33'23.21"N,  72°24'44.23"E



The embankment dam like structure of Kot Satgarah raises many questions in once mind. What could be the reason of construction of this structure? Why this location chosen for this construction? What is the historical background of this structure?  Let’s discuss in detail all aspect of this site.

The site of Kot Satgarah is located in north of small village named Katha Marsal. In ancient times a route that connect plains of Punjab to Peshawar passes from this valley. On gateway of this valley the Site of Kot Satgarah was constructed. Also, in past things of archeological importance discovered from nearby village of Katha Sanghral, which further proven presence of human in suburbs of this area.

The word ‘Kot Satgarah’ is combination of two words, ‘Kot’ and ‘Satgarh’, in Soon valley ‘Kot’ normally refers to a plateau located at some high land but here it may be used for small fort, which was act as check post at gateway of this valley. The site is located at junction of two rivers coming from sources of rugged mountains of Noshera and Chambal.  Also many small mountains streams merge in these rivers and finally fall in downstream in river Jhelum. 

The construction of Kot Satgarah is at least five centuries old.  Construction materials used in this structure taken from the queries of lime and red stones.  At present only a rectangular embankment wall standing, which have rough dimensions in foots of 25 x 75.  The embankment wall was further fortified with bastion columns along with the length. Most of the portions of structure destroyed with time.  Also, in embankment wall seven spillways opening present, for continuous flow of water after maintaining some head at upstream. There is stairway present to reach top of deck. Also there is vertical shaft present in structure which has trench opening that connects with all spillways.

In Pakistan, this is the one of the oldest dam structures present. The purpose of this structure must be to protect downstream villages from flash floods as well.

Local people attribute construction of the Kot Satgarah with Afghan ruler Sher Shah Suri, Who came to this region in middle of fifteen century. However no historical writing proved this fact that this embankment checks post constructed by him.

There is need of conducting studies to properly investigate the exact era of this construction. The route on which this site was constructed has seen convoys, Hindu Jogi’s, religious pilgrims and Buddhist Monks, since the ancient ages and there are solid chances that the present edifice may be constructed on some old foot prints.

Sincere efforts required from all concerned departments to look after this heritage and rehabilitate this site of great historical importance.

            
























                 









Friday 30 August 2019

My Visit to Stepwell (Baoli) at Wan Bhachran Constructed in Sher Shah Suri Era (2018)


25.02.2018
(All images copyright 2018 Mirza Ali Usman Baig, text written in this article is the author's Research and shouldn't be reproduced)



I became aware of this Baoli through an article I read in the daily newspaper back in 2007. The article provided detailed information about the historical significance of this structure and expressed concern about the lack of efforts by government and historical departments to preserve the site.

Water holds significant importance in Hindu mythology, representing a boundary between heaven and earth, known as tirtha. The sacredness of water is widely acknowledged across the subcontinent, evident in the extraordinary and monumental architecture that showcases the engineering achievements of designers and builders in the region. Stepwells, considered manmade tirthas, served not only as sources of drinking water but also as cool sanctuaries for bathing, prayer, and meditation. The concept of stepwells may have originated to ensure water availability during periods of drought.

Evidence of steps leading to water levels in artificially constructed reservoirs can be found in sites of the Indus Valley Civilization, such as Dholavira and Mohenjo-Daro. Mohenjo-Daro, for instance, features cylindrical brick-lined wells that may serve as predecessors to stepwells. The earliest examples of rock-cut stepwells in India date back to 200-400 AD.

The Uperkot caves in Junagadh contain the earliest known bath-like pond reached by steps, dating back to the 4th century. Nearby, the Navghan Kuvo, a well with a circular staircase, is another example. Its construction is attributed to the Western Satrap (200-400 AD) or Maitraka (600-700 AD) periods, though some suggest a later date in the 11th century. Additionally, the nearby Adi Kadi ni Vav was constructed either in the second half of the 10th century or the 15th century.

Stepwells in Dhank, Rajkot district, date back to 550-625 AD, followed by stepped ponds in Bhinmal (850-950 AD). The construction of stepwells reached its peak during Muslim rule from the 11th to 16th century. Initially utilized as an art form by Hindus, the practice of constructing stepwells became more prevalent during this period due to the harsh climate and water scarcity in regions like Gujarat and Rajasthan. Wells were seen as the most reliable source of continuous water supply.

The stepwells, known as vavs, came to be more than just water sources. The architectural design around the wells transformed them into subterranean retreats. A typical vav consists of two elements: a vertical shaft with a thick surrounding wall to maximize water retention, and a series of imposing flights of steps built over an inclined passage leading from the ground level to the water level deep below.

Sher Shah Suri and Wan Bhachran Baoli

Sher Shah Suri, the founder of the Sur Empire in northern India, left a lasting legacy during his brief reign from 1540 to 1545. Among his achievements were the construction of the Grand Trunk Road, the introduction of civic and military reforms, the issuance of the first Rupiya coin, and the establishment of a speedy postal system across the subcontinent. His foresight and futuristic vision can be observed in the facilities along the Grand Trunk Road, designed to cater to travelers’ needs.

Wan Bhachran, located in Mianwali District of Punjab province in Pakistan, was a town and administrative subdivision. The term 'Wan' means 'a well' in Punjabi, while 'Bhachran' refers to the Bhachar clan predominant in the region. Sher Shah Suri built this baoli (stepwell) in the 16th century as part of his efforts to construct similar structures along the routes taken by his army. This baoli served as a source of fresh water not only for humans but was also designed to accommodate large animals like elephants.

The availability of freshwater attracted settlers to the area, and the first tribe to establish itself there was the "Bachar Tribe," contributing to the name "Wan Bhachran," meaning "The Well of Bachars." It was previously known as "Khichi" before the colonial period but later recognized as "Wan Bhachran." The main tribes in the area include Bhachar, Miana Bhatti, Thethia Rajputs, and Ghanjera.

Baoli at Wan Bhachran: Location and Architecture

The coordinates of Wan Bhachran baoli are 32°25'1.08"N and 71°41'44.93"E.

The baoli consists of two main parts: a vertical shaft from which water is drawn and surrounding inclined subterranean passageways, chambers, and steps providing access to the well. The lift well has an inner diameter of 19.26 ft and is constructed using kiln bricks with a wall thickness of approximately 2 ft.

The inclined landing portion of the baoli has a width of 8 ft and a length of 100 ft. The last buried tunnel section spans 80 ft in length.

At the start of the stairway, two minarets stand, resembling medieval pillars known as 'Kos Minarets.' These minarets were constructed to ensure visibility from a distance for passing caravans and travelers.

Overall, baolis like the one at Wan Bhachran exemplify the ingenuity and architectural prowess of their builders, while also serving as important water sources and places of retreat and contemplation in the arid regions of the subcontinent.

After eleven years, in 2018, I had the opportunity to visit this place. To my dismay, the condition of the site was appalling. The well was filled with garbage, dense bushes had grown around the staircase, and sewage from nearby houses had contaminated the area. It was disheartening to see that no fencing or rehabilitation work had been undertaken by the responsible authorities to protect this site for future generations. This historical gem is at risk of disappearing within a few short years.

It is disconcerting to witness the neglect and lack of preservation efforts towards such an important historical edifice. The article I had read in 2007 had already raised awareness about the need for action, but it seems that little has been done since then. The authorities should recognize the significance of this site and take immediate steps to restore and protect it, ensuring its survival for future generations to appreciate and learn from

















Thursday 14 June 2018

KHAIR UN NISA’S TOMB ROHTAS

25-08-2017

It is located near Rohtas Fort in Jhelum. She was the daughter of Qadir Bakhsh who was food minister during the reign of Shah Suri. Cracks appeared in the structure and the surface turned black due to algae. The floor has also been badly damaged.


Thursday 26 April 2018

Sher Shah Suri Mosque Shergarh


06-03-2018

30°49'51.21"N
73°44'21.66"E

The Tarikh-i-Sher Shahi (history of Sher Shah) dating 1580 CE, is a historical work compiled by Abbas Khan Sarwan. In this book Abbas highlighted that, after few years of Conquering of Multan by Afghans; Sher Shah Suri Nominated Fateh Jang Khan Governor of Multan. Fateh Jang Khan, named the town of Shergarh after the Afghan ruler of IndiaSher Shah Suri, who built a mud fort in town.

Fateh Jang Khan also constructed a Jamia Mosque in Shergarh Town the mosque is known as ‘Sher Shah Suri Mosque’. This mosque constructed in middle of tenth Hijri. Most of the structure of this mosque collapsed in 1955 and turned into ruins.  In 1958 the last two entrance gates located on left portions were also fallen.  



The original dimension of mosque was 100 feet in length and 25 feet in width.  It has five entrance doors and also consists of five domes in roof. The middle dome was of larger diameter and height.  Four Octagonal columns of 30 feet height constructed on each corner of mosque. There was stairs constructed on south and north side of mosque. The central courtyard was 30 feet in length and 100 feet in width. The internal walls of mosque were decorated with floral artwork. There was also a well constructed in courtyard.
The new mosque rebuilt on 11th march 1977 by the Auqaf Department.