Ruins of Sirkapp Fort Mianwali: A Glimpse into History

The Gazetteer of Mianwali, published in 1915, provides a fascinating account of the ruins of Sirkapp Fort. Perched upon a commanding ridge near the village of Nammal in the Khudri region, this fort stands as a testament to a bygone era. With its strategic location, nestled amidst three sides shielded by hill torrents, Sirkapp Fort is believed to have been the stronghold of Raja Sirkapp, a prominent ruler of the region who lived during the same period as Raja Risalu of Sialkot, ultimately meeting defeat at his hands.

Although time has taken its toll, remnants of the fort's outer wall still remain, albeit in a dilapidated state. The once-thriving enclosure, which likely housed a sizeable garrison, now lies in ruins, with fallen houses and heaps of intricately carved stones scattered about. Notably, the presence of ancient water lifts, constructed to transport water from the stream below to the hilltop, offers evidence of the fort's advanced engineering.

The Mianwali district has witnessed the convergence of three distinct waves of immigration from different directions. The Awans migrated from the northeast, the Jats and Biluches made their way up the Indus Valley from the south, and the Pathans arrived from the northwest. Presently, the Awans predominantly occupy the eastern part of the district known as Khudri, Pakhar, or Awankari. For nearly six centuries, they have been the primary inhabitants of this vast expanse, and it is plausible that they settled there following the Arab invasions of the seventh century.

However, the claim of the Awans to have originated from Arabia, though fervently held, lacks substantial proof. It is more likely that they migrated from the east and can trace their ancestry back to the Rajputs, who, due to intermarriage with lower clans, may have assimilated and abandoned their caste identity. This conjecture gains support from the fact that Phakar, a region within the district, was once a Rajput stronghold, as evidenced by the presence of Raja Sirkapp's fort atop the hillock overlooking Nammal. The legends surrounding Raja Sirkapp and his connections with Raja Risalu of Sialkot continue to be sung to this day, preserving the memory of a bygone era.

Exploring the ruins of Sirkapp Fort offers a captivating glimpse into the rich history of the Mianwali district. The remnants of this once-mighty fortress and the tales they inspire provide valuable insights into the cultural, architectural, and social aspects of the region's past. Preserving and studying these ruins can help us better understand the lives and legacies of the rulers and inhabitants who once thrived within the protective walls of Sirkapp Fort.