Phulra Fort, Fort Abbas Cholistan

22nd February, 2021

( All pictures are owned, kindly respect copyrights) 

 for text consulted  book 'Ancient Cholistan' by Dr. Muhammad Rafique Mughal

#Fortsincholistan

In the ancient chronicles of history, Phulra stands as a revered symbol of time's passage, its origins buried in the distant past long before the rise of the Vikas, the ancestors of Bhikaner, left their mark on the sands of time. By the year 1166 H., this age-old fortress had endured the trials of time, its once-majestic structure worn down, a mere shadow of its former glory. It was during this period of decline that Karam Khan Arbani, the descendant of Qaim Khan, the visionary behind Qaimpur, took up the noble cause of restoring Phulra to its former grandeur. With unwavering dedication, he meticulously repaired its crumbling walls, using sturdy bricks and mud, resurrecting the fort and breathing life back into its ancient stones.

Within Phulra's sturdy walls, near its western side, lay a remarkable marvel—a well made of solid materials, reaching an impressive depth of 118 feet and measuring 4 feet in circumference. This well, a rare find in the arid expanses of Cholistan, provided water as sweet as nectar, a precious lifeline in the midst of the barren land. The fort's corners were adorned with tall towers, each concealing an inner chamber, a testament to the clever planning of its builders. The north-western tower, constructed from enduring burnt bricks, stood as a silent witness, holding the secrets of centuries past.

In the south-eastern part of the fortress stood a three-story house, its upper floor transformed into a charming bungalow. Inscriptions on its weathered facade commemorated its master, Muhammad Akram Khan Daudpotra, who, in the holy month of Ramazan in the year 1166 H., declared his mastery over the palace, forever etching his name into Phulra's history. Just beyond the fortress's boundaries, three carefully crafted wells stood, their stucco walls protecting the precious treasure of sweet water—a true oasis amidst the harsh desert sands.

Beyond the tranquil echoes of Phulra, in the vast expanse stretching eastward from Bahawalpur to Bikaner, lay other settlements—Marot and Maujgarh. Despite the challenging terrain, these communities thrived, engaging in bustling trade with neighboring states. Phulra, perched on the very edge of Bikaner, boasted a lively marketplace, a bustling center of activity amid the otherwise quiet desert. The fortress, once a shining example of architectural brilliance, now stood as a reminder of its former glory, its once-proud walls weathered by the passage of time. A trench, now filled with the sands of ages, once encircled its perimeter—a poignant reminder of its past grandeur. The ramparts, rising high above the desert floor, showcased an artistic touch, their battlements adorned with tasteful decorations, a tribute to the craftsmanship of its long-forgotten builders.

Above these ancient stones, the Kiladar’s house soared, its silhouette creating a striking scene against the desert sky. From the northern perspective, the fortress presented a picturesque harmony—a seamless blend of ancient history and natural beauty. Here, the walls met the waters of a vast expanse, surrounding a small island adorned with lush trees—an oasis of calm amidst the harsh desert surroundings. Amidst the silent guardians of Phulra stood three powerful guns, their presence a reminder of the fortress's enduring vigilance—a sentinel guarding the sands of time.

In the esteemed records of Colonel Todd, Phulra and Marot emerged as crucial elements in the intricate tapestry of the region's history. Phulra, with its ancient lineage, earned its place among the 'Nakoti Marooka' during the earliest days of Pramara domination—a testament to its enduring importance through the ages. Colonel Todd, in his insightful reflections, speculated about ornate inscriptions belonging to the Jains, precious relics of a bygone era, waiting patiently to be discovered amidst the sands of Phulra. Within the hallowed confines of this fortress, Lakha Phoolni once resided—a name engraved in the annals of the desert's oldest traditions. In the shadow of Phulra's ancient walls, he lived—a contemporary of legends like Sid Rae of Auhulwara and Udyadit of Dhar—his legacy intertwined with the very stones of this venerable fortress, a living testament to the enduring spirit of gone era.