Sunday 29 December 2019

KOT SATGARAH the GATEWAY to SOON VALLEY (2019)



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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.

            
























                 









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