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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.
