Monuments In India

Kangra Fort

Kangra Fort was constructed by the founder of Katoch Dynasty King Bhuma Chand.  This fort is also known by the name of Nagarkot.    The fort is located at the bank of River Banganga and Patal Ganga. The exact location of this fort is in the western portion of Kangra town. On this fort, various invaders, rulers have fixed their eyes to conquer it.  They succeeded it in their wish too as the internal management of the Katoch dynasty was not in proper way to defend the fort.  Inspite of uniting, various successors of this dynasty have fractions between them and reason being various outsides exploited the fort and took away the huge property from this place.  In the long history of this fort the attacks and possessions faced by this fort as under:

Shreshtha, King of Kashmir	470 AD
Mahmood Gaznavi	1009 AD
Mohammad Tughlaq	1337 AD
Feeroz Shah Tughlaq	1357 AD
Khan Jahan	1620 AD
Jassa Singh Kanhaya	1781 AD
Maharaja Sansar Chand	1786 AD
Maharaja Ranjit Singh	1809 AD
British rulers	1846 AD
Present possession	G.O.I. (Archeological Survey of India)

History

Mahmood Gaznavi attacked on this fort in 1009 AD and took away a huge property, including 7 lakh gold coins, a big storage of utensils made of gold and silver and precious princely jewelry weighing more than 8 tones. Later several attacks were faced by this fort and each time the invaders took away the valuable property or captured it for a considerable period. There was no defense by Katoch Dynasty being declined or not united. After shuttling in the hands of various invaders/rulers, this fort was finally captured by East India Company.  During 1905, a severe earthquake shook the foundation of this fort and a large portion of the building converted into ruins. This fort is spread in the area of more than 42 hectares.  Various Darwazas are constructed inside the fort, which are the attractive portion till date.  Main entrance of this fort is Ranjit Singh Darwaza.  From this way next Darwaza is Jahangiri Darwaza and the route passes through Ahni and Amiri Darwazas too.  Another Darwaza also known as Andheri Darwaza is located very close to Amiri Darwaza.

At another side of these gates, two famous temples are also located.  One is Lakshmi Narayan Temple and another is Sitlamata Temple.  In the earthquake attack of 1905, both the temples faced a big loss and only ruins are remaining at the site.  Carving on the ceiling of Laxmi Narayan temple is still amazing. Another temple of Goddess Ambika Devi is still erected there and various pilgrims used this temple to offer the prayers.  This temple is recently constructed and look like a good joint between ancient and modern construction style.  In the close vicinity of this temple, a modern Jain temple is also located. Between the two temples, a stair case is constructed which goes upto Sheesh Mahal located inside the fort.  Presently there is nothing in the Sheesh Mahal as only a clock tower with polygonal surface and terrace is available to have a view of surrounding areas.

Attractions:  Palampur, Darang, Nagrota and Bagwan are the nearest attractive places.  Rani Sati Mandir and Dharamshala (Buddha Monastery) are religious places which are located nearby to this fort. Another best visiting place is Chinmay Shant Tapovan which is ideal location for meditation and Dhyan. Various foreign nationals are residing in this place in search of mental relief.

How to Reach

Kangra is accessible by all means of transportations inspite of located in hilly area.

By Air

Gaggal airport is nearest airport to reach Kangra district.  This airport is located at 13 kilometers distance from the main city. From other airport like Chandigarh (255 kms), Amritsar (208 kms) and Jammu (200 kms) a visitor can also reach at this location through road transports available.

By Rail

Pathankot is the nearest railway station located at 83 kilometers from this fort.  Major Broad Gauge trains are well connected with this station.

By Bus

State transport services and other taxies and tourist cabs are available from various parts of the state to reach this fort.

 

Photo Gallery