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Forts of Punjab
Govindgarh Fort Amritsar,
early 19th century designed by Maharaja Ranjit Singh.Has special defence
mechanism against artillery attacks, which were frequent when Punjab
was still open to depredations of the Afghan hordes. Being with paramilitary
forces it is not open to visitors now.
Bathinda Fort
Schooner shaped fort stands like a ship in a sea of sand; design eminently
suited to the desert environment; is reputed
to be 1800 years old. It is said to have been built by Bhatti Reo.
In 1754 AD it was captured by Maharaj Ala Singh of Patiala. A small
gurdwara commemorates the visit of Sri Guru Gobind Singh Ji here.
Faridkot Fort :
30 Km south of Ferozepur. Reputed to be 700 years old, noteworthy
for the hall of mirrors and wall paintings called Sheesh Mahals these
halls of mirrors were copied in
Rajasthan style and were actually the prayer rooms of the ruling family.
Qila Mubark Patiala, founded in1764 by Maharaja Ala Singh. It was
originally a kuchi-garhi of a mud fort which was later raised into
a sprawling double storied structure with a massive gate having beautiful
arches. The best part of the fort is a museum now.
Bhadurgarh Fort 6 kms from Patiala, originally founded by Nawab
Saif Khan in 1658. The present fort was built by Maharaja Karam Singh
of Patiala in 1837. It has two circular ramparts and is surrounded
by a moat and covers an area of 2100 sq meters. This rather compact
but nicely designed citadil is in the custody of the Department of
police.
Anandpur Sahib Fort ,Ropar. Anandpur Sahib was defended by
fiveforts. They have all become victims of the ravages of war and
time. The central fort Anandgarh Sahib is still extant in parts. Its
highlight is the deep well approached by a flight of stairs.
Phillaur Fort, Ludhiana : was designed by Dewan Mohkam Chand,the
brave general of Maharaja Ranjit Singh facing the, then, British border
along Ludhiana.it is police training centre now.
Shahpur Kandi Fort, 7 Km from Pathankot: This 16th century
fort nestles at the foot of the towering Himalayas and overlooks the
river Ravi. Is a comfortable rest-house now.
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