Poonch Fort depicts richness in history, cultural aspects of Jammu-Kahsmir

Jammu and Kashmir: Poonch, Fort of Jammu and Kashmir, is known as the cultural factor of the valley due to its richness in history and traditions. It also emerged as the perfect destination for tourists who are looking to experience magnificent views of historical figures.

With an area of 7535 square meters, the destination is infamous for its long walls of the regions of Dogras, Sikhs and Muslims. Founded by Raja Abdul Razak Khan in 1713, the construction of the fort was completed by his son Raja Rustam Khan between 1760 and 1787.

KD Maini, who is a well-known historian of Poonch, stated that the Sikh rule had added a rich and interesting Sikh style of architecture into the central block. It was again renovated by Raja Moti Singh from 1850 to 1892 after several years of its construction. The European architects were invited to design the front part of Poonch Fort. 

Poonch Fort was further made the secretariat of the empire during the reign of Raja Baldev Singh. The official residence was further shifted to Moti Mahal. The fort is also known for its display of unique architecture, and till 2005, many government offices were established in this fort.

However, an earthquake in 2005 caused severe damage to the building, and this ‘Pikaqula’ reached the verge of ruin and destruction. After this earthquake, funds were allocated several times for the repair of the fort, and the front part of the fort was repaired to some extent.

As per the reports, the office of the Tehsildar Haveli and the guard house were established in the fort and the tragedy is that large parts of the building. The walls of the section are slowly crumbling while people are still living illegally inside the historical fort and under the shadow of its walls.