baderwah fort converted into a jail in 1919 | worlds oldest fort | full explanation in description 👍

Описание: Bhaderwah fort also known as Ratangarh Fort is one of the most historical and cultural assets of Bhaderwah.

Located on a small flat-topped hillock, this fort gives a scenic backdrop of pine trees and a complete panoramic view of Bhaderwah Valley.

The fort comprises of two different parts, the upper and the lower section. While the former consists of two independent tower blocks, the latter comprises of four octagonal towers and the surrounding rampart. The fort is said to mount four guns, and have a garrison of fifty men.

Constructed in the year 1733 by Raja Methni Pal, this fort changed hands several times. 1n 1821 it was captured by Chamba rulers, and such assaults were said to be quite frequent back in the era. In 1854, it is said that a great confrontation happened between the Bhadarwahi’s led by Gen. Shagtu Kotwal and Chamba led by Gen Nathu Ram at Padhri Dhar. The engagement lasted for 3 days which finally separated Bhaderwah from Chamba. After that, The General offered Bhaderwah to be annexed with J&K to then Maharaja Gulab Singh. The Raja who was pleased with the general offered him an Estate in Bhaderwah.

In 1919, this fort was converted into a jail and gave shelter to many freedom fighters like Sant Singh, Pandit Kashyap Bandu and even the ex-chief minister Sheikh Muhammad Abdullah. In 2007, after 88 years the J&K government decided to restore this heritage monument to its former glory and decided to send the 60 prisoners back to Jammu jail.