The Fort of Rohtas
The Rohtas fortified complex was built by Sher Shah Suri following his defeat of the Mughal emperor Humayun in 1541. Located in what is now Pakistan, this was a strategically important site. As far as we know, it was never destroyed by a storm. Over 4 km of walls contain massive fortifications dotted with bastions and gateways that extend for more than 4 km. The Rohtas Fort, also known as Qila Rohtas, is an exceptional example of early Muslim military architecture in South Asia and Central Asia.
Exceptional universal value
A brief overview
An exceptional example of early Muslim military architecture in central and south Asia is Rohtas Fort, built in the 16th century in the north of Pakistan, Province of Punjab. This 70-hectare garrison is fortified with massive masonry walls spanning more than four kilometers. There are 68 bastions lining these walls, and 12 monumental gateways pierce them at strategic points. Mughal architectural styles were influenced by the fort's blend of architectural and artistic traditions from elsewhere in the Islamic world.
The Rohtas Fort (also known as Qila Rohtas) was built in 1541 by Sher Sha Suri, the founder of the Suri dynasty. This early example of Muslim military architecture follows the contours of its hilltop site despite its irregular plan. Fortress garrisons were self-sufficient in water thanks to internal water supplies provided by baolis (stepped wells) within the citadel. Man Singh's Haveli (Palatial House) was constructed later in the Mughal period, near the Shahi Masjid mosque. Its structure was based on Turkish military architecture developed after gunpowder and cannons were introduced but transformed into a distinct style.
Rohtas Fort combined architectural and artistic traditions from Turkey and the Indian subcontinent, forming the foundation for Mughal architecture, its refinement, and adaptations (such as European colonial architecture that utilized this tradition in abundance). In particular, its decorative elements are highly sophisticated and artistically valuable. Carvings in high- and low-reliefs, calligraphic inscriptions in marble and sandstone, plaster decoration, and glazed tiles are all part of the architectural composition.
In the 18th and 19th centuries, Durrani and Sikh rulers occupied the garrison complex beginning in 1707. The walls still contain a village. There are no surviving examples of military architecture from this period at a scale and in a state of preservation like Rohtas Fort on the subcontinent.
Rohtas Fort is considered a model for Mughal architecture because it combines Turkish and Indian traditions.
The Rohtas Fort, located in central Asia during the 16th century, exhibits the Mughal architectural style.
Maintaining integrity is essential
There are several components and elements within the boundaries of the property that contribute to its Outstanding Universal Value, including massive defense walls, monumental gateways, semicircular bastions that are irregularly spaced, and the cross wall that defines the inner citadel, the baolis (stepped wells), the Haveli Man Singh, and the Shahi Masjid, all of which are enclosed within the enclosure. These elements and components are in reasonably good physical condition, and they are expected to last for a long time. A couple of times, the city's fortification wall has collapsed due to heavy usage over the past few years. Encroachment on the monument has disrupted the original drainage system as a result of disruptions caused by encroachment.
Honesty and sincerity
The Rohtas Fort is a beautiful building that exhibits authentic form, setting, and materials. It has been restored minimally and discreetly without any use of inappropriate modern materials in order to give it a sense of simplicity. Even though the original drainage system may be impervious to rainwater, the original fortification wall can still be choked by flooding when it is exposed to rainwater.