Arts, Culture & Heritage
Lion Fort Kharpocho – An Ode to the History
Without exception, nations make thier mark on other nations because of their folklores. These folklores include artifacts, music, norms, and several kinds of art. Among the list of folklores, architecture has paramount importance above and beyond measures making a history of nations. Baltistan, the land of antiquities is accounted for the utmost extent in the list of architecture. Baltistan’s 16th century Muslim Scholars speak of the region as the “Great Palolo”; the territory that contains a bulk of historical forts and buildings. Different nations had invaded this region with the slogan ‘first come first served’ and ruled this region. During their regime, they constructed forts to protect themselves from the invaders. Among such historical forts in Baltistan, the fort of “Kharpocho” holds an important position in antiquities just not because of the title, but because many rulers lived their life in this fort. Above all, this fort is called the king of forts because of its architecture, complex routes, and amazing wonders. It is also called the “Lion fort” because there was a roaring lion’s head on the outer gate of Kharpocho, which terrified the enemy. Underground tunnels were constructed for escape. According to historians, the Kharpocho fort dates back to 1,200 years old and consists of seven to eight floors, standing majestically on a rocky hilltop at the foot of the “Sange Chho” (Indus River). This is a feature of the fort from where the entire city of Skardu could be easily monitored from the three security rooms. Likewise, it also had special rooms for the king and the royal companions as well as separate rooms for soldiers, prisons, and criminals. According to narration, this fort was built with the help of giants which is all moonshine. This fort was known in its time as an impermeable fortress. History exemplifies that this lion fort, constructed in 1190, was the capital of the whole of Gilgit-Baltistan.
The Rajas who ruled in this fort include Ibrahim Maqpoon, Astak Sange, Sik Sange, Baruq Sange, and Ghouta Cho. These rajas were considered Muslim rulers around 1300 AD. Later, in 1400 AD, the kings who ruled included “Braq Maqpoon Bokha”, Ali Sher Khan Anchan in 1500 AD, Raja Ahmed Khan in 1600, Raja Dolat Naseer in 1700 AD, and the last King was Ahmed Shah Maqpoon in 1800 AD. Maqpoon Raja Ali Sher Khan Anchan had conquered Kashmir to Chitral due to his expedition and earned the title of “Anchan” which means the symbol of bravery. Moreover, there used to be a garden in front of this palace called the “Hilal Bagh” which means the moon garden. Princess Mendoq Regalimo had a “Gangopi” canal built to supply water to this garden. The amazing water canal Gangopi at the foot of the fort is also a crucial part of the history of Kharpocho. There used to be four orchards around Kharpocho in which all kinds of fruits were always available. The ponds and fountains were beautifully made inside Kharpocho and water was brought to these pools by mules and horses from the mighty Indus River. However, due to the treachery of spies and betrayal of the local members of the fort, it has been attacked several times. Minister Adul Khan and Minister Cha Khatt betrayed the people and the fort was captured by the Hindus till 1948.
History says that in this fort diplomatic relations were established with the Iranian Safavid kings and marital affairs were arranged with the Mughal kings. Fosco Maraini, an Italian photographer, anthropologist, ethnologist, and writer, says that everything in Skardu was put down to the credit of Ali Sher Khan.
Fosco Maraini describes the fort as, “This ancient pile is perched like a veritable eerie on the rock of tawny hue rising sheer and to the immense height from the Indus. Its site in fact is a massive promontory of rock, 1300 feet in height, washed by the river at its foot. It is almost an island amid the plain, and its choice as a perch for a fortress by the early inhabitants of the valley is not a very puzzling one. Even today its battle-minted flanks touch one of the promontory’s lesser peaks with the romance of the age of chivalry. The place enjoys the reputation of impregnability and even in recent times, in the course of the disorders which followed the India-Pakistan partition in 1947, the people of Skardu flocked to it for safety. This fort is the symbol of the devoted people of Ati Balti (local people of Baltistan), Yol’s blood love, and excellent culture. According to historians, the fort was a seven-story structure made of huge stone, antique carved timber frameworks, and clay. The Dogra’s’ arrival in 1840 and persecution made up for the shortfall, and the fort was held by the Dogra’s for several months before being seized by a plot. The fort was the scene of a bitter struggle, a river of blood was spilled, and mankind continued to tremble as the animals proceeded to shed human blood and laugh with all their passions. Blood was splattered across the ground. The vast building, which had taken years to construct, was set on fire, and the flames rising from the fire began to communicate with the sky. The Dogra warriors used the fort for 108 years and reconstructed it to their specifications. In 1948, the local people’s spirit of freedom poured through their veins like blood, therefore they battled unarmed against forces equipped with powerful and sophisticated weapons, forcing them to retreat. The fort still stands today as a testament to Baltistan’s glory.
The beautiful Gilgit-Baltistan Valley is home to an exquisite and unique historical legacy. In terms of culture, language, history, and geography, these lands are unlike any other in the world. This land, rich in natural wonders, is also a living testament to such a long history.
Culture and Heritage generate tangible representations of value systems, beliefs, customs, and lifestyles as part of human activity. It is the responsibility of both the people and the government to beautify this valley and take the necessary steps to protect the culture, heritage, and values.
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Altit Fort Hunza is a hidden gem in the heart of the Hunza Valley, Pakistan. This ancient fortress, dating back to the 11th century, offers a captivating blend of history, architecture, and natural beauty.
This is an ancient fort in the Altit town in the Hunza valley in Gilgit Baltistan, Pakistan. It was originally home to the hereditary rulers of the Hunza state who carried the title of ‘Mir‘, although they moved to the somewhat younger Baltit fort nearby three centuries later. The Fort and in particular the Shikari tower is around 1100 years old, which makes it the oldest monument in the Gilgit–Baltistan. The fort has received the UNESCO Asia Pacific Heritage Award for Cultural Heritage Conservation in 2011.
Why visit Altit Fort Hunza?
- Historical Significance: As one of the oldest surviving monuments in the Hunza Valley, Altit Fort provides a glimpse into the region’s rich past.
- Architectural Marvel: The fort’s intricate woodwork, carved balconies, and beautiful murals are a testament to the craftsmanship of its builders.
- Panoramic Views: Perched on a hilltop, Altit Fort offers breathtaking vistas of the Hunza Valley and surrounding mountains.
- Cultural Experience: The fort serves as a museum, showcasing artifacts and traditions of the Hunza people.
- UNESCO World Heritage Site: Its recognition as a UNESCO World Heritage Site highlights its cultural and historical importance.
Tips for Visiting:
Best Time to Visit: Spring (March-May) and autumn (September-November) offer the most pleasant weather for visiting.
How to Get There: You can reach Altit Fort by trekking from Karimabad or hiring a taxi.
Entrance Fee: There is a small entrance fee to enter the fort.
Things to Do: Explore the fort’s chambers, visit the museum, and enjoy the panoramic views.
Don’t Forget: Bring a camera to capture the stunning scenery and architecture.
Here are some additional photos:
This fort is a must-visit destination for anyone traveling to Pakistan. Its historical significance, architectural beauty, and cultural richness make it a truly unforgettable experience.
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Arts, Culture & Heritage
Gilgit-Baltistan Jashan Azadi Polo Festival 2024 Concludes with NLI Victory
Jashan Azadi Polo Festival Concludes with NLI Victory. A total of 15 teams participated in the Jashan Azadi Polo Festival, while teams from Chitral also participated for the first time. The NLI polo team defeated the Gilgit-Baltistan Scouts Polo Team in the final, scoring 4 goals to 3. Both teams had advanced to the final round by competing against various other polo teams. The match was a thrilling contest.
The match played at the Wahab Shaheed Polo Ground was watched and enjoyed by a large number of fans, a spectacular fireworks display was also performed at the end of the match.
A large number of fans from all districts of Gilgit-Baltistan, including Chitral, and from both domestic and foreign tourists, gathered at Wahab Shaheed Polo Ground to watch the final match. However, due to overcrowding, thousands were unable to enter. Some fans resorted to watching the match from the rooftops of nearby structures.
Chief Minister Gilgit-Baltistan Haji Gulbar Khan attended the final match of Jashan Azadi Polo Festival at Wahab Shaheed Polo Ground as a special guest. On this occasion, he said that polo is the national sport of Gilgit-Baltistan and a part of our historical and cultural heritage. Concrete steps will be taken at the government level to make polo popular among the people and to promote long-standing traditions.
He expressed his appreciation for Chitral’s participation in the Jashan Azadi Polo Festival and commended Major General Kashif Khalil Force Commander Gilgit-Baltistan for successfully organizing the event. The Force Commander pledged to further enhance the Wahab Shaheed Polo Ground and expand the seating capacity to accommodate more spectators.
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