Ramkot Fort

Ramkot Fort (Urdu: قلعہ رام کوٹ, romanized: Qila Ram Kot) is a medieval fort in Mirpur, Azad Kashmir, Pakistan. The fort is accessible via three routes from Dina, Dadayal, and Mirpur, with 440 stairs leading to the main gate, which is built on a sloped rock for defensive purposes.
In the 1940s Syed Aziz Badshah, the revered politician from Dadyal and a prominent figure associated with Khanyara Sharif, played a pivotal role in the history of the fort. His courage and leadership were instrumental in rescuing the fort from Sikh control. With the help of heavy weaponry, Syed Aziz Badshah successfully reclaimed the fort, ensuring its protection and significance for future generations. In honor of his bravery, he renamed the fort as "Aziz Kot." Pir Aziz badshah himself relocated himself to Pakistan. There are 2 shrines named Khanyara sharif Sadaat in Dadyal and Khanyara sharif sani in Gujarkhan. The shrine was relocated from Siakh at that time due to construction of Mangla Dam in 1967.[2] Syed Zubair bukhari is one of the sons of Syed Aziz Badshah and is currently custodian of Khanyara sharif sani. He is a poet and notable figure.
The fort itself was originally built by the Gakkhar chief Toglu in the 16th century, strategically positioned on the banks of the Mangla Dam, atop the site of an abandoned Hindu temple. However, it was Syed Aziz Badshah's valor that secured its place in history, making his name forever associated with this landmark.
The medieval original fort was constructed in the 5th century and occupied in 1186 during the Ghurid dynasty by Sultan Ghiyas-ud-din, according to the information board at the entrance, but that fort is no longer in existence. In the late 14th century, the fort was under the control of Jasrat, a Punjabi Khokhar chieftain. At this fort, Khokhars clashed with the armies of Amir Timur in 1398. However, the current structure probably dates to the 16th century.
A temple with a large red Shivalinga, dating back to the 5th century and brought from the Ganges River, suggests that Hindus constructed this fort earlier than originally thought. The presence of the Hindu mythological figure Ram Chandra's birthplace in nearby Pharwala may explain the fort's name. However, British geologist and historian Frederick Drew attributes the fort's construction to a Gakhar named Taghlu, contradicting the information board. The fort underwent renovation during the reign of Gakhar Queen Manga, whose daughter married Mughal emperor Aurangzeb Alamgir's son.
Ramkot Fort held strategic importance, as one of the four ancient routes to Srinagar passed through it. The nearby Mangla Fort, attributed to Queen Mangla, daughter of King Porus, is closely associated with the famous battle between Raja Porus and Alexander the Great in 326 BC. The area is also significant for being the birthplace of Raja Porus in 400 BC and, much later, Mian Muhammad Bakhsh, author of Saif-ul-Malook.
The main gate, constructed with red bricks, contrasts with the stone used elsewhere, suggesting possible destruction and reconstruction. A smaller gate at the back was likely used for escape.
The fort's interior features two large ponds for rainwater collection, essential due to its elevation and previous location at the confluence of the Jhelum and Poonch rivers. Collapsed rooms, raw iron deposits, and the superintendent's residence are found within the complex. The fort also includes a slope for hauling cannons, with a donated cannon on the rampart.