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Derawar Fort by Fincchemo – Wikimedia Commons

Top 10 Astonishing Facts about Derawar Fort 

Derawar Fort is the first fort in Sindh province. It was built and named after a Hindu Rajput ruler, Rai Jajja, who originated from Jaisalmer, Rajasthan. It is situated in Derawar town, approximately 5 km north of Thatta city. It is considered because of it is better planned as compared to other forts in Pakistan.

Over the years, it has been attacked and rebuilt by multiple rulers and rulers trying to take over its control. In 1839, an engineer named Lieutenant Brooke built a stone wall around this fort with four bastions of different shapes.

Due to its old age and multiple attacks, all parts of this Fort have been painted in red colour by local Sindhi members as well as other foreign troops.

The people living in this region have solid military skills and are sociable. Owing to its historical and cultural importance, the fort is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Below are the ten most astonishing  historical and cultural facts about Derawar fort;

1.Rai Jajja Bhatti Built It In 836 AD

This construction was primarily done using chalk stones, but some parts were built using bricks and mortar. The fort has been rebuilt from time to time by the Nawab of Bahawalpur. This took place in 1733 AD; they gave it the shape and design it maintains up to date. The fort’s wall measures 1.5 kilometres and stands up to 30 meters.

There are 40 circular bastions visible across the cholistan desert; placed ten on each side of the fort, the walls are 30 meters high. However, due to political instability, the Nawab of Bahawalpur lost power years later.

Fortunately, in the 19th century, they regained the famous fortress, which is their stronghold and is maintained from time to time. The defence is in excellent condition.

2.The Fort Was Constructed In 3 Years

Derawar Fort (side view) by Fazal Khaliq –

In the past, the forts in Sindh were constructed in a concise time. The Derawar fort took the shortest time. This Fort was built with speed and precision, hence it is considered as one of the strongest fortresses and military bastions ever built by mankind.

3.The Initial Name Of Derawar Fort Was Dera Rawal

When the fort was build 836 AD the original name was Dera Rawal derived from arabic name darwaza meaning a door. Others suggested it was derived from Dara-I-Noor which is an ancient name of Bahawalpur.

As time passed it was then referred to as Dera Rawar. The pronunciation of the name changed over time to the current and common known name, Derawar. The
pronunciation of the name changed over time to the current and common known name, Derawar.

4.The Architectural Design Of Derawar Fort Is Well Advanced For Its Time

Internal Part of Derawar Fort by Fazal Khaliq –

Derawar Fort was built by Raja Jajja Bhatti, at some point between 900 and 923 AD. The construction of the great walled enclosure at Derawar may have begun during the reign of Rai Jajja Bhatti I 873-918 AD but it was not completed until the time of Raja Dahir II 933-973 AD.

The great rectangular structure is made of mud brick, and is roughly 160 by 160 meters in area. It consists of a keep on the west side which is surrounded by a rectangular wall reinforced with forty-two towers, five of which are round.

5.The Derawar Was Attacked 29 Times

Bad shape of the prison in the Derawar Fort by Fazal Khaliq –

The attacks was commonly from the foreign armies as well as Sindh; local rulers and the fort got damage. Although British engineers redesigned the gates in 1839 and 1842; most of them were damaged during the times of Mian Ghulam Shah Kalhoro and his son, Mir Masum Shah Kalhoro.

The walls and gates of the fort are in excellent condition and still standing tall despite all these attacks.

6.Derawar Fort Is Documented In The UNESCO World Heritage Site

The defence has a universal value that was referred to as an extraordinary helpful response to the challenges. It enabled the movement of goods, services and people across hostile environments.

7.Derawar Fort Is An Excellent Example of Rajput Military Architecture

Derawar fort being a military architecture makes it one of the essential Forts in Pakistan. The fort has six gates and contains many palaces, mosques and temples. In the middle of the fort, there is a water tank, which is still in use.

Since the Derawar Fort has been attacked many times by different rulers, it has been repaired permanently by local rulers and foreign armies staying in this region.

8.The Fort’s Wall Is 5 Feet Thick From The Interior

Derawar Fort Walls by Umar Jamshaid –

The 5 feet from the inside is different from the outside, where the outside appears like a brick wall to the eyes of attackers. A moat or hap surrounds its walls in Sindhi, which A moat or hap surrounds its walls.

9.The Height Of Derawar Fort Is About 482 Feet, And Has Two-level Structures

The complex is spread over 2.5 acres, with the central citadel having three terraces and an outer enclosure surrounded by four bastions. The total area of the fort enclosures is about 25 acres.

10.It Takes About Six Hours To Reach The Fort

Most people globally are highly fascinated by this fort to the extent of making pilgrimages to visit it. Others believe that the place you die determines your final destination in your current life, so they made an annual pilgrimage to visit the famous fortress annually to face their death at Derawar.

Regardless of this historical architecture facing multiple attacks from foreign armies and local rulers, the Derawar fort remains among the most outstanding defence globally. With all the episodes, it was rebuilt regularly; currently, after rebuilding, it is well maintained and remains tall in the desert wilderness.

The design used is impressive, and the material used in building and rebuilding made this fort a great one. It is challenging to reach Derawar fort because it is located in a remote location.

It is highly advised to hire a unique guide to accompany you during the journey. Also, plan before visiting because permission from the Amir of Bahawalpur is needed to access the fort.