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Jamrud Fort by unkown author –

Top 10 Interesting Facts about Jamrud Fort 

The Jamrud Fort, located on the left bank of the Khyber Pass in Peshawar, Pakistan, was initially built by Alexander The Great’s General Porus. It’s been used as a military outpost and prison for centuries. It was a famous British fort in colonial India. The border with Afghanistan runs nearby.

Jamrud means mountain pass or gorge. The name’s been in use since at least the time of the Mughals. The fort sees some tourist traffic but is not on many travel guides for Pakistan. It’s best known for its dramatic views and the nearby Khyber Pass, which connects to Afghanistan and Central Asia.

The fort was built by Alexander the Great’s general Porus around 326 BC as a defensive position for invading India. It was first set on fire and destroyed in 1305 during Ghaznavid’s invasions of Afghanistan.

It was reconstructed under the orders of Mughal Empire ruler Babur, who spent two days at the fort en route to Kabul. The defence changed hands many times between various South Asian empires over the next few centuries.
Below are the 10 intriguing facts about this captivating piece of history;

1. The Imposing Hilltop Fortress Once Housed A Modern Hospital And Accommodations For 4,000 Military Personnel

Jamrud Fort(1930) by Unknown Author –

Jamrud Fort is the largest aaa fort in Pakistan. It is not only a historical site but also currently the headquarters of Pakistan’s Frontier Corps on the border with Afghanistan. It’s equipped with elaborate communication and surveillance system.

2. The Fort Is Surrounded By High Red Sandstone Walls That Can Be Seen From Several Kilometres Away

Jamrud Fort close view  high red sandstones by Khalid Ahmad Dawar –

Jamrud Fort is located on the left bank of the Khyber Pass in Peshawar, Pakistan. This picturesque location was used as a military base by both Alexander the Great and the Mughal Empire. It’s been used as a prison, rest house, and hospital. The fort is bounded by high red sandstone walls that can be seen from several kilometres away.

3. Jamrud Fort Is Currently The Headquarters Of Pakistan’s Frontier Corps On The Border With Afghanistan

Although its original purpose was to defend the Jamrud Valley, Jamrud Fort became a major military outpost during the British Raj. It still played an essential role in Pakistan’s struggle for independence. After World War I, when it became part of British India, it was declared a British military fort under the name Jamrud Hill. It was used as a rest house and prison for both Indian and Pakistani prisoners.

4. Emperor Akbar Built The Fortress In 1574 During His Campaign Against Sher Shah Suri

During his campaign against Sher Shah Suri, Emperor Akbar constructed Jamrud Fort after reaching Peshawar to conquer this new region of Afghanistan. It’s rumoured that if Sher Shah Suri had not been defeated before these developments, Jamrud would have become a significant Mughal military base.

5. Britishers Built Jamrud Fort’s Famous Red Sandstone Walls In The Mid 1800s

Red Sandstone Walls of Jamrud Fort by Habib Ullah Afridi –

In 1839, British soldiers from the East India Company constructed Jamrud Fort’s famous red sandstone walls with earth and brick. Jamrud Fort’s red walls were built to prevent natural erosion and to prevent the stronghold from being overrun by Afghans, who had frequently raided Peshawar since Sher Shah Suri’s defeat. The red sandstone fortress seems simple from a distance, but it’s actually extremely complex with more than 5000 rooms and passages within.

6. Great Warriors Of Ancient History Passed Through Its Ways (Two-pillared Gate)

Jamrud Fort Roadside by Khalid Ahmad Dawar –

Jamrud Fort is located in the entrance of the Khyber pass.  The famous arched two-pillared gate “Bab-e-Khyber” enhances the beauty, grandeaur, dignity and beauty of the Khyber Pass.

7. The Soldiers At Jamrud Fort Were Known To be Some Of The Toughest In All Of Pakistan For Many Centuries

Prior to the mid-1900s, the soldiers at Jamrud Fort were known as some of the most formidable in all of Pakistan. They were trained to be both physically and mentally tough by using only their hands to chop wood and carry it back to their barracks. When dog tag was introduced, they did not use them but rather wore them around their necks on string. The guards at Jamrud Fort are still said to be among the toughest in Pakistan´s military today.

8. The Fort Is Best Known For Housing The Khyber Rifles

The British East India Company built Jamrud Fort as a military garrison in 1877 to house the Khyber Rifles, which was the first paramilitary unit in British India. The fort is home to the largest Khyber Rifles regiment in the Pakistan Army today.

9. In 1837, Jamrud Fort Was Captured By Local Troops

The British East India Company also used the fort to fight against the Sikhs. After defeating their enemy in 1838, the East India Company annexed Peshawar, and Jamrud Fort remained an important military outpost for years to come.

10. Jamrud Fort Was Designated By UNESCO As A World Heritage Site

UNESCO designated Jamrud Fort in 1997 as a World Heritage Site. Jamrud Fort is also one of Pakistan’s and East Asia’s best preserved ancient forts. The impressive fort, referred to as an immovable jewel in Asia Today Magazine, is the oldest surviving monument from the British colonial period in Afghanistan.

Jamrud Fort is a fascinating historical fort with a long engaging history that is a sight worth to see. Its red sandstone walls are still standing today, and the fort has served as a strategic military outpost for centuries. Despite the famous Jamrud fort being used as prison it was also used to save lives as a hospital and rest house. It was also used as an outpos and housing Khyber rifles by the military. The fact that it was appointed by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site makes it more interesting. If you are interested in the fort’s cultural or military history, Jamrud Fort is an unforgettable addition to any trip through Pakistan.