Fort 'Fazil Khan Kot'

 

 

  Fort 'Fazil Khan Kot'

Three thousand years old

 

 The fort and ancient buildings are the hallmarks of Sindh's civilization.  The lost civilization of the Indus Valley, shrouded in the thick fog of centuries-old mysteries, the ruins of buildings are an attraction for those interested in history.  Regardless of whether the memories associated with these places are pleasant or heartbreaking, people are fascinated.  The artistic talents of the artisans associated with architecture in Sindh can be traced back to the ruins, ruins and dilapidated buildings of Mohenjo-Daro, Bhanbhore and other buried cities.  And the coats are world famous.  But there are also some buildings that have collapsed due to geological and celestial disasters and seasonal changes.  Only a few of them remain on the pages of history, while most of the buildings are lost in the mists of time.  Their remains are unearthed during excavations of the ruins.

 

 Among them, the remains of Fazil Khan Kot have been found near Sanjar Chang Goth. According to archeologists, this fort is also about three thousand years old.  Later he named it after himself.  The fort is very similar to other forts in Sindh due to its distinctive architectural style which has maintained its existence in ruins along the Indus River stretch from Upper Sindh to Multan.  Keeping in view the need for specific conditions to keep the wheel of development running, the rulers of every era have focused on the construction of forts, one of which is the fort which has its own distinct identity due to its ancient architectural art.  Compared to other forts in Sindh, Fazil Khan Kot was built on a vast area of ​​about 20 acres.

  Fort 'Fazil Khan Kot'

It was inhabited by a small town whose houses, streets, roads and intersections were built according to the prevailing principles of the time. Fazil Khan Kot had an excellent system of supply and drainage.  There were baths, bazaars, places of worship and all the amenities of life according to the needs of the time.  Its inhabitants lived a prosperous life. There was a lighthouse on the banks of the Indus River, built to guide small smoky ships and sailing boats.  The population of the fort consisted of thousands of people belonging to different professions and schools of thought.  According to historians, the place where this fort was built was known as "Vahula".  Apart from the scenic and scenic views of the area, it was of great importance from a defense and trade point of view.  Used on  During this period travelers made long sea voyages to the ports of Debal and Shahbandar and for the next journey traveled on foot, bullock cart or donkey which was difficult, but the river route was an easy and comfortable means of transportation.  The bazaar of Fazil Khan city was famous as far as Sukkur and Debal.  The merchants here were the talk of the town because of their honesty, civility and good manners.

  Fort 'Fazil Khan Kot'

 In 711, Muhammad bin Qasim conquered Debal and set out to conquer Multan.  When he reached Fazil Kot with his army, the fort-keeper, as soon as he received the news of his arrival, accepted his obedience without fighting or resistance, and handed over the keys of the fort to him.  With this strategy, he saved the city from destruction.  Demonstrating generosity of heart, Muhammad ibn Qasim returned the keys to the fort to the fort-bearer, whose name is recorded in the historical books as "Buhl." Some historians also say that Muhammad ibn Qasim  In order to save the military power from any loss, he avoided fighting in Fazilkot and used the policy of understanding to keep "Bohl" in the position of fortification.  He stayed in the city for a few months before leaving for Multan.  During his stay here, he built a mosque, which was constructed using mud bricks and clay mud.  Paid  When Muhammad ibn Qasim set out for Multan, he asked Abu Harith to accompany him, but at the request of Abu Harith and his two sons, he allowed them to remain in Fazil Kot.

 

It is also narrated that at the strong insistence of the people of the city, Muhammad bin Qasim allowed Abu Harith Kuba to stay in Qila Fazil Khan under duress.  Seven hundred years later, when the Kalhora dynasty established its rule over Sindh, a prince, Fazil Khan Kalhora, rebuilt the ruined fort and renamed it "Fazil Kot" after himself.  He also repaired the "Tower of Light" and built its walls with solid bricks instead of mud. According to historians, Fazil Khan Fort became a killing ground for freedom fighters in the 1857 War of Independence.  The freedom fighters of the Mehr tribe of Sindh and the freedom fighters from all over India were arrested and brought to Fazil Kot where they were brought to court and brutally executed.  Innumerable freedom fighters were hanged on the gallows built in the fort while curfew was imposed in Fazilkot and citizens were confined in their homes and guards were posted in the streets. Later, the British government turned the fort into a prison and  It also housed artillery for some time.

  Fort 'Fazil Khan Kot'

  Apart from the freedom fighters, dangerous criminals from all over India were arrested and secretly imprisoned in this jail.  They were locked up in cell cells, interrogated, tortured, and often tortured to death.  Values ​​are irrational.  After the formation of Pakistan, people who migrated from different areas including Rajasthan set up camp in Fazilkot and its adjoining areas.  At that time, people belonging to different tribes and communities built their goths and consolidated their hold on the fort, while also destroying the historical relics found in the fort.  It was built, but now only ruins remain.  It is the responsibility of the Department of Antiquities and Culture to take steps to preserve these signs of the country's civilization and culture and to save Qila Fazil Khan from extinction by officially declaring it a folk heritage and to create a conducive environment for tourism here.