Umarkot Fort

Umarkot Fort
Amarkot Fort
Part of Amarkot State Rajputana until 1947
Umerkot district, Sindh

Fort Tower of Umarkot Fort
Coordinates 25°21′49″N 69°44′2″E / 25.36361°N 69.73389°E / 25.36361; 69.73389Coordinates: 25°21′49″N 69°44′2″E / 25.36361°N 69.73389°E / 25.36361; 69.73389
Type Desert Fortification
Site information
Controlled by Pakistan
Open to
the public		 Yes
Condition Protected Monument
Site history
Built 11th century
Built by Rana Amar Singh[1]

Umarkot is a fort located in Umerkot, Sindh, also called Amarkot. Emperor Akbar was born in Umarkot Fort when his father Humayun fled from the military defeats at the hands of Sher Shah Suri on 15 October 1542.[2] Rana Parasad of Umarkot, who had risen to power had given refuge to Mughal Emperor Humayun and it was there Hamida Bano Begum gave birth to young Akbar.[3] Later the Mughal Emperor Akbar became the Shahenshah of Hind and was a popular figure with both Hindus and Muslims. Umerkot has many sites of historical significance such as Mughal emperor Akbar's birthplace at Umarkot Fort. In 1746, the Mughal Subahdar, Noor Mohammad Kalhoro, built a fort at the location.[4] Later the British would take over that area.

Amarkot fort was built by Rana Amar Singh in 11th century.[1] It remained under control of Hindu Rajput dynasty known as the Ranas of Umerkot, but later was taken over by the Pakistani Government after formation of Pakistan. However, Rana family still have their jagir located 16 km away.[3] The governorship of fort was possessed by Rana Megraj.[5]

Folklore

Another significant story relating to Umarkot is that of Umar Marvi. Marvi was a young Thari girl abducted by Umar, the then ruler, who wanted to marry because of her beauty. Upon her refusal, she was imprisoned in the historic Umerkot Fort for many years until her ultimate release. Because of her courage, Marvi is an ideal for the local people.[2]

See also

References

  1. 1 2 https://www.dawn.com/news/1157340
  2. 1 2 umerkot fort, sindh, retrieved 13 June 2012
  3. 1 2 Woman's Triumph By Asha Ranawat. 2006. pp. 63–64.
  4. ↑ Thar: The Great Pakistani Desert, Land, History, People, 2001, p. 79
  5. ↑ "The Sacking of ‘Umarkot". www.infinityfoundation.com. Retrieved 27 August 2015.


This article is issued from Wikipedia. The text is licensed under Creative Commons - Attribution - Sharealike. Additional terms may apply for the media files.