As the sun sets over the rugged landscape of Bathinda, the ancient walls of Qila Mubarak, also known as the Bathinda Fort, stand stoically against the encroaching darkness. This venerable fortress, whose origins stretch back to between 90 and 110 AD, holds within its weathered bricks a rich tapestry of history and legend.
The story of Bathinda Fort begins with Raja Dab, the visionary ruler who constructed this formidable bastion in a bid to thwart the Huns' invasion led by Kanishka. As the oldest fortress in India, its origins are steeped in mystery, but its significance in the annals of time is undeniable. The fort’s initial purpose was to serve as a bulwark against external threats, and it has since witnessed the rise and fall of numerous empires.
The fort's early years were marked by a dramatic episode in 1004 CE when Mahmud of Ghazni, the formidable conqueror of North India, besieged it during his campaign. The fort's resilience in the face of such a challenge spoke volumes about its strategic importance. The region came under the control of the Chauhans in 1164 CE, and it was under the reign of Prithvi Raj Chauhan that Qila Mubarak was developed into a robust military stronghold.
However, the fort’s fortunes took a dramatic turn in 1192 CE. Mohammed Ghori, fresh from his victory in the Second Battle of Tarain, breached the fort’s defenses, defeating Prithvi Raj Chauhan and claiming dominion over the entire northwest frontier. With Ghori’s conquest, the fort fell into the hands of the Delhi Sultanate. It was under the rule of Ghori’s general, Qutb al Din Aibak, who became the first Sultan of Delhi in 1206 CE, that the fort was integrated into the Sultanate’s territories.
One of the most notable chapters in the fort’s history came with Razia Sultan, the first female commander of the Delhi Sultanate. Her tenure brought a period of significance to the fort, though her reign was short-lived. Following her demise, the fort began to deteriorate. The decline was further exacerbated by the drying up of the Ghaggar river, which had once provided essential water for the fort’s inhabitants.
The fort remained largely abandoned and neglected until 1745, when Maharaja Ala Singh, the founder of Patiala, revitalized it. His efforts to restore and inhabit the fort brought a new lease of life to its ancient walls. The fort, standing at an imposing 30 meters high with 32 bastions, still exudes an aura of grandeur, despite the ravages of time that have claimed nine of its bastions.
In the heart of the fort stands a gurdwara dedicated to Guru Gobind Singh, built in 1835. This sacred site holds spiritual significance, as it is believed that the Sikh guru visited the fort in 1705, imbuing it with a sense of divine reverence.
Today, as visitors tread the ancient pathways of Qila Mubarak, they walk through centuries of history etched into every stone. The fort stands as a testament to its storied past, a silent
witness to battles fought, empires risen and fallen, and the enduring spirit of a land rich in history.
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