Qila Mubarak, is a historical monument in the heart of the city of Bathinda in Punjab, India. It is recognised as monument of national importance and maintained by Archaeological Survey of India.[1] It has been in existence from 1100 to 1200 AD in its current place and is the oldest surviving fort in India. It was here that Razia Sultan, the first woman to take charge of the Delhi throne was incarcerated upon her defeat and dethroned.[2] The bricks of the fort date back to the Kushana period when emperor Kanishka ruled over Northern India/Bactria. Raja Dab, along with emperor Kanishka, is believed to have built the fort.[3] Qila Mubarak in latter part of the 10th Century was under the rule of Jayapala, a ruler of the Hindu Shahi dynasty.[4]
Architecture
The Imperial Gazetteer of India describes the fort having 36 bastions and a height of about 118 ft. It was a conspicuous landmark for many miles around.[5]
History
The fort
Quila Mubarak Bathinda was constructed by king Raja Dab during the period 90-110 AD. Raja Dab was the ancestor of Vena Pal. The bricks used to construct the fort dates back to the Kushana Period. The fort was constructed by the king so that Huns could not invade the kingdom of Emperor Kanishka[citation needed]. In the later years, the fort has undergone various types of alteration done by the rulers of the area. Razia Sultana, the first Empress of Delhi had been imprisoned in Quila Mubarak.[2][6] Hindu chronicles of Kashmir described it as Jaipal's capital, and say it was captured by Mahmud of Ghazni. Bhatinda appears in the works of the historians from early Muhammadan period as Batrinda, often incorrectly converted into Tabarhind. The fortress was enhanced many times under the rule of the Mughal Empire, especially under the energetic Mughal EmperorAkbar. Bathinda expelled Mughals in duration of 1754, and invasion from Mughals were stopped with endeavours of Maharaja Ala Singh of Patiala state.[5]
History of Qila Mubarak and Surrounding Areas
Year
Event
50,000 BC
Stone tools such as the hand axe were developed in northern ancient India; artifacts have been found in the modern Bathinda district.
Evidence of people growing barley in this area and raising sheep, goats. People begin living in mud-brick dwellings in villages; some of which are still in existence.
5500 BC
Inhabitants learn to make pottery from burnt clay, a technique that is scarce but still alive today.
3000 BC
Farming villages begin appearing in the Bathinda area, most of which still exist today.
2600 BC
Farmers in the area make use of the plough; exactly as it is still used in some Bathinda areas today.
1500 BC
Cities of the area are abandoned but the rural villages thrive and survive; Indo-Aryans arrive in the area.
800 BC
Indo-Aryans spread in the area and begin clear-cutting forests
600 BC
Area inhabitants begin use of elephants in warfare.
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