Phulra Fort I A Revered Symbol of Time's Passage I Fort Abbas I City in the Middle of the River

#fortabbas #ghaggarriver #cholistan Phulra Fort I A Revered Symbol of Time's Passage I Fort Abbas I City in the Middle of the River Special Thanks: Samiaullah Siddique, Fort Abbas Iftikhar Ahmed, Fort Abbas Music: Binu Kumar, Kera, India ‪@SoundSFX‬ (Under License) For Financial Support: Syed Zulfiqar Arshad Gilani Easy Paisa: 0321 875 5750 IBAN: PK22TMFB0000000091196140 Standard Chartered Bank A/C 01714038001 Swift Code: SCBLPKKXXXX IBAN: PK36SCBL0000001714038001 Bank Alfalah A/C 5501 5000422906 Swift Code: ALFHPKKAXXX IBAN: PK06ALFH5501005000422906 #cholistanlife #cholistanjeeprally #cholistani #bahawalpur #bahawalpurhistory #bahawalnagar #historychannel #historyofpakistan #heritagepakistan #pakistantourism Phulra Fort is a historic fort located in the district of Bahawalnagar in Punjab, Pakistan. The fort was constructed during the Mughal Empire and is believed to have been built in the 17th century. The fort has played a significant role in the region’s history, serving as a center of trade and commerce and as a strategic military stronghold. In the heart of Bhawalnagar District lies a city steeped in history, known today as Fort Abbas. Once named ‘Pholra’ during the pre-Muslim era, this captivating city has witnessed the rise and fall of civilizations, leaving behind remnants of its past that now lay hidden among modern houses constructed from its very own bricks. Though the grandeur of the oldest fort of pre-Muslim times has faded with the passage of centuries, the present fort, rebuilt in 1752 by Karam Khan Arbani, still echoes the echoes of its storied past. Phulra Fort is situated on the bank of the Sutlej River, which flows through the district. The fort is built of locally available sandstone and is designed in a square shape. The fort walls are 15 feet high and are reinforced with bastions and turrets, providing ample protection to the occupants inside. The fort was strategically located near the Sutlej River, which made it an important center of trade and commerce during its time. The fort was used as a customs post, and goods such as textiles, spices, and precious metals passed through its gates. The fort was also an important center of agriculture, with the surrounding lands used for cultivation of crops such as wheat and cotton. During the British Raj, Phulra Fort was used as a military garrison. The fort’s strategic location made it an important base for British forces during their campaigns in the region. After the partition of India and Pakistan, the fort was used as a police station and later as a courthouse. Within Phulra's sturdy walls, near its western side, lay a remarkable marvel—a well made of solid materials, reaching an impressive depth of 118 feet and measuring 4 feet in circumference. This well, a rare find in the arid expanses of Cholistan, provided water as sweet as nectar, a precious lifeline in the midst of the barren land. The fort's corners were adorned with tall towers, each concealing an inner chamber, a testament to the clever planning of its builders. The north-western tower, constructed from enduring burnt bricks, stood as a silent witness, holding the secrets of centuries past. In the south-eastern part of the fortress stood a three-story house, its upper floor transformed into a charming bungalow. Inscriptions on its weathered facade commemorated its master, Muhammad Akram Khan Daudpotra, who, in the holy month of Ramazan in the year 1166 H., declared his mastery over the palace, forever etching his name into Phulra's history. Just beyond the fortress's boundaries, three carefully crafted wells stood, their stucco walls protecting the precious treasure of sweet water—a true oasis amidst the harsh desert sands. Beyond the tranquil echoes of Phulra, in the vast expanse stretching eastward from Bahawalpur to Bikaner, lay other settlements—Marot and Maujgarh. Despite the challenging terrain, these communities thrived, engaging in bustling trade with neighboring states. Phulra, perched on the very edge of Bikaner, boasted a lively marketplace, a bustling center of activity amid the otherwise quiet desert. The fortress, once a shining example of architectural brilliance, now stood as a reminder of its former glory, its once-proud walls weathered by the passage of time. A trench, now filled with the sands of ages, once encircled its perimeter—a poignant reminder of its past grandeur. The ramparts, rising high above the desert floor, showcased an artistic touch, their battlements adorned with tasteful decorations, a tribute to the craftsmanship of its long-forgotten builders. Now this ruined fort has become a city, Fort Abbas. The Punjab Archaeology Department is rebuilding and renovating it. Follow us on: Facebook:   / gilanilogs1   Twitter:   / gilanilogs   Instagram:   / zulfiqargil.  . WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaBl...