Gujar Khan tehsil like any other area of Potohar is rich in national heritage. The small and big forts, worship places, and ancient graveyards reflect its history. Over 20km west of Gujar Khan, beyond Sui Cheemian village, firmly stands atop a rock, the fort of Sangni.

Constructed during the Mughal era, it has seen the ups and downs of Dogra and Sikh rule but its unshaken foundations and unbroken walls stand testimony to the craftsmanship of the architects. The steep and straight rock on which this fort stands is surrounded on three sides by a ravine while its fourth side facing a plain was well guarded by the troops stationed on its walls.

The only door of the fort opens into a small space above a steep rock, which is about 150 feet high, making it almost impossible for an invading army to launch a frontal assault. The fort has four bastions of almost equal diameter, with stairways reaching the top to guard the fort and its surrounding area.

While located in the vicinity of Kashmir this fort was used as a post to keep an eye on the enemies. According to the district gazetteer of Rawalpindi, this fort was also used to keep the war prisoners confined as well as a revenue collection post.

The fort also has a small shrine of a saint, who had come from Iran to preach Islam in the region. Sahibzada Abdul Hakeem used to meditate at this fort in solitude, said, one of the descendants while narrating the story.

Sahibzada Tursham of Chakrali Sharif said that the saint wished to be buried inside the fort but his desire could not be fulfilled due to the occupation of the fort by Sikhs. Afterwards, his grave was moved to the fort. Raja Muhammad Zaheer, a villager, said people from various areas of Potohar visit the shrine regularly.

There is a small hole in the floor of this fort, which is used to extract water from 200 feet down the ravine with the help of a bucket. A villager claimed this water had healing properties.

Due to its architectural integrity, this fort has braved the test of time. However, there is a dire need for the archaeology department to protect and preserve this monument for the promotion of tourism and history in the area.

Published in Dawn, December 31st, 2023