Construction of forts is a fascinating subject for every ruler in the history. Big empires and a princely State have the same passion as far as forts are concerned.These are the symbols of their authorities and majestic grace.So Miangul Abdul ,Badsha Sahib was not an exception.He built a great number of forts in every strategic point throughout the State .With the extension of his domain,this practice continued. As the boundaries of the State extended ,the.number of forts and the gendarmeries also increased.Unless the British Authorities in India got alerted and they asked Badsha Sahib not to cross the Indus River,or intrude into the settled areas of Mardan.The British told him they are not going to allow another Afghanistan near their borders. All most all the forts were constructed in Badshah Saib’s tenure .The Kota Fort, one of the first of its kind,was reconstructed in 1956. These forts have the same size, dimensions,and materials, except a few with minor differences . The walls were very thick in limestone mostly but where this type of stone was not available, local stones were used. Wooden rafts were placed lengthwise in the walls at regular intervals to provide bond and make it secure to bear the uncommon height of walls. Watch Towers were provided on each corner, built with the same materials,and having a height of at least 15 feet from the roof of the forts. There were galleries in the towers for soldiers to watch and peep holes for rufles. There used to be residential quarters for the families of the soldiers and officers inside the fort. If space and site permitted ,a wide and deep trench was excavated all around the forts, providing one access bridge to the main gate of the fort. I have spent some nights in Kota Fort and Aloch Fort at Puran.These nights still haunt me as very mysterious and romantic.
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