Qila Mubarak

Qila Mubarak is a fortress in Bathinda shaped like a boat, rising from the sandy landscape with thick brick and stone walls. Within its walls stand several palaces including Moti Palace, the Queens Palace, and Sheesh Mahal, alongside an underground drainage system and a Gurudwara.

The fortress was built by Raja Dab around 90 to 110 AD during the Kushana Empire period. It later served as a prison for Razia Sultana, the first female ruler of Delhi, and was visited by Guru Gobind Singh in 1705, after which it became known as Fort Gobindgarh.

The name Qila Mubarak means blessed fortress and reflects how locals view this place as spiritually significant. Inside stands a Gurudwara dedicated to Guru Gobind Singh's 1705 visit, showing how the site blends religious memory with its role as a center of political power.

The fortress sits in the busy Dhobi Bazaar area in the city center and is easy to reach on foot. Entry is free and the site is accessible to all visitors, with open courtyards and paths to explore the different areas.

According to local legend, Razia Sultana once jumped from the fortress walls to gather her army and fight her enemies. This dramatic story is still told by locals today and adds a layer of boldness to the site's history.