Phillaur Fort, Military fort in Phillaur, India.
Phillaur Fort is a stone fortification with four corner bastions and tall surrounding walls built for defense. Watchtowers positioned at the entrance gateways define the structure's overall appearance and layout.
The fort began as an imperial rest house under Shah Jahan but was transformed into a military fortress by Maharaja Ranjit Singh in 1809. This conversion marked its shift from a waystation into a key defensive installation for the region.
The fort houses the shrine of Pir Baba Abdullah Shah Ji, which draws Muslim visitors from across Punjab. You can see how this sacred space is woven into the daily life of the surrounding community.
The fort sits along the Grand Trunk Road and is easily accessible from main routes. Note that it now operates as the Maharaja Ranjit Singh Punjab Police Academy, so visitor access may be restricted.
The fort housed one of India's earliest forensic institutions, the Finger Print Bureau, established in 1892. This pioneering facility shows how the site served purposes beyond military defense and played a role in advancing modern investigation methods.
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