Derawar Fort, Fortress in Yazman Tehsil, Pakistan
Derawar Fort is a square fortress with a perimeter of about 1,500 meters (4,900 feet) and forty circular bastions positioned evenly on each side. The massive structure rises prominently from the flat desert landscape.
The fortress was founded in the 9th century under Rai Jajja Bhati's rule and underwent major reconstruction in the early 1700s under Nawab Sadeq Mohammad Khan. This rebuilding period shaped its current form significantly.
The walls blend Hindu-Rajput and Islamic building styles visible in the ornamental patterns and arched details throughout the structure. Visitors notice this artistic mix most clearly when walking past the intricately shaped bastions.
To explore the fortress, visitors need to obtain permission from the Abbasi Family, which can be arranged in advance. The drive through desert terrain requires planning and takes roughly three to four hours of travel time.
Archaeological excavations near the fortress walls uncovered projectiles from catapults dating back over 1,000 years, showing its military importance across different periods. These findings reveal that the site served as a heavily fortified defensive position throughout its long history.
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