Bijnot Fort, Archaeological site in Bahawalpur District, Pakistan.
Bijnot Fort is an archaeological site in the Cholistan Desert featuring ruins of stone walls, gates, and fortified structures built according to military principles. The remains show the layout of defensive barriers that once surrounded the central areas of the fortress.
The fortress was built in the 8th century and served as a ruling seat for many centuries afterward. It suffered severe damage from artillery bombardment during the 1971 conflict between nations in the region.
The fort served for centuries as a seat of power for the Khair Panwar Rajputs and their control over the surrounding lands. Visitors can observe how this structure reflected the military organization and status of the ruling dynasty of that era.
The site lies in the remote Cholistan Desert and requires careful planning and reliable transportation from larger cities in the region. Visitors should prepare for desert conditions and bring appropriate supplies for the arid environment.
The ruins once served as a hideout for Madho Singh, a former Rajput leader who later lived as a fugitive before receiving Pakistani citizenship in 1978. This story reflects how historical structures sometimes became safe havens during turbulent times.
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