Umarkot Fort
| Umarkot Fort | |
|---|---|
Amarkot Fort | |
| Part of Amarkot State Rajputana until 1947 | |
| Umerkot district, Sindh | |
 Fort Tower of Umarkot Fort | |
| Coordinates | 25°21′49″N 69°44′2″E / 25.36361°N 69.73389°E |
| Type | Desert Fortification |
| Site information | |
| Controlled by | Pakistan |
| Open to the public | Yes |
| Condition | Protected Monument |
| Site history | |
| Built | 11th century |
| Built by | Rana Amar Singh[1] |
Umarkot Fort (Urdu: قِلعہ عُمَرکوٹ ; Sindhi: عمر ڪوٽ جو قلعو), is a fort located in Umerkot, Sindh, also called Amarkot (Urdu: امَرکوٹ ; Sindhi:امرڪوٽ), Emperor Akbar was born in Umarkot Fort when his father Humayun fled from the military defeats at the hands of Sher Shah Suri on 15 October 1542.[2] Rana Parasad of Umarkot, who had risen to power had given refuge to Mughal Emperor Humayun and it was there Hamida Bano Begum gave birth to young Akbar.[3] Later the Mughal Emperor Akbar became the Shahenshah of Hindustan and was a popular figure with both Hindus and Muslims. Umerkot has many sites of historical significance such as Mughal emperor Akbar's birthplace near to Umarkot Fort, currently King Akbar birth place is an open land. In 1746, the Mughal Subahdar, Noor Mohammad Kalhoro, built a fort at the location.[4] Later the British would take over that area.
Amarkot fort was built by Rana Amar Singh in 11th century.[1] It remained under control of Hindu Rajput dynasty known as the Ranas of Umerkot, but later was taken over by the Pakistani Government after formation of Pakistan. However, Rana family still have their jagir located 16 km away.[3] The governorship of fort was possessed by Rana Megraj.[5]
Folklore
Another significant story relating to Umarkot is that of Umar Marvi. Marvi was a young Thari girl abducted by Umar, the then ruler, who wanted to marry because of her beauty. Upon her refusal, she was imprisoned in the historic Umerkot Fort for many years until her ultimate release. Because of her courage, Marvi is an ideal for the local people.[2]
See also
- List of UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Pakistan
- List of forts in Pakistan
- List of museums in Pakistan
- Umerkot
References
- ^ a b https://www.dawn.com/news/1157340
- ^ a b umerkot fort, sindh, retrieved 13 June 2012
- ^ a b Woman's Triumph By Asha Ranawat. 2006. pp. 63–64.
- ^ Thar: The Great Pakistani Desert, Land, History, People, 2001, p. 79
- ^ "The Sacking of 'Umarkot". www.infinityfoundation.com. Retrieved 27 August 2015.
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