Shahpur Pathankot
- For similar villages see Madhopur
| Author: Laxman Burdak IFS (R) |
Shahpur (शाहपुर) is a village in district Pathankot in Punjab.
Variants
Location
Shahpur is located close to the India-Pakistan border on the Madhopur. There on the left bank of River Ravi one can find a beautiful fort built by Pathania ruler Jaspal Singh in the early 16th century.
Origin
History
Shahpur Kandi Fort
Named after Mughal emperor Shah Jahan, this fort is the major tourist attraction of Pathankot in Punjab. Nestled in the foothills of the majestic Himalayas, the fort gives an insight into Pathankot's rich tradition and history. What makes the fort worth visiting is its intricate carvings, magnificent construction and the fact that it offers great views of the picturesque Himalayan foothills and the Ravi river. The ruins around the fort that were destroyed during the British rule, are also worth visiting as they speak volumes about the glorious past of the Pathania dynasty.
The fort was built by Shah Jahan's chief, Jaspal Singh Pathania, in 1505, with an aim to protect regions of Nurpur and Kangra. The fort also served as the last refuge of Ram Singh Pathania in 1848 AD when he rebelled against the atrocities of British rule.[1]
History of Shahpur Kandi Fort
For centuries Pathankot had been the seat of the Pathania Kings of Punjab. It is believed that a branch of Chandrabanshi Tomars led by Rana Jethpal came to this region from Delhi more than 1000 years ago to carve out a kingdom of their own. They first settled down in the Jalandhar Doab; later they conquered a fort called Bhet and finally came to Pathankot, then known as Paithan. We do not exactly know where they lived before they built the fort at Shahpur Kandi, but we do know that once they conquered Paithan they began to be known as Pathania kings.
Strategic Importance of Shahpur Kandi Fort
The Shahpur Kandi Fort was built by King Jaspal Singh Pathania in the year of 1505. Indeed, the site must have been chosen with care. Located at the foothills of Shiwalik Mountains on the left bank of River Ravi, this fort not only offered a safe haven for the kings, but also helped them to retain their control over their entire kingdom. At that time it not only comprised of the Pathankot region, but also Nurpur and Kangra. Although the capital was later shifted to Nurpur| (now in Himachal Pradesh), its importance was never diminished.
Anybody who is interested in the history of this region must have heard of Ram Singh Pathania. It was from this fort that he fought most of his battles. In fact, Shahpur Kandi Fort was the last refuge of this brave prince.
By then, the capital had shifted to Nurpur. Since the true heir to the throne was a minor, Ram Singh carried on the kingly duties on his behalf. However, the British had other designs and wanted somebody else to sit on the throne. Ram Singh rebelled against the British when in 1848 AD the representative of the state was insulted by them. Several wars broke out between the two sides, but Ram Singh Pathania could not be subdued. He even recaptured the Shahpur Kandi Fort from the British and made sure that the British did not get any foothold here.
Unfortunately, a Brahmin told the British where and when the brave Ram Singh could be found unarmed and alone for petty gains. Finally Ram Singh was captured while offering prayers. He was tried and deported to Rangoon. He died there on 11th November, 1856. However, he is still remembered by the people here through different ballads and fairs.
Source - https://www.pathankotonline.in/city-guide/shahpur-kandi-fort-near-pathankot
Tourism
Although the fort has now been transformed into a guest house it still possesses a charm of its own. Indeed, if your dream is to spend few days among the historical grandeur, Shahpur Kandi Fort is the ideal place. Since the fort is located at a distance of 17.5 Km from Pathankot, one can also go there for a day’s trip.
Jat Gotras
इतिहास
इतिहास: माधोपुर पहले पहाड़ी राज्यों के शासन के अधीन था। महाराजा रणजीत सिंह ने भी माधोपुर पर शासन किया है इसके प्रमाण महाराजा रणजीत सिंह के राज्यकाल का महल आज भी यहाँ से 5 किलोमीटर दूर शाहपुर कंडी में स्थित है।
Population
Notable Persons
External Links
References
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