Rohtas
This article has been extracted from THE IMPERIAL GAZETTEER OF INDIA , 1908. OXFORD, AT THE CLARENDON PRESS. |
Note: National, provincial and district boundaries have changed considerably since 1908. Typically, old states, ‘divisions’ and districts have been broken into smaller units, and many tahsils upgraded to districts. Some units have since been renamed. Therefore, this article is being posted mainly for its historical value.
Rohtas
Fortress in the District and tahsil of Jhelum, Punjab, situated in 32 55' N. and 73 48' E , 10 miles north-west of Jhelum town, in the gorge where the Kalian torrent breaks through the low eastern spur of the Tilla range. The fortress was built by the empeior Sher Shah Sun, after his expulsion of Humayun in 1542, to hold in check the Gakhars, who were allies of the exiled emperor. The Gakhars endeavoured to prevent its construction, and labour was obtained with such difficulty that the cost exceeded 40 lakhs in modern currency. The circumference is about 2\ miles, and the walls are 30 feet thick and from 30 to 50 feet high. There aie 68 towers and 12 gateways, of which the most imposing is the Sohal Gate, a fine specimen of the Pathan style, o\ei 70 feet in height, with exquisite balconies on the outer walls. The foitiess was named after the fort of Rohtas m Bengal, the scene of a victory of Sher Shah The north- ern wall is now a rum, and within the foitifications lies the small but flourishing village of Rohtas.
