Forts of Jammu and Kashmir

The forts of Jammu and Kashmir are an inseparable part if one is out to experience Jammu and Kashmir Heritage Tours. With the growth of culture and civilization, settlers in various places tried to fortify their lands so as to distinguish them from those of the other communities or clans. This tendency served also as a means of defense and security from the attack of aliens. Thus the concept of forts came up in the world as also in the north Indian state of Jammu and Kashmir.

The forts are situated amidst immense natural beauty of the state of Jammu and Kashmir and developed primarily for the purpose of defense and sometimes as royal residence. These forts also provided as storage house of water, food, arms and also as hiding places for soldiers. The soldiers would also be trained away from prying eyes, within the confines of the forts. The stored food materials would provide for these inmates of the forts especially during warfare and other emergency situations. The Jammu and Kashmir forts also served as unnerving structures whenever there would be any possibility for external attacks. These would define the power of the ruling king, thus reflecting the history of the state.

With the independence of India from the British colonial rule, this forts lost their power as the Indian Government and democratic form of ruling came into existence. With time their use and importance have reduced much and now they stand only as sources of history and a part of the heritage of Jammu and Kashmir.

For more information on the forts of Jammu and Kashmir click on following links:

• Bahu Fort
• Mubarak Mandi Complex
• Rani Charak Mahal
• Dhandidhar Fort
• Balidan Bhawan
• Sheesh Mahal of Ramnagar
• Ramnagar Fort
• Reasi Fort
• Hari Parbat Fort