Phillaur Fort, Ludhiana: A Citadel of Strength

The Maharaja Ranjit Singh Fort, Ludhiana
phillaur-fort
The Maharaja Ranjit Singh Fort, Ludhiana

The Phillaur Fort, a symbol of the potent heritage of Punjab, lies in the Phillaur town of Ludhiana city. It is situated on the banks of River Sutlej. It is also famous as the Maharaja Ranjit Singh Fort.

A creation of an Italian engineer, the fort was projected by Dewan Mokham Chand to serve the purpose of a military fortress for Maharaja Ranjit Singh. However, later on the Punjab Police took control of the structure. The 200-year-old fort is now being operated as a police training centre and as a Finger Print Bureau.

What holds the attention of the visitors is the European architectural style of the fort. The channels dug out along the boundary of the fort, the four bastions on the four nooks, the watchtowers on the two gateways and the high walls around the fort make it an ultimate defensive construction.

The fort is also considered as a holy place by Muslims as it exhibits Pir-i-Dastgirā€™s shrine. He is also famous as Abdul Kadir Galani. The fort also houses the tombs of several Muslim icons as well as of the members of Shah Shuja’s family.

The Phillaur Fort has more to offer to its guests. One may visit the Dargah inside the fort or enjoy at the golf course.