Bala Hisar Fort: A Timeless Symbol of Peshawar’s Strategic Legacy
Fakhar-e- Alam
Peshawar: Peshawar, with its rich 2,500-year history, has long stood as a strategic hub due to its geographical significance.
The city, located at the crossroads of the Indo-Pakistan subcontinent, has witnessed countless invaders passing through the historic Khyber Pass.
These conquerors, from the Ghauris to the Mughals, recognized Peshawar’s military value and established strongholds to solidify their control. One such landmark is Bala Hisar Fort, a towering reminder of the city’s strategic past.
Standing at 92 feet tall, Bala Hisar Fort stretches over 15.4 acres and is an architectural marvel made of red bricks. Situated near Jinnah Park along the GT Road, the fort commands attention with its massive structure.
It has witnessed the rise and fall of numerous empires, from the Ghaznavids to the Mughals, who understood the importance of securing Peshawar as they marched toward the heart of the subcontinent.
Strategic Significance
The fort’s location facing the GT Road links Peshawar to Afghanistan, Central Asia, Charsadda, and Taxila. Throughout history, invaders, including the Ghaznavids, Ghauris, Mughals, and Afghans, had to capture Bala Hisar before advancing into the rest of the subcontinent.
Dr. Abdul Samad Khan, Director of Archeology and Museums in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, notes that the fort’s origins date back to ancient times, possibly around the 11th century AD.
Notable historical events further emphasize the fort’s importance. In the 11th century, Mehmud Ghaznavi garrisoned the fort after defeating Raja Jaipal of the Hindushahi dynasty.
The Chinese traveler Hiuen Tsang, who visited Peshawar in 630 AD, also mentioned a royal residence, which could have been Bala Hisar. Over the centuries, the fort witnessed numerous rulers, including Afghan king Ahmed Shah Durrani, and was subsequently rebuilt and expanded by the Mughals, Sikhs, and British.
The Mughal and Afghan Legacy
The fort, which takes its name from the Persian term “Bala Hisar,” meaning “high fort,” was significantly altered by the Mughals in the 16th century under Emperor Zaheeruddin Babar.
However, after the fall of the Mughal Empire, the Afghans destroyed it, only for it to be rebuilt by Humayun for his later conquest of India. During Afghan rule, the fort served as a military base and residence for rulers.
Role During British Era
In the early 19th century, the Sikhs took control of Peshawar, and after the battle of Nowshera in 1834, they captured Bala Hisar. Sikhs attempted to rename it Samargarh, but the original name prevailed.
They too renovated the fort, though much of it was destroyed during their rule. British colonial rulers, after annexing the region in 1849, rebuilt the fort’s outer walls with red bricks, reinforcing its military significance.
A National Symbol
Despite centuries of conflicts and reconstructions, Bala Hisar remains a proud symbol of Peshawar’s historical significance.
Today, it serves as the headquarters of the Frontier Corps (FC) and continues to attract tourists and dignitaries. Its imposing battlements and rich history make it a living testament to the resilience and strategic importance of this ancient city.
Bala Hisar Fort stands tall in the heart of Peshawar, a symbol of national pride and a monument that narrates the story of empires, rulers, and the passage of time.
The feature story was released by APP on December 22, 2024.
All the information provided in this report is the sole responsibility of the reporter as well as APP.
