Michelle Fatima
Derawar Fort is a historic landmark located in the heart of the Cholistan desert, approximately a hundred kilometers south of Bahawalpur. It stands tall despite the wear and tear from the past centuries, and its stupendous structure is what prompts awe in the tourists that come to visit this grand structure.
The fortress was built in the 9th century by a Rajput Hindu ruler from Rajasthan, Rai Jajja Bhatti as an ode to the Rawal Deoraj Bhatti who ruled over Jaisalmer and Bahawalpur. Moreover, what’s most intriguing about the fort is its name which had to face a series of interesting changes which show its journey through time.
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At first, the magnificent creation was known as “Dera Rawal, referring to the ruler it was built for. However, due to a suspected change in pronunciation, the fort gradually became the “Dera Rawar” fort and was later shortened to its contemporary title, Derawar. This shows us the beautiful journey of the castle and how it has managed to retain its splendor.
The wonderful history of the fort doesn’t end here, as there is so much more to tell.
As all fortresses experience their fair share of invaders and unwelcome guests, Derawar did too. In the 18th century, this fort came under the control of the Nawabs of Bahawalpur. The invasions did not stop there, as the structure was given up to Bahawal Khan but it was won by Nawab Mubarak Khan.
The last ruler to have been born in the fort is Nawab Sadeq Muhammad Khan Abbasi V in the early 20th century.
When talking about the fort, it is impossible to ignore the forty bastions that are the signature trademark of the building. These forty bastions were made to defend the fort and prevent damage, and these can still be seen from miles away as their towering height allows them to be visible from afar as they are 30 meters high.
Due to the intimidating but intricately crafted pattern of the building, any visitor can easily enter a state of stupor while witnessing the extraordinary and unforgettable place.
This fort is a must-visit place for all history enthusiasts who are looking for a culturally rich destination for their vacations. After all, it is so easy to fall in love with the glory of the “Queen of Cholistan”, as we’d like to call it.
