Qila Balahisar Pakistan

Bala Hissar Fort, located in Peshawar, Pakistan, boasts a rich and complex history spanning many centuries. Its name, "Bala Hissar," comes from Dari Persian and means "elevated or high fort," fitting for its commanding position.

Here's a breakdown of its key historical periods:

* Early Origins: The fort's exact origins are not fully known, but it's believed to date back to at least the 1st century BCE, possibly built by Persians to control trade routes. There's also evidence from 7th-century Chinese explorer Xuanzang mentioning a fortified royal residence at this site.

* Mughal Era: Emperor Babur is said to have built a fort here in 1526 after capturing Peshawar. It served as a royal residence and was even reconstructed by Emperor Humayun.

* Durrani Empire: From 1747, after Ahmad Shah Durrani conquered Peshawar, the fort became a royal residence for the Durrani Empire. It was the winter capital of the Afghan Empire, and Afghan kings resided here.

* Maratha and Afghan Conflicts: The Marathas briefly occupied the fort after capturing Peshawar in 1758, but it was quickly retaken by the Afghans.

* Sikh Period: In March 1823, the Sikhs captured Peshawar and destroyed much of the fort. However, Sikh commander-in-chief Hari Singh Nalwa soon began its reconstruction. During this period (1834), the Sikhs renamed the fort "Samīr Gaṛh" or "Sameer Garh," though the original name "Bala Hissar" remained more popular.

* British Era: After the First Anglo-Sikh War (1845-46) and the annexation of the Sikh Kingdom in 1849, the British East India Company reconstructed the fort's outer walls. They used it as a garrison and military base, highlighting its continued strategic importance. The fort played a role in events like the Anglo-Afghan Wars.

* Modern Day: Today, Bala Hissar Fort is used by the Frontier Corps, a paramilitary unit of the Pakistan Army. While access inside can be limited due to its military use, it remains a significant historical landmark in Peshawar, offering glimpses of its long and varied pas

Bala Hissar Fort, located in Peshawar, Pakistan, boasts a rich and complex history spanning many centuries. Its name, "Bala Hissar," comes from Dari Persian and means "elevated or high fort," fitting for its commanding position.

Here's a breakdown of its key historical periods:

* Early Origins: The fort's exact origins are not fully known, but it's believed to date back to at least the 1st century BCE, possibly built by Persians to control trade routes. There's also evidence from 7th-century Chinese explorer Xuanzang mentioning a fortified royal residence at this site.

* Mughal Era: Emperor Babur is said to have built a fort here in 1526 after capturing Peshawar. It served as a royal residence and was even reconstructed by Emperor Humayun.

* Durrani Empire: From 1747, after Ahmad Shah Durrani conquered Peshawar, the fort became a royal residence for the Durrani Empire. It was the winter capital of the Afghan Empire, and Afghan kings resided here.

* Maratha and Afghan Conflicts: The Marathas briefly occupied the fort after capturing Peshawar in 1758, but it was quickly retaken by the Afghans.

* Sikh Period: In March 1823, the Sikhs captured Peshawar and destroyed much of the fort. However, Sikh commander-in-chief Hari Singh Nalwa soon began its reconstruction. During this period (1834), the Sikhs renamed the fort "Samīr Gaṛh" or "Sameer Garh," though the original name "Bala Hissar" remained more popular.

* British Era: After the First Anglo-Sikh War (1845-46) and the annexation of the Sikh Kingdom in 1849, the British East India Company reconstructed the fort's outer walls. They used it as a garrison and military base, highlighting its continued strategic importance. The fort played a role in events like the Anglo-Afghan Wars.

* Modern Day: Today, Bala Hissar Fort is used by the Frontier Corps, a paramilitary unit of the Pakistan Army. While access inside can be limited due to its military use, it remains a significant historical landmark in Peshawar, offering glimpses of its long and varied past