Bhimgarh Fort Reasi: The attractive heritage destination of Jammu
Jammu, July 05: Bhimgarh Fort or Reasi Fort also known to many as Zorawar Singh fort is a majestic fort in Reasi town that treasures the brave history of Dogra rulers and the valour of great Dogra warrior Gen Zorawar Singh.
Bhimgarh Fort is situated in the picturesque town of Reasi and thus is also referred to as the Reasi Fort. Reasi is a small town located approximately 64 kms north-west of Jammu and can be accessed by road.
Bhimgarh Fort is perched atop a small hillock set at an altitude of about 150 meters above surface level. This Fort was primarily used by the Maharaja, his Royal Family & Courtiers as a shelter ground during foreign invasions or emergencies.
This formidable Bhimgarh Fort was originally constructed of clay alone and to strengthen its foundation and structure, one of the successors of Maharaja Rishipal Rana, who was the founder of Reasi town, had the Bhimgarh Fort reconstructed with stone.
The renovation work of Bhimgarh Fort was initially started by Maharaja Gulab Singh, the former Ruler of Jammu and Kashmir way back in 1817. This continued up till 1841 after it was announced completed, and refurbished with stones to fortify the Fort.
Additions were also introduced to Bhimgarh Fort including a new entrance gate and a massive stone wall measuring a meter wide and 50 meters long that encircles the Fort area to further strengthen and fortify the edifice from foreign attacks.
Made of Baluka stones, the Entrance Gate features exquisite Rajasthan carvings while its façade wall features loopholes measuring about 50 meters in length a meter in width. The majestic fort has a big wooden gate with images of Lord Ganesha and Maha Kali carved in separate niches inside the wall at the entrance. The gate is made up of Baluka stones with Rajasthani carvings. Statues of Lord Mahakali and Hanuman are also there as a symbol of protection and strength to ward from any evil threats and unwarranted invasions.
Bhimgarh Fort, as the name suggest, symbolizes the strength and formidable aspects of Bhim, a central character of the epic Mahabharata era. He was the second of the Pandava brothers who was characterized by his great stature and strength.
The precincts of Bhimgarh Fort feature a medieval temple, a small reservoir, an armory room, a treasury, and a number of varied-sized rooms. After the demise of Maharaja Gulab Singh, the former ruler of J&K, his heirs or successors, Maharaja Ranbir Singh and Maharaja Pratap Singh used this Fort primarily as an armory and treasury repository.
Later, the Armory possessions within the storehouse of Bhimgarh Fort were shifted to Jammu and the present storehouse was ordered to be destroyed by an English Minister to make way for other multipurpose rooms, when Jammu and Kashmir was under the rule of Maharaja Hari Singh.
After the Imperials abandoned the Bhimgarh Fort, it was handed over to the Archaeology Department of Jammu and Kashmir in 1989 as ordered by the State Government of India. Later, Bhimgarh Fort was again renovated under the supervision of the Vaishno Devi Sthapana Board Committee in 1990.
The façade and surrounding extensions of Bhimgarh Fort were revived and restored with the addition of beautiful meandering pathways and lush gardens to support its exterior beauty. After enduring a number of earthquakes in the past, this fort is formidable enough to support its own structure despite the lack of maintenance after its facelift.
The fort can be approached by climbing an iron ladder provided at the entrance of the garden through a vacant plot on the main outer road of Reasi. It has three gateways built in stone masonry, except the middle one which is built with brick masonry. The fort has an open courtyard surrounded by a residential complex. Further up, there is a small temple, which is being used by security people for worship.
However in 1994, most of its parts were damaged badly due to an earthquake. But J&K Governor Mr. N. N. Vohra during his visit to the Fort ordered the reconstruction of the damaged parts as well as its renovation. It took some time to complete the entire work, but deserved a facelift to boost tourism in the area.
The locals were enthusiastic about the reconstruction and renovation and looked forward to its completion. It was expected to convert it into a tourist hot spot, which may help generate employment for locals.
Bhimgarh Fort is now opened to public visits and is becoming one of the most visited, top, and attractive tourist Heritage Destinations in Jammu. It majestically and quietly stands amidst utmost serenity and scenic expansions and is considered as one of the most significant landmarks of the State of Jammu & Kashmir.
Bhimgarh fort having played a huge role in the making of Jammu and Kashmir and the history of Dogra warrior-ship can be one of the most sought after heritage tourist destinations of Jammu and generate huge revenue for the locals.
The fort being in Reasi district where Mata Vaishnodevi Shrine is located can attract large number of pilgrim tourist to it if the destination is promoted with its historical back ground. (Compiled with inputs from various websites)