Akhnoor Fort: The fort that preserves three ancient cultures
Jammu, June 23: The Akhnoor Fort some 32 kms from Jammu city situated along Jammu – Poonch National Highway at a quiet location is an ancient palace that has in its bosom three distinct cultures making it one of the most sought after forts for the archeologists and historians even as for tourists the fort has not been publicized much.
The fort is visited by scores of people every month mostly those who visit the Ghats below for religious ceremonies or the ones who come in package tours but the major tourist flow that hits Jammu is completely unaware of this beautiful, historical and ancient tourist destinations of Jammu.
Akhnoor Fort is situated on the right bank of Chenab River. The construction of the fort was started by Mian Tej Singh in 1762 AD and completed by his successor Raja Alum Singh in 1802.
The fort has high fortification walls with bastions at regular intervals and is crowned with battlements. There are two-storeyed watch-towers at the corners, which are also crowned by battlements. The fort has two parts which are bifurcated by a wall with a gate leading to the palace located on the southern side. The palace is two-storeyed, and the walls facing the courtyard have decorated arches, some of which contain mural paintings. Access to the fort is obtained through both the river sides and the northern side. Formerly, a large part of the fort was in ruins; conservation work of the fort is currently in progress.
The Akhnoor fort is perched upon an ancient site, locally known as Manda, which has been subjected to a limited excavation, which in turn has exposed a threefold sequence of culture. Period I is represented by Harappan red and grey pottery consisting of jars, dish-on-stand beakers and goblets, along with other objects, including copper pins, bone arrowheads, terracotta cakes and sherds with Harappan graffiti. Period II is marked by the presence of early historic pottery, and Period III is represented by Kushana objects and impressive walls of rubble diaper masonry flanked on both sides by a 3-metre-wide street.
The Akhnoor Fort is one of the famous historic testimonies belonging to the early 19th century. The testament in the ancient town of Akhnoor is situated along with the River Chenab at a distance of 32 km from Jammu.
The ancient fort was built on the site belonging to the Harappan Civilisation.
This beautiful ancient fort of Akhnoor is perched at a height of 301 meters or 988 feet above surface level and formidably stands along the right riverbanks of the mighty Chenab River that originates along the plains at Akhnoor.
Akhnoor Fort is surrounded by the scenic landscapes of the majestic Shivalik Range and the Trikuta Mountain Ranges on its Northern and Eastern sides lending one of the most breathtaking sights to view.
Akhnoor Fort is considered as one of the most beautiful historical places to visit in Jammu. It is also believed that the Pandavas, of the epic Mahabharata, had once stayed in the caves of Akhnoor near the Fort when they were on exile.
This Fort constructed during the early 19th century commands a stunning view of the Chenab River and its surrounding lush landscapes.
A scenic walk along the well lit park of Akhnoor is a remarkable experience to remember. This small but stunning garden spans along the circumference of the riverbanks of Chenab beginning from Jiya Pota Ghat and stretching up to Parashurama Temple lending one of the most scenic sights to see, especially during nightfall. Other ancient sites of religious significance also dot this town, of which, the famous one is the Parashurama Temple and the holy cave below the fort.
The fort is really beautiful and attractive with a continued cool breeze being felt by the visitors most of who are local visitors.
The Fort affords beautiful views of the majestic Pir Panjal Ranges with its snowcapped peaks in addition to the famous Trikuta Ranges. Extremely well maintained, it is stated that the Pandavas had once stayed in the caves near the Fort.
The fort if publicized through tourism campaigns can become a major tourist site for local as well as domestic tourists due to its proximity with river Chenab below and majestic view from above the small hill on which it is perched.
The fort has added advantage of many historic moments associated with it as well as other historic sites nearby which include the Ambaran sites, Jia Pota place and beautiful and majestic river Chenab below. This ancient fort complete with three civilizational artifacts is a must visit for every tourists visiting Jammu. (Compiled with inputs from Dharmarth Trust and tourism related sites)