Qila Mubarak (, ,
Hindi: क़िला मुबारक), is a historical monument in the heart of the city of
Bathinda in
India. It has been in existence for approximately 1400 years in its current place. It was here that
Razia Sultan, the first woman to take charge of the
Delhi throne was incarcerated on her defeat and dethroned. The bricks of the fort date back to the
Kushana period when emperor
Kanishka ruled over Northern
India/
Bactria.
Raja Dab, along with emperor
Kanishka, is believed to have built the fort.
History
Fort repairs
Currently, a team working with the Akal Society of America, after conducting an extensive two year survey of the site has submitted a proposal of repairs to the
Archeological Survey of India (ASI). The proposed repair work will be funded by external funds provided by the ASA though the Chief Minister,
Captain Amarinder Singh, announced a government contribution of Rs. 12,500,000 (US$ 275,000) for Qila Mubarak's repair on June 21, 2005 at a ceremony held to mark the tercentenary celebrations of
Guru Gobind Singh's visit to the fort. While awaiting final approval (which as been granted on the state level in Punjab, but not yet by the ASI), minor internal repairs are in progress at a slow pace. As on 20-02-2011, the fort is closed for repair work. While visiting it is advise to check beforehand.
External links
- http://www.tribuneindia.com/2004/20041009/punjab1.htm
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