Bahu Fort, Jammu And Kashmir

The ancient Bahu Fort in Jammu is believed to be originally built by Raja Bahu Lochan about 3,000 years ago. It was refurbished by the Dogra rulers in the 19th century. A fort is a religious place and within its precincts is a temple dedicated to the Hindu goddess Kali, the presiding deity of Jammu. The temple is known locally as the "Bawey Wali Mata temple". Just beneath the fort is the terraced Bagh-e-Bahu Garden laid in the style of Mughal gardens which affords a panoramic view of the Jammu city and underground fish aquarium.

History

According to ancient records, the Bahu Fort has a connection with both, Bahu Lochan and Raja Jambu Lochan, who were the sons of King Agnigarbha II of the Suryavanshi dynasty. The eldest of the 18 sons of King Agnigarbha II, Bahu Lochan, has been accredited for the development of the city of Jammu as well as the Bahu Fort, giving a reason to name the fort so. However, the fort was eventually rebuilt in 1585 in the same location by Autar Singh, King Kapoor Dev's grandson.
The grand fort has been reconstructed, renovated, restored, and repaired by many rulers from different dynasties from time to time. However, the current and final version of the Bahu fort was built by Maharaja Gulab Singh in the very recent 19th century with minor changes made by Maharaja Ranbir Singh during his rule.

Architecture

Located on a high plateau land on the banks of the Tawi River and surrounded by blankets of green, the Bahu Fort stands 325 meters tall as a sign of power and prowess. The Mughal architecture of the fort is truly admirable and compels you to stop and stare at its artistic appeal. The interior architecture mainly revolves around ostentatious arches and intricate floral design carvings. The structure of the fort was initially built with bricks and limestone, but after all the rebuilding is currently made of high-quality sandstone.
The entrance of the fort is magnanimous, so intimidating, and massive that it can allow an elephant to stroll inside without any difficulty of fitting in. The Bahu Fort is equipped with a royal stable, an enormous lake for boating, and a cable car system. The thick and sturdy walls of the fort are connected by eight octagonal towers that are hollowed with an enclosed space for the use of house guards who need to keep an eye out for any potential threats to the kingdom.
The fort also houses a beautiful 15 feet deep pond which lies adjacent to a pyramidal structure, which was mainly used to store arms and ammunition. An underground prison chamber is also built under the fort to hold the enemy troops or captured spies. Like all other forts, the Bahu Fort was also created for protection against enemies and other potential threats; and hence it is equipped with a secret passageway in the event of an emergency or the need for a quick escape.