Need to preserve Bhimgarh Fort

Jammu and Kashmir is home to many historical forts symbolizing the culture, military history, and strategic significance of the region. The forts of Jammu are varied, ranging from ancient construction to late fortification built by various other rulers through the centuries. Even today, these forts remain important as mementos of a bygone age in the history of the former state. Most notably, there is Bhimgarh Fort-Aka the Reasi Fort that is well known in the Reasi district. The fort is tied to local legends, especially that of Bhima from the Mahabharata. It is believed to have been built during the time of the Dogra dynasty. However, the fort is rumored to have existed since time immemorial. Bhimgarh Fort is significant from cultural and historical perspectives, especially relating to the Jammu district. 

Initially, a mud-and-clay construction, the fort was reconstructed during the reign of Maharaja Rishipal Rana, the founder of the Raesi district. It was at this time, around the 7th century, that it became a mighty stone structure standing tall today. The state of Bhimgarh is believed to have been established by Raja Bhim Dev as far back as the 8th century, and thus, Bhimgarh Fort is one of the oldest forts,a during its long history, has witnessed many an era and left behind testimonies of the region's rich past.

In the year 1817, the Dogra Maharaja Gulab Singh only renovated the fort, and the entire work took him about 30 years to complete. When this huge work was finally completed, the fort had an enormous entry gate and another stone wall to enhance its defenses from outside attacks. The stone wall is almost about 50 meters long and is, therefore, one of the leading features of the fort that can be easily appreciated today. 

Different states and kingdoms of the country influenced building this fort. For instance, intricate Rajasthani carvings decorate the main entry gate fully made from Baluka stones to withstand all sorts of assaults, even from weaponry. The loopholes on the front wall reveal that the builders of this fort were serious about defense; these were designed in such a way that skilled archers could shoot arrows from there during an attack. In addition, the entrance also features two idols of Lord Hanuman and Goddess Mahakali.

Beyond the constructional and architectural brilliance, this fort served Zorawar Singh, the most renowned Sikh general, as a launching base for many of his strategies. As the commandant of Bhimgarh Fort, a subordinate of Raja Gulab Singh, he played a crucial leadership role in liberating glorious Kashmir from the Afghans and Tibetans. 

Cultural Significance:-

1. Symbol of Dogra Heritage: The fort is an integral part of the Dogra cultural and architectural heritage, which was originally built out of clay, with Maharaja Gulab Singh, the founder of the Dogra dynasty, later transforming it into a stone castle.

2. Strategic and Historical Importance: Bhimgarh Fort served as a fortification to guard the region against invasions. Because of its location on a hill, it was of strategic advantage, thereby a significant military base.

3. Religious and Mythological Connection: The fort is named after Bhima, one of the Pandavas from the great Indian epic, Mahabharata, making it a structure steeply embedded in Hindu mythology and thus attributing it further cultural and spiritual value.

4. Architectural Masterpiece: A syncretism of Dogra and Rajput architectural styles, the fort is an important heritage site. It contains a temple, a pond, and a palace that mirror the splendid artistic and structural characteristics of that period.

5. Tourism and Cultural Revival: Today Bhimgarh Fort is a popular tourist spot that helps project the cultural heritage of the Jammu region and bring into practice its revival and restoration which continues to hold great significance due to its expressions in the cultural identity of the region.

The fort stands in dilapidation of its structures but still retains certain historical importance. It has suffered from natural suppression and erosion over the years, which calls for renovation and care in some areas. Given the necessary facilities by the government for the potential visitors, honor the fort with a consideration to become the most promising tourist attraction of the Reasi district. Without such a noble approach, this fort as a historical monument may fail to draw visitors. Hence on its revival, Bheemgarh Fort would be going to become not just a bittersweet tale of the region's antiquity but also be a step toward affording cultural pride and heritage to the local people. 

(Vivek Koul)