The Rohtas Fort, one of many largest forts in South Asia, must be promoted globally to strengthen the heritage tourism trade.
“Being a World Heritage website and majestic army structure, it deserves to be launched to the outer world,” mentioned Muhammad Hassan, Director on the Directorate of Archaeology & Tourism Division, Punjab, whereas speaking to WealthPK.
Highlighting the historic worth of Rohtas Fort, he mentioned it was one of many largest forts in South Asia, overlaying an space of about 175 acres and 4 kilometres in circumference.
He additionally shared the small print in regards to the progressive preservation and conservation works carried out on the fort (additionally proven within the following desk) since 2013.
Discussing the historic background of Rohtas Fort with WealthPK, Deputy Director of Archaeology and Museums, Islamabad, Dr Mahmood-ul-Hassan mentioned that Rohtas Fort was the monument of the 16th century. He mentioned Sher Shah Suri had constructed it to defend the northern boundaries of his empire from each overseas and native invaders. “This fort is situated within the space that connects Afghanistan and Central Asia. So, common armed forces had been deployed there to keep away from revolt and tumult. The identical standing of this fort continued within the Mughal period as nicely. Within the British period, it virtually remained deserted however was partially used for army functions.
After the partition, it was protected below the Historical Monument Preservation Act, 1975 (now Antiquities Modification Act, 2012),” he defined.
Mahmood additional shared that in 1997, UNESCO had inscribed the fort on the listing of World Heritage websites. He added afterwards, its conservation and preservation started, although no monetary help was given by UNESCO besides some pointers.
He mentioned that below the 18th Constitutional Modification, the Rohtas Fort grew to become the duty of the Punjab authorities’s tourism, archaeology and museums division. He mentioned entry to the fort was now simple because of higher communication infrastructure. He mentioned there was an workplace on the fort for conservation engineers and a small museum, the place some swords from the Mughal interval and some different artifacts had been stored.
Mahmood mentioned the Rohtas village residents had been the descendants of the guards, who may need been appointed within the Mughal period. “With the passage of time, although the inhabitants of the village has elevated, the individuals have been stored at a good distance from the fort to keep up its grandeur,” he mentioned.
Mahmood mentioned Chinese language examples of selling the heritage websites may very well be adopted to make this website a centre of attraction for guests, together with foreigners.
Speaking to WealthPK, Naveed Anjum, supervisor of Tourism Growth Company Punjab (TDCP), mentioned that Rohtas Fort was a preferred vacationer spot amongst each native and overseas vacationers. “Many of the vacationer movement happens on weekends, however overseas vacationers additionally go to it on weekdays.”
He shared that TDCP, in coordination with the archaeology and tourism division of the province, was selling this heritage asset. He additionally mentioned guides from the archaeology division had been all the time there to share the small print of the heritage website with the guests. Nevertheless, he mentioned that guides from TDCP must also be skilled to advertise the historic background of the positioning.