Lohgarh Zone
The description of Lohgarh zone as a network of forts spread at short distances across several districts in present-day Haryana, Punjab, and Himachal Pradesh sheds light on the extensive and strategic nature of Sikh fortifications in the region. Spanning approximately 3000 square miles(Lohgarh zone is six times the present Delhi state.), the Lohgarh zone, which included regions in the present District of Karnal, Kurukshetra, Yamunanagar, Ambala, Kaithal, Panchkula, Chandigarh, Patiala, and Sirmaur districts, emerged as the focal point of Sikh resistance and fortifications during the conflicts with the Mughal forces between 1710 AD and 1716 AD. They were also called the advanced 52 forts of Lohgarh(William Irvin, Later Mughals, page 310).
The geographical expanse of the Lohgarh zone, spanning various administrative regions such as sarkar Sirhind, sarkar Delhi, and the quasi-independent Sirmaur Hill state, highlights the complexity of the conflicts between the Sikhs and Mughals in that period. The strategic placement of forts and defensive structures across this vast region underscores the meticulous planning and military acumen of the Sikhs in resisting Mughal incursions and asserting their sovereignty.
The reference to the epicentre of Sikh fortifications extending from Attock to Bareilly in the Indian subcontinent further emphasises the scale and intensity of the war between the Sikhs and Mughals during that turbulent period. Based on historical records, the author’s depiction of the Lohgarh zone underscores the importance of understanding these fortifications’ geographical context and strategic significance in shaping the course of Sikh-Mughal conflicts.
By highlighting the geographical vastness and strategic depth of the Lohgarh zone, the author provides valuable insights into the scale of the battles and the resilience of the Sikh forces in defending their territory and upholding their beliefs against the might of the Mughal empire.
Geographical Outline of Sikh Fortifications
Akbharat-i-Darbar-i-Mu’alla indicates that General Banda Singh Bahadar’s attack on the Mughals extended over Attock-Jalandhar Doab (Jammu) to Nepal and Bareilly(Muzaffar Alam, The Crisis of Empire in Mughal North India Awadh and the Punjab, 1707-48 AD, page 169). Even today, the ruins of forts can be found across 600 kilometres from Attock to Garhwal in the Shivalik Hills. The Shivalik Hills were previously known as ‘Manak Parbat”, with the term “Manak” linked to the Banjara Sikhs. Following encounters with Guru Nanak patshah, several villages named Manakpur were established from Attock to Bareilly. At the epicentre of this area lies Lohgarh, where remnants of these forts can still be seen. The Shivalik Hills, the Sub-Himalayas, are a mountain range situated at the foot of the Himalayas in northern India and eastern Pakistan. These hills are a natural boundary between the Indus-Gangetic Plains and the Himalayan region. The geography of the Shivalik Hills is characterised by a diverse terrain, unique flora, and fauna that collectively contribute to the region’s ecological richness and scenic beauty. The Shivalik Hills exhibit a diverse topography, encompassing sloping landscapes with varying inclines – from gentle gradients in certain areas to steeper declivities in others. This heterogeneous terrain is complemented by fertile soil, which originates from the weathering of the Himalayan rocks. This rich and nourishing soil fosters a wide array of vegetation, enabling agricultural activities to thrive in the region.
The hills are also characterised by an extensive network of Rivers and streams originating from the higher Himalayan ranges and flowing through the Shivalik Hills before merging with the Indo-Gangetic plains. These water bodies play a significant role in the region’s hydrography and contribute to creating and sustaining diverse aquatic ecosystems.
The Shivalik Hills boast a rich and diverse flora, combining deciduous and evergreen forests, grasslands, and scrublands. Some common tree species found in the region include mango, dates, sal, teak, oak, pine, and various species of bamboo. The hills also support a variety of medicinal plants, orchids, and other floral species that contribute to the region’s ecological importance.
Furthermore, the Shivalik Hills serve as a habitat for many mammalian species. Among these are the majestic tiger, the elusive Tiger, the Indian leopard, the agile Indian wolf, the Himalayan black bear, and the Indian giant squirrel. Additionally, the region supports various species of deer, such as the sambar, chital, and barking deer, contributing to the region’s thriving wildlife population.
Network of Forts
The Lohgarh fortifications comprised a vast network of forts that worked together to create a formidable defence system. This interconnected network allowed the defenders to coordinate their efforts and respond to potential threats efficiently. This strategic location boasts 52 well-placed advanced forts designed to protect the main fortification from potential threats. Based on historical documents, archaeological surveys, and architectural studies, it has been discovered that these 52 forts existed in the present districts of Karnal, Kaithal, Kurukshetra, Ambala, Yamunanagar, and Panchkula of the Haryana state, and their ruins are still present. (Survey by Lohgarh research and survey team.).
These forts were strategically positioned to offer a clear line of sight for monitoring the various approach routes leading to the main Lohgarh fort. By doing so, they made it extremely difficult for any enemy to launch a surprise attack on the fort, as they would be easily detected and countered. This intricate layout of the Lohgarh fort demonstrates the meticulous planning and thought that went into its construction and defence. The forts were constructed using various materials, including brick, stone, and mud, and were designed to withstand attacks even by gunpowder. The architectural features of these forts reveal the advanced engineering techniques employed by the Banjara Sikhs, including the construction of moats and bastions to protect against cannon fire and the use of hidden underground passages to facilitate communication and the movement of troops. These forts were equipped for gunpowder usage. Three parapets was built on the inner side of the fort, allowing Sikh soldiers to utilise three muskets simultaneously. On the outside of the bastion, the three parapets converge into a single long line measuring 1.5 metres in length and 4 inches in width. This design enables Sikh soldiers to have a clear view of the Mughal army while also protecting them from Mughal gunfire. The Khalsa forts ranged in size from 2 acres to 5 acres, with consistent architectural designs observed from Attock to Bareilly.
Lohgarh fortifications, with their extensive network of forts and guerrilla warfare strategy, were developed as a robust defence and offence system. This unique approach allowed the Sikh forces to maintain control over the region and effectively counter any potential threats, showcasing their ingenuity and adaptability in warfare.
According to Mohammed Qasim Aurangabadi (November 1710 AD), the Lohgarh fort was spread over 16-17 hills, and it was really difficult to climb them. The Sikhs had also established bastions in five to seven kilometres. (Muhammad Qasim Aurangabadi (Ahwal-ul-Khawakin, page 67) wrote in November 1710 AD that it was very difficult to climb the hills of Lohgarh fort. Around it one-and-a-half to two kos (five to seven kilometres) was barricaded. According to him, the Lohgarh fort was surrounded by 16-17 hills (pages 68-69). Edited by Balwant Singh Dhillon). Around the Lohgarh fort, deep forests spread from Lohgarh village to Kalesar and Sukron, and even today (in 2023), some ferocious animals dwell there. This region is known as Dabar Hills. If this is the state of affairs today, how could the Mughal army capture the fort in just one-and-a-half days? At that time, the forest cover and wildlife around the fort must be denser, looking at what exists even today. However, the Sikh army had developed tactical and strategic capabilities to navigate the forest cover and overcome challenges presented by wild animals in the area. Trained Sikh soldiers, specialised equipment, and effective planning and coordination were the reasons behind the success of Banda Singh Bahadar. In 1716 AD, after his martyrdom, the fort was partially or fully abandoned or compromised from within, making it easier for the Mughal army to conquer it.
Lohgarh fort was not small, built only on one or two hills. It was a vast fortification that spanned over 7,000 acres of land, including dozens of hills (Research report, prepared by Indian Trust, for Rural Heritage and Development, New Delhi, (2016), page 8). Lohgarh fort, historically significant, is not a single, large fortification but rather a cluster of smaller forts spread over a vast area. This strategic layout provided enhanced defence capabilities and played a crucial role in the region’s military history. The distributed nature of these fortifications allowed for better control and management of the surrounding territory, ensuring that if one section were compromised, the others could still stand and provide a defensive advantage. This network of forts exemplifies the strategic military architecture of the time, emphasising adaptability and resilience. The fort was strategically located on the Shivalik ranges and considered virtually impregnable due to its location and architecture. The fort was built to withstand attacks from various directions, and its extensive network of walls, bastions, and gates provided a formidable defence against any invading army. In Dabar Hill, no hilltop or strategic location that could potentially aid in the defence of the Sikh kingdom was overlooked when it came to fortifications. The terrain’s various vantage points were meticulously utilised to ensure robust fortifications, with well-equipped and garrisoned structures being established. These fortifications effectively blocked all open approaches, rendering them inaccessible to potential threats.
In addition to its military significance, the Lohgarh fort was also a centre of Sikh religious activity, and the complex included several other monuments. The sheer size and complexity of the fort make it a fascinating historical monument and a testament to the architectural and engineering skills of the Sikh builders who constructed it. That is why the Lohgarh fort is the biggest in the world!
It sprawls in an almost 50-kilometre radius and lies between the district of Sirmaur (once a princely state) in Himachal Pradesh and the district of Yamunanagar in present-day Haryana. The area of fort Lohgarh includes villages named Lohgarh, Haripur, Jhil Bankebara, Mehtawala, Jamuni, Kolar, and Dhaula Kaun(One Dhaula Kaun, located in Delhi, was once owned by Bhai Lakhi Shah Banjara. Another such place exists behind Lohgarh fort in Himachal Pradesh )in present-day Himachal Pradesh, named Shergarh, Manakpur, Bhagwanpur, Nagli, and Mohidinpur Palhori in Haryana. It all was once a part of Lohgarh’s fortifications. Moreover, the strategic placement of forts was crucial in controlling the region’s passes and essential roads. The Shivalik Hills were effectively fortified by positioning these defensive strongholds at critical points, providing a formidable barrier to any potential invaders attempting to infiltrate or traverse the area.
Expanding from Thaska to Tevar and coursing through Milkara to Taharpur, Darpur and Chulkana, and expanding to the forests of Kalesar, it is about 40 kilometres long and 10-15 kilometres wide. The fortifications also included the area near Kala Amb to Raipur Rani, Toka, Pinjore, Bhawana, Bhoj Raj and Nada Chowki. Sikh fortifications stretching from Lohgarh to Raipur Rani, and further to Manakpur Tabra, Kot Billa, Jaisinghpura, Ramgarh, Nada sahib, Mani Majra, Burail, Manakpur Sharif, Siswan, Akalgarh Burj, Labangarh, Gobingarh, Tanda, Mumtazgarh, Bharatgarh, and Kiratpur were established by Sikhs. Banda Singh Bahadar and Sikh forces utilised these fortifications in their resistance against the Mughal forces. Several archaeological remains of the fortifications can be traced here. Lohgarh zone had dense forests, and wild animals, like tigers, used to exist here in large numbers. There are also the forest reserves of Kalesar, Sukron and Lohgarh, where wild beasts can still be found. The Lohgarh fort is 20 kilometres from all three places – Nahan, Paonta and Sadhaura. (Maps given in last section on website ). The extensive process of fortifications in the Shivalik Hills spanned over approximately two centuries, involving significant historical figures such as Guru Nanak patshah and Guru Gobind Singh patshah. The growth of the Sikh population in the region was substantial during this time, leading to the establishment of numerous settlements. These settlements not only played a crucial role in supporting and enhancing the Sikh fortifications but also served as a foundation for developing a strong Sikh military force. The combined efforts of the Sikhs in fortifying the landscape and nurturing a robust defence system contributed significantly to the security and prosperity of the Sikh kingdom in the Shivalik Hills.