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| Red Fort Muzaffarabad (Ratta Qila) |
The historical Red Fort is also known as the Muzaffarabad Fort or Ratta Qila. It is Located in Muzaffarabad. It was built by the Chak rulers of Kashmir. It is given this name because of its crimson bricks. Historians say that the fort was built when the Chak rulers realized there was a possible threat to their city from the Mughal rulers.
An appropriate location was chosen for building the fort; so it was built on a big rock which was surrounded by a U-shaped curve of the River Neelum. It flows on the eastern, northern and western sides of the rock. Its construction was started in 1559. It was finally completed and reconstructed by Sultan Muzaffar khan during 1646 AD. The Sultan Muzaffar khan is the founder of Muzaffarabad city.
When the Mughals overtook Kashmir, this fort lost its importance. Mughals were more interested in Kabul, Bokhara and Badakhshan. During Durrani rule, the fort became important again. Maharaja Gulab Singh and Ranbir Singh, the Dogra rulers, reconstructed and extended the fort for political and military operations. Towards the end of 1947, the Dogra forces fled away leaving the fort open to anybody.
Great experts in design and structure participated in Red Fort construction. The material used in its structure, during its building and multiple repairs, tells its own tales. Ranging from rounded stones, red brick masonry and lime and clay all show the architectural development through the ages. Despite the massive damage during the 2005
Earthquake, the fort still stands with all its inherent glory, grandeur and history. Its state, however, paints a gloomy picture of neglect. It seems the fort has become a shelter for dogs and other animals because its entrances and exits have been badly damaged.
Although the government has apparently employed staff for facilitating tourism and protecting the fort, but more needs to be done for its restoration.
