Transportation a bane of tourists at Kangra Fort

Ashok Raina

Kangra Fort, famous for its history and witness to many invasions, is situated on a hilltop near the confluence of Manjhi and Banganga rivers in Old Kangra. 

Its walls have become a major attraction for national and international tourists.

Kangra has always been the centre of cultural and archaeological importance and Kangra Fort has been one of the largest and oldest forts in Northern India. The number of tourists at the fort has touched 1,80,021 in 2017-18 against 96,846 in 2013-14. 

Dr Vijay K Bodh, Assistant Archaeologist, said Kangra Fort had been built by Susarma Chandra after Mahabharata ended. However, the Jain and Brahminical temples and the Darshani Darwaza situated within the confines of the fortress confirm that it was built not later than the 9th-10th Century AD. He said the Kangra Fort was invaded by Mahmud of Ghazni in 1009 AD.

Sansar Chandra sacrificed his stronghold and the Kangra Fort was occupied by the Sikhs, who held it for nearly 37 years until the British Government took over in 1846. The fort was damaged in an earthquake on April 4, 1905. The main fortress, temples and the walls are being looked after by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) since 1909.

Dr Bodh said the ASI undertook the task of restoring the fort complex and maintaining its structure for the generations to come. He said sculptures and remnants of temples had been collected.

Now, an archaeological site museum has been set up in the fort to preserve and display the rich history of Kangra. The intricate details carved into sculptures, artifacts, idols, coins, stone tools, miniature paintings and pillars display the richness of ancient art. This is to encourage academic dialogue and research in re-tracing the history of Kangra.

It depicts a collection of pre-historic stone tools, ancient sculptures, historic rock inscriptions, coins from the bygone era.

A large number of tourists enjoy the scenic beauty of the area. Subarna, an architect from Mumbai, said: “It is important to preserve India’s cultural heritage. A lot needs to be done to restore it.” Blinav from Delhi said it was a great experience to be close to Kangra Fort and learn about its history.

C Sekar Salem from Tamil Nadu said the transport facilities from the Kangra bus stand to the fort was poor and the state government must do something about it if it wanted tourism to grow in the state.

Tulika Saikia, an architect from Assam, said artifacts were good but the learning could have been better with description under each artifact. Chi Yong from China said the place was magnificent, as it had cultural heritage. Mustafa Cocia from the US said: “The rich history of Kangra is amazing.”  Aleksaiolr and Yulia S Maria from Russia termed it a romantic experience.

Akash Pali and Shanta Plai from Mumbai said the fort could be maintained on the pattern of Delhi’s Red Fort. They suggested that security guards should be stationed at the fort to avoid any mishap and descriptions on all four gates should be given.

Tourists suggested that electrical vehicles could be plied between Kangra bus stand and the fort, as there were no regular means of transport. They said they have to use three-wheelers, which is not only risky, but costly as well. A senior officer of the Tourism Department said electrical vehicle was a good suggestion, but it was up to the state government to introduce it.