From neglect to revival: Loharu Fort to be developed as tourist destination

The historic Loharu Fort in Bhiwani district, famously linked with Urdu poet Mirza Ghalib, is being restored to its past glory under a Rs 5-crore conservation plan.

Declared a protected monument in 2021, the 16th-century fort had long suffered neglect. Now, the state government has initiated a year-long restoration project that will conserve the structure and develop it as a heritage tourism destination.

“The fort is being developed as a historical tourist spot. About Rs 5 crore will be spent on conservation, landscaping, illumination and civic amenities. The work is being carried out in phases and will be completed within a year,” Banani Bhattacharya, Deputy Director, State Archaeology Department told 'The Tribune'. She added that the Haryana State Industrial and Infrastructure Development Corporation is executing the work, with some financial support from the Centre.

Confirming the move, Bhiwani-Mahendragarh MP Dharambir Singh said the foundation stone was laid today along with restoration works of other historical sites in the state.

Spread over eight acres, Loharu Fort was originally built in 1570 by Thakur Arjun Singh as a kuccha mud structure. After passing through Alwar’s control, it became part of the Ferozpur Jhirka state. Nawab Ahmad Bakhsh Khan rebuilt it in 1803 in pucca form, blending Rajput, Mughal and British styles.

The fort is popularly remembered as the sasural of Mirza Ghalib, who married Umrao Begum, daughter of Mirza Ilahi Bakhsh Khan, younger brother of Nawab Ahmad Bakhsh Khan, in 1810. Author and traveller Saif Mahmood once described Loharu Fort as “an important centre of Urdu literary and cultural heritage, later left in ruins.” He lamented that it had turned into a “haunted place where addicted persons found a safe shelter.”

With the restoration now underway, officials hope to revive its historic significance and cultural aura for future generations.