Forgotten sentinel: Solasingi’s stone walls still speak of kings & conquests

Perched atop Solasingi Dhaar, the highest mountain range in Una district, lie the dilapidated ruins of an ancient fortress, reminiscent of the culture, the rivalries and conflicts between the erstwhile rulers of the neighbouring princely states besides invasions from foreign soil. Now part of the Kutlehar Assembly segment, the fortress has long been neglected, awaiting attention, restoration and recognition from the outside world.

Historical evidence

Known as the Solasingi Fort, this site is renowned for its historical and strategic significance. It is believed to have been constructed between 1100 and 1300 CE by the Katochs, who ruled over regions now spanning Kangra, Una and Hamirpur districts in Himachal Pradesh and parts of northeastern Punjab. Though largely in ruins, the remnants offer a glimpse into the civil craftsmanship, artistry and culture of that era.

According to historical accounts, “Trigartha”, meaning the land between three rivers in Sanskrit, was the kingdom of the Katoch rulers and their influence extended from the Sutlej in the east to the Ravi in the west, with the Beas flowing through the middle. The first ruler of Trigartha is often identified as Rajanaka Bhumi Chand, believed to have founded the dynasty around 4300 BCE, though the official Kangra district website names Susharma Chandra, who is mentioned in the Mahabharata as a supporter of the Kauravas, as the dynasty’s founder.

History suggest that the capital of “Trigartha” was initially located at Rajpura. Later, the Katoch rulers shifted their military headquarters into the Kangra fort, while other fortresses like the one on Solasingi Dhaar served as military garrisons, strategically built to keep a vigil and to protect the kingdom from invasion by enemies.

Historical records suggest that the Katoch kingdom faced invasions by the Mughals under Muhammad Ghaznavi and Firoz Shah Tughlaq, during which the Solasingi Fort likely played a strategic role. The fort was reportedly renovated in 1809 by Maharaja Ranjit Singh during a brief annexation under the Sikh Empire.

A panoramic view

Located in Dolu village, which is currently uninhabited, the fortress can be accessed via a 2-km uphill trek from the last inhabited village, Banal, through rugged stone terrain. Upon reaching the site, visitors encounter the fading grandeur of what was once a vibrant military stronghold. The outer structure comprises stone walls bound with a mix of clay and limestone, nearly a metre thick. Inside, a network of narrow alleys, doorways and lookout points can still be seen.

Within the inner courtyard lies a now-dry well and large stone-lined tanks, likely used for water storage. Despite being partially overtaken by wild vegetation, these features highlight the sophisticated design and self-sustaining infrastructure of the time.

Situated at 1,162 metres above sea level, the fort offers a panoramic view of the villages below, including the Bangana Sub-Divisional headquarters located at an elevation of 690 metres. However, the site is sparsely visited by tourists or adventure enthusiasts, while piles of empty bottles and plastic wrappers within the fortress ruins suggest that locals at times drop by to drink and be merry.

Neglect & missed opportunities

District Art, Language and Culture Officer Niku Ram said as per his knowledge, no financial assistance has been received from the government for a partial or complete restoration of the Solasingi Fort, nor the department has submitted any such project report so far. However, information gathered from the Block Development office revealed that some funds were allocated a few years ago for the construction of a stone pathway leading to the fort and repairs to a portion of the inner courtyard. A proposal to install solar lighting in the complex was also floated but did not materialise.

The Kutlehar Tourism Development Society, chaired by the DC, was constituted nearly six years ago with the aim of promoting the Kutlehar Assembly segment as a tourist destination. The plan included initiatives like paragliding, trekking and water sports, with Solasingi Fort envisioned as a key point in the circuit.

While some efforts have been made to initiate paragliding in Garvhasada village and water sports in the Gobind Sagar reservoir near Bhakra Dam, trekking routes and creating rest points leading to the Solasingi fort have remained oblivious. There have also been no efforts to open the historical fort to the world, which still preserves the heritage, lifestyle, history, art and culture of the area.