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Rawat Fort is located 17 km east of Rawalpindi, on the Grand Trunk (G.T)
Road leading to Lahore. The fort was built by Gakkhars, a fiercely
independent tribe of the Potohar Plateau, in early 16th century. The grave
of a Gakkhar Chief, Sultan Sarang Khan is located inside the fort. He died
in 1546 AD fighting against the forces of Sher Shah Suri. Rawat is a
corruption of the Arabic word “Rabat” meaning Serai. The Fort is oblong in
plan, measuring 306 feet 9 inches east-west and 348 feet 9 inches
north-south with semi circular bastions on the four corners and also on
either side of the two gates located on east and north. On the western
side of the fort, is located a mosque. The main gate is on the east.
Flanking the gates and the mosque along the fortification are small cells
each measuring 6 feet 9 inches. Originally, there were as many as 76
cells. In the northwest corner is located a massive tomb. The enclosure
wall is crowned with merlons created it the form of pointed arch. The
entire construction is in course rubble of sandstones with a sprinkling of
brunt bricks. The surface of the mosque, tomb and the gateways was
originally treated with lime-surkhi plaster in glaze, only traces of which
exist now. The bricks have been used in arches, domes and stringcourses,
which also serve as ornamental element.
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