‘While roaming at wrecked lobbies of Miri fortress, Quetta, someone
barely ponder that if earlier rulers did not construct mammoth strong fortresses
then any available footprints and reminiscence from history must also wiped out
by unkind invaders or by natures’ gushes.
‘The word “Mir” is still used to describe the chief or ruler at Baluchistan so like “miri fort” was an address of several chiefs of KOTA (old name of Quetta) and took the name. Like any fort, Miri fort is also constructed at mounted place and it just appeared to be clay heap from seeing at distance. It has wide and spacious staircases, airy lobbies, underground jails, barren wells and karez in whispering tunnels. Anyone can discover signs of ditches around the fort to guard it from invaders. The city of Quetta was just walled town inside the fort at one time like any other ancient city as Lahore and Delhi were also walled cities till 18th century.
I just stopped by silent Hindu temple inside the Miri fort which was constructed by an outworker Baboo Raam in 1940 and a Hindu saint Sid Paani Nath resided here. The saint was believed to control the flow of water that’s why he grabbed the title of Paani Nath. Eye catching pictures at ceiling and at walls of temple give you an idea about Hindu existence and their rituals around fort till 18th century.
Here are few glimpses of my visit to MIRI FORT QUETTA
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When my uncle invited us at Quetta (the provincial capital of
Balochistan province, Pakistan) in summer vacations then my both working
parents hardly could grab 3 holidays attached with one public holiday. The only
tourist places which hit my mind were “Ziyarat” and “Hanna Lake” to explore at
the city at that time. I didn’t have an idea that “Miri fort” is going to be my
best discovery at Quetta which still stands with all grandiloquence at city
even after, when on one black day in 1935, the whole city vanished to rocks
after an earthquake.
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| miri fort, Quetta, Baluchistan |
After landing on Quetta airport at 18th June, 2019,
the cooler breeze welcomed us which real cherished our moods at arriving from
blazing heat of Lahore. As time was short, so our uncle arranged our trip to
“miri fort” on the same day,’ Hania narrated her travel story excitedly.
NAME OF MIRI FORT,Quetta
‘The word “Mir” is still used to describe the chief or ruler at Baluchistan so like “miri fort” was an address of several chiefs of KOTA (old name of Quetta) and took the name. Like any fort, Miri fort is also constructed at mounted place and it just appeared to be clay heap from seeing at distance. It has wide and spacious staircases, airy lobbies, underground jails, barren wells and karez in whispering tunnels. Anyone can discover signs of ditches around the fort to guard it from invaders. The city of Quetta was just walled town inside the fort at one time like any other ancient city as Lahore and Delhi were also walled cities till 18th century.
The “Miri fort” was built to this octagonal figure in 1883
according to available history but natives described the history of fort back
to Alexander. The footprints of Ghaznvaid rulers’ at 11th century
and Safvaid rulers in early 18th century can also be found at Miri
fort.
Ah…the cruel history…how the skies of time disappear to ruins
of soil. This reminded me the famous piece of poetry;
RANG BADALTA HAI AASMAN KESAY KESAY
ZAMEEN KHA GAI AASMAN KESAY KESAY
Quetta grabbed strategic position at British rule when British
built Quetta as garrison and used the Miri fort as arsenal. Like Lahore and
Delhi, these were British who extended the city outside walls of fort.
HINDU TEMPLE AT MIRI FORT, QUETTA
I just stopped by silent Hindu temple inside the Miri fort which was constructed by an outworker Baboo Raam in 1940 and a Hindu saint Sid Paani Nath resided here. The saint was believed to control the flow of water that’s why he grabbed the title of Paani Nath. Eye catching pictures at ceiling and at walls of temple give you an idea about Hindu existence and their rituals around fort till 18th century.
MUSEUM AT MIRI FORT QUETTA
There is a museum inside broad territory of Miri fort which
more than history has showcased the different cultures and folks of other
provinces of Pakistan which bound you with love and care. Though belonged to
Punjab, the Sindhi culture always inspired me specially its folk music. A part
of fort is being used as an arsenal by PAK ARMY, now days. We also had pictures
with army helicopters and tanks. It was long day trip. We covered almost all
areas of fort and had lot of pictures to fix the memories for long. Temperate beautiful sun was downing behind
the mountains and the air was being chillier. We were slightly shivering in
lawn dresses. My dad was complaining to my uncle for not telling us to bring
shawls with us.
‘It’s ok. Quetta is famous for its handmade warm shawls. We’ll
buy them tomorrow,’ mom answered relaxed.
‘But you promised only to buy dry fruits from Quetta nothing
else,’ Dad gazed…mom and dad were arguing sweet while leaving the fort when a
girl of my age wearing long loose frock with long duppatta waved at me. She was
also there with her family and we had eye connection many times as she seemed
to say
HAPPY VACATIONS
VISIT HERE AGAIN’
Here are few glimpses of my visit to MIRI FORT QUETTA
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| HINDU TEMPLE, MIRI FORT QUETTA |
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| INSIDE MUSEUM OF MIRI FORT |
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| Museum at MIRI FORT |
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| SUN SET POINT,QUETTA |
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