ChloeBrogan at 05:33, 18 November 2025

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{{Short description|Fort in Jammu, India}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=March 2018}}
{{Use Indian English|date=March 2018}}
{{Infobox military installation
|name = Bahu Fort
|partof = [[Forts in India]]
|location = [[Jammu]], [[Jammu and Kashmir (union territory)|J&K]], India
|image = [[File:Bahu Fort, Jammu, India.jpg|250px]]
|caption = '''Bahu Fort'''
|map_type = India Jammu and Kashmir#India
|map_size = 300
|map_caption = Fort in [[Jammu]], [[Jammu and Kashmir (union territory)|J&K]], India
|type = [[Fort]] & [[Temple]]
|coordinates = {{coord|32.7261|74.8803|type:landmark|display=inline}}
|code =
|built =
|builder = Maharaja of Parmar Rajputs, and repaired by [[Jambu Lochan|Bahu Lochan]].
|materials = [[Sandstone]] [[rock (geology)|Stones]]
|height =
|used =
|demolished =
|condition = Good
|open_to_public = Yes
|controlledby = [[Government of Jammu and Kashmir|J&K Government]]
|garrison =
|current_commander =
|commanders =
|occupants = Temple
|battles =
|events =
|image2 =
|caption2 =
}}
The '''Bahu Fort''' is a historic [[fort]] in the city of [[Jammu]], the [[winter capital]] of the Indian [[union territory]] of [[Jammu and Kashmir (union territory)|Jammu and Kashmir]].

Maharaja of [[Parmar (Rajput clan)|Parmar]] [[Rajput|Rajputs]] constructed the ancient fort on the banks on [[Tawi River]], is believed to have been repaired by Bahu Lochan - brother of the traditional founder of Jammu, [[Jambu Lochan]]. It is believed that the first renovation of this fort was undertaken during [[Dogra dynasty|Dogra Rule]] in 18th century.<ref name=Bahu>{{Cite web|url=http://jammukashmir.nic.in/tourism/jammu/bahufrt.htm|title=Bahu Fort/Temple|access-date=2010-04-07|publisher=National Informatics centre|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20020621105716/http://jammukashmir.nic.in/tourism/jammu/bahufrt.htm|archive-date=21 June 2002|url-status=dead}}</ref> The fort is a religious place, and within its precincts has a temple dedicated to the [[Hinduism|Hindu]] [[goddess]] [[Kali]]. The temple is known locally as the "''Bawe Wali Mata temple''".<ref name=Bahu/><ref name= Jeratha>{{Cite book|last= Jeratha|first= Aśoka|title= Forts and palaces of the Western Himalaya|pages=59–65|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=l2oZiyOqReoC&q=Bahu+fort&pg=PA59|publisher= Indus Publishing|year=2000|isbn= 81-7387-104-3}}</ref>

==Legend==
The building of the city of Jammu and the Bahu Fort <ref>{{Cite web|last=Adnan|first=Ahazz|date=2020-09-04|title=Stunning Bahu Fort [ Exciting Place To Visit Now In 2020]|url=https://www.forttrek.com/bahu-fort-complete-travel-guide/|access-date=2020-10-13|website=Fort Trek|language=en}}</ref> are linked to a legend. Raja [[Jambu Lochan]], when on a hunting trip, witnessed a curious scene of a tiger and a goat drinking water side by side at the same location in the Tawi River, without the tiger attacking. The Raja considered this a divine direction to establish his new capital here, as the scene he witnessed at this site represented peaceful coexistence. His brother, Bahu Lochan, is credited with building the fort.<ref name= Jeratha/><ref name=Silas>{{Cite book|last=Silas|first=Sandeep|title= Discover India by Rail|page=47|access-date=2010-04-07|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=gL7pGaL3vooC&q=Bahu+Fort&pg=PT157|publisher= Sterling Publishers Pvt. Ltd|year=2005|isbn=81-207-2939-0}}</ref>

==Topography==
The fort is located on a high plateau land overlooking the [[Tawi River]] on its rocky left bank with an average elevation of 325m. The forest area that surrounds the fort has been developed into a well laid out park called the "Bagh-e-Bahu", from where a commanding view of the city of Jammu could be seen. The garden attracts a large number of visitors.<ref name=Bahu/>

The fort, the temple, and the Bagh-e-Bahu garden are located {{convert|5|km|mi}} from the Jammu city centre.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://jammukashmir.nic.in/tourism/jammu/bahufrt.htm |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20020621105716/http://jammukashmir.nic.in/tourism/jammu/bahufrt.htm |url-status=dead |archive-date=2002-06-21 |title=The Official Website of Jammu & Kashmir Government, India |date=2002-06-21 |access-date=2019-07-26}}</ref> The city road to Surinsar was widened for providing approach to an Oil drilling exploration project. However, this project was shelved and consequently the widened new road provided better access to the fort and the temple, and the number of visitors to these places has since increased.<ref name="Travel, p.17">{{Cite book|title=Travel in Jammu and Kashmir|publisher=Pustak Sansar|location=Jammu|year=2007}}</ref>

==History==
[[File:National Museum in Delhi 18 - map of the city of Jammu (42236738694).jpg|thumb|left|Map of the city of [[Jammu]] in 1890]]
The earliest historical recorded link to the fort is that of Raja [[Jambu Lochan]] and his brother Bahu Lochan, sons of a powerful ruler Agnigarbha II of the Jammu dynasty of [[Suryavansha|Suryavanshi]] kings. Bahu, the eldest of Agnigarbha's 18 sons, is credited with establishing the Jammu city and building the fort. The earlier fort structure was modified over the years to a stronger fortified structure. The present fort was rebuilt, probably at the same location as the ancient fort, by Autar Dev, the grandson of Kapoor Dev in 1585. Over the years the fort underwent demolitions and reconstructions from time to time, until during [[Sikh Empire]] the then new Governor/Raja of Jammu [[Gulab Singh of Jammu and Kashmir|Maharaja Gulab Singh]] reconstructed the present fort in the 19th century, which was further refurbished during the rule of [[Ranbir Singh (Maharaja)|Maharaja Ranbir Singh]]. They first established temples for their tutelary deities; the image of [[Mahakali]] deity in the temple in the fort was brought from [[Ayodhya]].<ref name= Jeratha/><ref name=Mittal>{{Cite book|last=Mittal|first=J.P.|title= History of Ancient India: From 4250 BC to 637 AD|pages=397–398|access-date=2010-04-07|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=rrh4tY3v2A4C&q=Bahu+Fort&pg=PA398|publisher= Atlantic Publishers & Distributors|year=2006|isbn=81-269-0616-2}}</ref>

== Bahu fort ==
The fort structure is located at an elevation of {{convert|325|m|feet}}, opposite,, to the old town of Jammu. The fortified structure has thick walls made of sandstones built with lime and brick mortar. It has eight octagonal towers or turrets connected by thick walls. The towers have enclosures to house guards. The main entry is fit to allow passage of elephants into the fort. A water tank with access for pilgrims to take bath is located on the left entry into the fort. This tank or pond is 6.1× in size and has a water depth of {{convert|4.6|m|ft}}. A pyramidal structure is on the right flank (with very thick walls to withstand any gun attack) of the fort was an ammunition store. An underground chamber here was used a prison. This chamber has a secret exit to escape from the fort in case of any emergencies. The first floor is lavishly built with arches and decorated with floral designs like a [[Baradari (building)|Baradari]] or a palace.<ref name= Jeratha/><ref name=Tawi>{{Cite web|url=http://www.ignca.nic.in/bangru05.htm|title=Ancient Temples of Jammu|access-date=2010-04-07|publisher=National Informatics Centre|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090410035245/http://ignca.nic.in/bangru05.htm|archive-date=10 April 2009|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref name=Gupta>{{Cite book|last=Gupta|author2=Anil K. Verma |author3=V. K. Gupta |title= Perspectives in Animal Ecology and Reproduction, Volume 2|page =202|access-date=2010-04-07|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=CbVtNswjNuAC&q=Bahu+Fort&pg=PA202|publisher= Daya Books|year= 2004|isbn=81-7035-322-X}}</ref>

To the right of the temple, there are a few halls which were used in the past as assembly halls and offices of the ''Quiledar'' (master of the fort). However, they are not maintained at all. The royal stables were also located within this fort. Substantial renovation and additions to attract visitors have been added during recent years.

;Mahakali temple
It is a renowned Shakti temple built within the fort during the 8th century. It has been built in white marble on a raised platform of {{convert|1.2|m|ft}} height. While it is claimed that it was built during 8th or 9th century, the temple as built looks modern. It is a small temple which can accommodate only a few worshippers at a time at the [[Mandapa]], outside the sanctum sanctorum. In the past, animal sacrifice was practiced at this temple, which has since been discontinued. Today, a priest performs a few rites uttering some religious incantations and sprinkles holy water over the animal (usually a sheep or goat) and then lets it go free. Other food offering made by devotees is a sweet dish called ''Kadah'' (pudding), after their wishes placed before the deity are fulfilled.<ref name="Travel, p.17"/><ref name=Sharma>{{Cite book|last=Sharma|first= Shiv Chander |title= Antiquities, history, culture, and shrines of Jammu|page =65|access-date=2010-04-07|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=uEtuAAAAMAAJ&q=Bahu+Fort|publisher= Vinod Publishers & Distributors|year=1997|isbn=81-85599-46-7}}</ref>

Another special feature seen in the temple precincts is the presence of a large group of [[Rhesus monkeys]], the largest such group in Jammu and Kashmir State. The monkeys are fed by devotees with sweets, gram etc.<ref name="Travel, p.17"/><ref name=Gupta/>

==Development works==
The fort, which is a heritage site declared by the state government, is proposed to be linked with a rope way running from the [[Mubarak Mandi Palace]], another heritage site in the city. The immediate surroundings have been converted into park with fountains and a small lake for boating. Considering the heritage status of the fort, further conservation works have been planned at a cost of Rs 6.97 million.<ref name=fort>{{Cite web|url=http://jammukashmir.nic.in/view/january02.htm|title=Bahu Fort to be developed as major tourist attraction|access-date=2010-04-07|publisher=National Informatics Centre|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100125193559/http://jammukashmir.nic.in/view/january02.htm|archive-date=25 January 2010|url-status=dead}}</ref>

==Festivals==
A popular Hindu festival is known as "Bahu Mela"<ref>{{cite web|title=Mela Bahu Fort|url=http://www.jammu.com/jammu/fairs/bahu_fort.htm}}</ref> is held during the [[Navaratra]]s in the fort area, twice a year, during March–April and September–October. This attracts a very large number of pilgrims to the fort and the temple located within it. Every week, Tuesday and Sunday are special days of worship at the temple. During the main festival time, special stalls are opened near the fort area selling paraphernalia such as sweets, flowers, incense, coconuts, red cloth and so forth, to make special offerings to the deity in the temple.<ref name="Travel, p.17"/>

==Demolition due to heavy rains==
On 18 August 2013, a portion of the fort wall collapsed due to many days of heavy rains. No casualties were reported.<ref name="jmtrib">
{{Cite web
|url=https://www.tribuneindia.com/2013/20130818/jmtrib.htm
|title=Bahu Fort wall collapse shocks city
|work=tribuneindia.com
|publisher=Jammu Tribune
|date=17 August 2013
|access-date=30 November 2013
}}</ref><ref name="freepresskashmir">{{Cite web
|url=http://freepresskashmir.com/portion-of-historic-bahu-fort-collapses-in-jammu-185317/
|title=Portion of Historic Bahu Fort Collapses in Jammu
|work=freepresskashmir.com
|publisher=Free Press Kashmir
|date=17 August 2013
|access-date=30 November 2013
|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131203202833/http://freepresskashmir.com/portion-of-historic-bahu-fort-collapses-in-jammu-185317/
|archive-date=3 December 2013
|url-status=dead
}}</ref><ref name="gsigov">{{Cite web
|url=http://www.portal.gsi.gov.in/gsiImages/information/bahu%20fort_final_nr.pdf
|title=A Geotechnical Note on the Failure of Northwestern Part of Bahu Fort During Recent Rains, Jammu District, J&K
|work=portal.gsi.gov.in
|publisher=Geological Survey of India
|access-date=30 November 2013
|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131203003718/http://www.portal.gsi.gov.in/gsiImages/information/bahu%20fort_final_nr.pdf
|archive-date=3 December 2013
|url-status=dead
}}</ref>

==Gallery==
<gallery widths=160px heights=130px>
File:View of Bahu Fort from approach road.jpg|A complete view of the fort from the Sansar road
File:Another view of Bahu Fort from the garden.jpg|Another view of the fort
File:View of Right flank of Bahu Fort.jpg|View of right flank of the fort
File:View of the Bagh-e-Bagh.jpg|View of the garden and the lake around the fort
</gallery>

==Notes==
{{Reflist|2}}

==References==
{{Commons category|Bahu Fort}}

*{{Cite book|last=Gupta|author2=Anil K. Verma |author3=V. K. Gupta |title= Perspectives in Animal Ecology and Reproduction, Volume 2|page =202|access-date=2010-04-07|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=CbVtNswjNuAC&q=Bahu+Fort&pg=PA202|publisher= Daya Books|year= 2004|isbn=81-7035-322-X}}
*{{Cite book|last= Jeratha|first= Aśoka|title= Forts and palaces of the Western Himalaya|pages=59–65|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=l2oZiyOqReoC&q=Bahu+fort&pg=PA59|publisher= Indus Publishing|year=2000|isbn= 81-7387-104-3}}
*{{Cite book|last=Mittal|first=J.P.|title= History of Ancient India: From 4250 BC to 637 AD|pages=397–398|access-date=2010-04-07|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=rrh4tY3v2A4C&q=Bahu+Fort&pg=PA398|publisher= Atlantic Publishers & Distributors|year=2006|isbn=81-269-0616-2}}
*{{Cite book|last=Sharma|first= Shiv Chander |title= Antiquities, history, culture, and shrines of Jammu|page =65|access-date=2010-04-07|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=uEtuAAAAMAAJ&q=Bahu+Fort|publisher= Vinod Publishers & Distributors|year=1997|isbn=81-85599-46-7}}
*{{Cite book|last=Silas|first=Sandeep|title= Discover India by Rail|page=47|access-date=2010-04-07|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=gL7pGaL3vooC&q=Bahu+Fort&pg=PT157|publisher= Sterling Publishers Pvt. Ltd|year=2005|isbn=81-207-2939-0}}
*{{Cite book|title=Travel in Jammu and Kashmir|publisher=Pustak Sansar|location=Jammu|year=2007}}

{{Forts in India}}

[[Category:Tourist attractions in Jammu (city)]]
[[Category:Forts in Jammu and Kashmir]]
[[Category:Buildings and structures in Jammu (city)]]
[[Category:Rajput architecture]]
{{Hindu Temples in Jammu and Kashmir}}

Bahu Fort - Revision history

ChloeBrogan at 05:33, 18 November 2025