The forts palaces and fort temples of Kangra and Nurpur hill states c1300 to 1905 AD

Abstract

The old monuments and historical buildings are rich sources of history. They give us a sense of wonder and make us curious to know more about the past connected with these and encourage to ponder how skillful were the people of those times, who without modern facilities could create magnificent examples of architecture. Forts were always built on strategic locations from the viewpoint of defence and to save the treasury of the state. These huge structures have been the epic centers of historical events. Along with the forts, royal palaces and religious structures within forts, formed other pertinent features of royal architecture. The present research aims to discuss the forts, palaces and fort temples of Kangra and Nurpur hill states. It aims to highlight the importance of Kangra and Nurpur forts for their chiefs and to know that how the loss of their forts encouraged the growth of new capitals in the form of garh palaces in their principalities. Besides, the emergence of various religious cults within these royal structures and their water supply system are studied in detail. The time frame for this work begins with c.1300, when the Muslim rulers of India started invading hill states to expand their political supremacy. The present work covers all changes in the status of the chiefs and the forts of Kangra and Nurpur till 1905 A.D., when these monuments were damaged due to a massive earthquake and were left abandoned by their rulers. newline