Attock Khurd and it’s historical significance

  Attock Khurd and it’s historical significance

Attock  Khurd 

Attock Khurd, also known as 'Little Attock', is a charming town situated on the banks of the majestic Indus River in the Attock District of Punjab Province in Pakistan. Despite its small size, this town holds great historical significance and offers a unique blend of culture, nature, and adventure.

The town of Attock Khurd is believed to have been established during the reign of the Mughal Emperor Akbar, making it over 400 years old. It was originally a part of the Attock Fort, which served as a strategic location for the Mughal and Sikh armies to cross the Indus River. Today, the ruins of the fort still stand tall, serving as a reminder of the town's rich past.

One of the main attractions of Attock Khurd is its beautiful location beside the Indus River. The crystal-clear waters of the river offer a tranquil escape from the hustle and bustle of city .

Attock Kurd railway station.

The Attock Khurd railway station is more than just a mode of transportation, it is a known  as past, present, and future. The station stands tall as a reminder of the town's rich history and its role in shaping the region's development. As the years go by, the station will continue to hold a special place in the hearts of the local community and serve as a symbol of pride for the people of Attock.

Attock Bridge :-

Attock Bridge holds a historical significance. Attock Bridge is situated between Attock Khurd and Khairabad Kund on Indus River which is known Old Attock Bridge. It was designed by Sir Guildford Molesworth , the upper level is use for railway traffic and lower was used for road traffic.

The people of Attock Khurd are warm, welcoming, and deeply rooted in their traditions and customs. The town's annual festivals, such as the Attock mela (Festival ) bring the community together and showcase their vibrant culture through music, dance, and food.

In recent years, Attock Khurd has also seen development in terms of education and infrastructure. The town now has schools, hospitals, and a newly constructed bridge over the Indus River, which has improved connectivity to neigh boring cities.

Attack Fort :-

Attock Fort is a magnificent piece of history that stands tall and proud in the Attock, Khurd  Pakistan. It is a symbol of strength, power, and resilience, and has played a significant role in shaping the region's history, this fort is a symbol of strength and resilience.

Built during the reign of Mughal Emperor Akbar in the late 16th century, Attock Fort was constructed to protect the passage of the River Indus. It was strategically located at the junction of the Indus and Kabul rivers, making it an important military stronghold. 

The fort was strategically located at the confluence of the River Indus and the River Kabul, making it an important center for trade and commerce in the region.

The fort has witnessed many battles and sieges throughout its history. It has been under the control of various rulers, including the Mughals, the Sikhs, and the British. It was also a vital military base during the British Raj, serving as a major supply depot and a prison for rebellious soldiers.

Today, Attock Fort is still used as a military base by the Pakistani army. Due to its strategic location, it continues to play a crucial role in safeguarding the country's borders. As a result, visitors are not allowed inside the fort, and the surrounding areas are heavily guarded.

The construction of the fort was supervised by Khawaja Shamsuddin Khawafi, a renowned architect of that time.

The fort's architecture is a perfect blend of Mughal and Persian styles, with its massive walls, bastions, and gates. 

The fort consists of foure gates and its parameter wall is 1600m long. The gates are named the Delhi gate, Lahori Gate, Kabuli Gate and Mori Gate. It is located at a distance of 80 kilometres from the capital city of Islamabad.

The fort was built using red bricks and lime mortar, giving it a distinct and imposing appearance. It was designed to withstand any attack and served as a symbol of the Mughal Empire's might and grandeur.

Throughout its history, Attock Fort has witnessed numerous battles and sieges, making it a witness to the changing tides of power in the region. One of the most significant events in its history was the capture of Attock by the Maratha Empire in 1758. It marked the northern boundary of the Maratha Empire and highlighted their growing influence in the subcontinent. However, their rule was short-lived as the Afghan ruler Ahmad Shah Durrani recaptured Attock and halted the Maratha's advance in the north after the Third Battle of Panipat.

The fort also played a crucial role in the Afghan-Sikh wars in the early 19th century. During the Battle of Attock, the Sikh army led by Maharaja Ranjit Singh successfully captured the fort from the Afghan forces. The fort remained under Sikh control until the British annexed it in 1849.

Today, Attock Fort is popular for  the rich history of the region and serves as a popular tourist attraction. Its impressive architecture and strategic location continue to fascinate visitors from all over the world. The fort has been declared a protected monument by the Government of Pakistan, and efforts are being made to preserve its heritage and historical significance.