Stone guardians of the Plateau

A windswept expanse of undulating hills and craggy outcrops, the Potohar Plateau stretches from the rivers Attock to Jhelum. This rugged terrain is dotted with the skeletal remains of forts, silent sentinels that once guarded empires, hosted kings, and witnessed the ebb and flow of civilisations. The book Forts of Potohar, co-authored by Naeema Arshad, an assistant professor at the Lahore School of Economics, and Arshad Awan, a brand strategist and visiting faculty member at the same institution, is an ambitious quest to document and decode twenty of these formidable structures. A blend of scholarly rigour and narrative flair, it serves as both an archaeological gazetteer and a tribute to Pakistan's vanishing heritage.

Sponsored by the Lahore School of Economics to preserve and promote Pakistan’s cultural heritage, and to encourage scholarly research, community engagement, Fort of Potohar celebrates regional history through academic and creative endeavours. What makes the book exceptional is its refusal to be just another dry catalogue of ruins. Instead, the authors weave together six years of fieldwork, archival investigating, and oral histories into a reading fit that breathes life into these crumbling edifices.

Each of the twenty chapters is dedicated to a single fort separately, transforming the book into a literary expedition across time and terrain. From the haunting solitude of Samarkand Fort to the battle-scarred ramparts of Rohtas Fort, the authors do not merely describe structures, they resurrect them. The book’s interdisciplinary approach is one of its greatest strengths, merging archaeology with cultural studies, political history, anthropology, and even folklore.

The authors’ attention to detail is evident in the inclusion of photographs and architectural details, which serve as invaluable aids for historians and tourists alike. Yet, Forts of Potohar is more than just a visual feast; it is a work of intellectual heft. The authors delve into the socio-political significance of these forts, exploring how they functioned as instruments of power, trade hubs, and cultural melting pots. For instance, their analysis of Sagni Fort, Kitas Fort and Sirkap Fort extends beyond its military role to examine its influence on local governance and commerce. Similarly, the chapter on Pharwala Fort unearths its connections to the Gakhars, a warrior clan whose defiance against invaders shaped the region’s history.

One of the book’s most compelling aspects is its reliance on spoken traditions. In an era where official records often overshadow grassroots narratives, authors give voice to the legends and anecdotes passed down through generations. The story of the enigmatic princess at Mangla Fort or the whispered tales of buried treasure near Kusak Fort add a layer of human intimacy to the cold stone of these ruins. This approach enriches the historical record and underscores the urgent need to preserve intangible heritage before modernity erases it entirely.

Yet, it is not merely an exercise in nostalgia. The authors strike a sobering note by highlighting the alarming state of decay afflicting many of these sites. Several forts are in danger of collapsing due to illegal encroachments, governmental neglect, and the passage of time. The book serves as a clarion call for conservation, urging policymakers and local communities to act before these monuments vanish into oblivion. Case studies of successful restoration projects bolster the authors' arguments, demonstrating that heritage protection is not a futile eendeavour.

For historians and archaeologists, the book is an indispensable resource, offering fresh insights and previously unpublished data. For the casual reader, it is a gateway into a forgotten world, one where every crumbling wall has a story to tell. The prose is accessible yet erudite, striking a balance between academic precision and engaging storytelling. Whether you are a scholar, a history enthusiast, or a traveller with a penchant for adventure, Forts of Potohar will compel you to see Potohar’s landscape through new eyes.

In an age where Pakistan’s heritage is often overshadowed by political and economic discourse, Forts of Potohar is a timely reminder of the nation’s rich historical legacy. Naeema Arshad and Arshad Awan have not just written a book; they have crafted a manifesto for memory, urging us to reclaim the past before it is lost to the sands of time. This book is not just a read; it is a disclosure.

Omar Awan is an independent journalist and historian based in Rawalpindi

All facts and information are the sole responsibility of the author