Information on Sujanpur Fort (Kangra, Himachal Pradesh) - History & Architecture

The fort of Sujanpur is located in the Hamirpur town of Himachal Pradesh close to the border of the Kangra town. The place once served as the capital of Katoch Dynasty. It is believed that the fort was built in between the period ranging from 17-18 century.

Sujanpur Fort Architecture

It is known that during the early years of the 19th century the fort of Sujanpur served as a residence for Raja Sansar Chand. Contextually, numerous portraits and statue relevant to Sansar Chand and his royal family can be found within the fort. There is a big hall within the interior of the fort named as Barahdari Hall, which was used by Sansar Chand to hold meetings and addressing the people of the kingdom. In the present day scenario, this hall has paintings depicting the throne of the raja. This also shows the love of the raja towards art. There were more than twelve chambers within the fort that were used by the raja as court of his kingdom. The chambers also served as seats of honour of the maharaja and royal guest who used to visit King Sansar Chand during that period. It will be crucial to mention that are also holy shrines within the fort that still attracts religious visitors. There is a palace within the fort named Lambagraon Palace the splendour of which depicts the royal lifestyle of the raja use to reside in it. The fort was made following the fugal architectural style.

Sujanpur Fort History

This old fort is significant to visit owing to its historical importance. The Fort of Tira Sujanpur was known to be built in the year 1750 by Maharaja Abhay Chandra. In the initial days, the fort was built with the intention to serve as a military station of the Kingdom of Abhay Chandra. Furthermore, during the golden period of the Kangra Kingdom under the reign of Maharaja Sansar Chandra, the fort gained the reputation to be called as the most beautiful Palaces in Himachal region. By the year 1905, an Earthquake strikes the region which consequently affected a major part of the fort of Sujanpur. It has also been noted that there are many palaces, courts as well as Temples within the fort which were built by King Sansar Chand. However, most parts of the fort have been destroyed with earthquake and human activities. The king of that period also built a huge water supply facility that was aimed at providing fresh drinking water to the people. The fort is highly regarded in the Indian history owing to its magnificence and splendor. In the later years of its existence, the fort was also used by the British rulers during thier stay in India. The fort also served as a shelter for Maharaja Sansar Chand after his lost against the British.

Sujanpur Fort Tourism Importance

With regard to tourism, the fort is deemed to have maximum to provide about historical and architectural heritage to the visitors. Notably, Sujanpur Tira is connected well to the city of Himachal Pradesh through road network. Since the place only 25 kilometres away from Hamirpur town, it becomes convenient for tourists to reach the fort. Apart from transport and communication, the temples within the fort are also major attritions for the religious tourists throughout the year. Apart from that the remains of artefacts within the fort relevant to the 18-19 century also attracts large groups of tourists.