ISLAMABAD (INP): Proper conservation and global promotion of the historic Umerkot Fort are essential to unlock its potential as a prime archaeological tourism destination. Surrounded by the Thar Desert and showcasing a unique blend of Mughal and indigenous architectural styles, the fort holds immense historical significance.
Syed Fayaz Ali Shah, Managing Director of the Sindh Tourism Development Corporation (STDC), emphasized the fort’s value, stating, “Despite the passage of centuries, the fort’s architecture remains largely intact, with robust bastions, high walls, and a central structure. An ancient mosque also exists that is still used by the local people.”
In an interview with WealthPK, Shah highlighted that visitors to the fort can enjoy both historical exploration and ecotourism. “The fort’s location near the Thar Desert offers visitors the chance to experience nature, desert safaris, camel rides, and visits to nearby places with historic value and a traditional lifestyle,” he said.
Shah pointed out the necessity of developing facilities to attract tourists. “Availability of facilities like construction of proper infrastructure, seamless communication, areas with improved hospitality, and access to health and other municipal services is crucial to make Umerkot Fort a bustling tourist hotspot,” he added.
He also emphasized the economic benefits for the local community. “The tourism potential of Umerkot Fort must be exploited for creating jobs and boosting business opportunities. Awareness among local communities is also a must to make them understand the importance of conserving this historic asset, value of its safekeeping, and its importance for their economic well-being. Acting as guides and storytellers to the visitors, local people can also make a sustainable living,” Shah explained.
Highlighting the history of Umerkot Fort, Muhammad Iqbal Khan Manj, Deputy Director of Archaeology, Punjab (North), told WealthPK that the fort is located in Umerkot City, formerly known as Amarkot. He said the fort was founded by Umer, the first king of the Soomro dynasty, which reigned around 1050-1350 AD.
“Later, Rajput ruler Perma Sodha occupied the fort in the early 13th century and was held by his successors for centuries. The Kalhora dynasty (1701-1783 AD) took over the place, but one of the rulers from this dynasty sold it to the ruler of Jodhpur in 1779. In 1813, the Talpurs were in power and they got the fort’s possession till the British occupied the subcontinent,” Manj elaborated.
Describing the architectural features of the fort, Manj said, “Umerkot Fort is a roughly rectangular construction. The narrow-looking exterior and interior walls are well-supported with semi-circular bastions on all four corners. An arched gateway on the eastern side is also flanked by semi-circular bastions.”
He added that the fortification walls were originally lined with burnt brick tiles laid with mud mortar. “The fortification wall was 15 meters high with six meters width in its original form. To make its defense impenetrable, a watchtower was constructed in the middle of the fort,” he noted.
Visitors can still access a comfortable staircase to climb the watchtower, which offers panoramic views of Umerkot city. “The city also has a lot of other sites with historical significance,” Manj said. “Nearby sites include historic Hindu temples of Shiva, Kali Mata, and Krishna; Momal Ji Mari or the palace of a Hindu girl named ‘Moomal’; and Mughal emperor Akbar’s birthplace, located about a kilometer from the fort. All these sites make Umerkot a bonanza for tourists. A museum is also located in the fort.”
Manj urged policymakers to focus on the conservation of the fort and turn it into a major tourist attraction. “Proper conservation and promotion can not only preserve our heritage but also boost the local economy through tourism,” he emphasized.