029. Gogera Fort and Old Building of Gogera Courts

Gogera is an old town with a rich historical legacy. In the past, it held far greater importance in the region than it does today. Until the 1850s, it served as the district headquarters—covering areas that are now part of the present-day Okara and Sahiwal districts.

I have already written about Gogera's association with Rai Ahmad Khan Kharal's 1857 rebellion against British rule and the grave of Assistant Commissioner Lord Berkeley, who was killed during that uprising. For details, please refer to that earlier post:

028. Tomb of Rai Ahmad Khan Kharal and Grave of Lord Berkley

Here, however, I want to draw attention to a lesser-known but equally significant site in Gogera، a small fort. This fort is believed to be around four hundred years old, dating back to the Mughal era. During that time, it was used as both a jail and a treasury house for the district. The structure reflects the typical utilitarian architecture of Mughal administrative outposts.

At present, a local family is residing within the fort premises. Like many such historical buildings across the country, it is in a dilapidated condition. Unfortunately, there appears to be no official effort from any government department to preserve, restore, or protect this important piece of heritage.

View of the Gogera Fort from the south. (22.03.2014.)

Southwestern bastion of the fort. (22.03.2014.)

Southeastern bastion of the fort. (22.03.2014.)

Entrance to the Gogera Fort, on the western side. (22.03.2014.)

A house inside the fort. (22.03.2014.)

Northern wall of the fort. (22.03.2014.)

Northeastern bastion of the fort. (22.03.2014.)

A general view of the fort from the eastern side. (22.03.2014.)

The Gogera Fort is located at 30°57'41.90" N, 73°19'38.40" E, to the north of the town of Bangla Gogera. Just to the west of this fort stands the building of the Gogera High School. Interestingly, the school is housed in an old colonial-era structure, which originally served as a court building during British rule. This building, designed in a traditional style typical of British-era public architecture, still retains its charm and historical character. It is situated at 30°57'41.90" N, 73°19'33.90" E.

Entrance of the Govt. High School Gogera, the old building of courts. (22.03.2014.)

Beautiful garden of the school. (22.03.2014.) 

                                     

Main building of the old courts.  (22.03.2014.)

 View from the east.  (22.03.2014.)

View from the east.  (22.03.2014.)

A distant view from the east. A huge banyan tree in the foreground.  (22.03.2014.)

I welcome your comments on this post and would appreciate any additional information you can share to help enhance our collective knowledge.

Tariq Amir

15 June, 2014.

Doha - Qatar 

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