012. Fort Of Mir Chakar Khan Rind At Satghara

Mir Chakar Khan Rind was a Baloch chief born in the Sibi region. Due to ongoing conflicts with the Lashari tribe, he migrated to Punjab and settled in Satghara, located in the Okara District, in 1518. He aligned himself with the Mughals in their battles against various adversaries. He supported Babur in his conquest of India and later assisted Humayun upon his return from exile.

He died in 1565 and was buried in Satghara. A fort was also built to protect the town, which served as the capital of his fiefdom. The fort is a perfect square, with each side measuring 130 meters. It is located at 30°54'59" N, 73°30'50" E, about 15 kilometers northeast of Okara city.

To reach Satghara, take the Okara–Faisalabad Road. Approximately 250 meters past the new vegetable market, there is a turning called Satghara Mor. Turn right there, and after traveling about 12 kilometers, you will arrive at Satghara.

Unsurprisingly, the fort is deteriorating, and parts of it are at risk of collapse. The interior is fully occupied, and residential houses surround it on the outside. Sadly, there appear to be no active efforts to restore or preserve the fort. However, the tomb of Mir Chakar Khan was restored in 2007, thanks to the interest and support of Sardar Yar Muhammad Khan Rind.

Tomb of Mir Chakar Khan Rind. (25.03.2009.)

Northern wall of the fort. (25.03.2009.)

Western gate of the Satghara Fort. (25.03.2009.)

Southern wall of the Satghara Fort.(25.03.2009.)

South western bastion of the Satghara Fort. (25.03.2009.) 

Another view of the Satghara Fort. (25.03.2009.)

The eastern wall of Mir Chakar Khan’s fort. (25.03.2009.)

The eastern gate of the Satghara Fort. (25.03.2009.)

Pakistan does not have many fortified cities of this kind. I wish we could restore and preserve it as a historical monument for future generations. This fort stands as a rare example of early 16th-century defensive architecture in the region. With proper conservation, it could serve not only as a heritage site but also as a valuable educational and cultural attraction.

Tariq Amir

May 21, 2014.

Doha - Qatar 

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