Qila Mubarak

Qila Mubarak (ਕ਼ਿਲਾ ਮੁਬਾਰਕ, क़िला मुबारक, ), is a historical monument in the heart of the city of Bathinda in India. It has been in existence from 90-110 AD in its current place. It was here that Razia Sultan, the first woman to take charge of the Delhi throne was incarcerated on her defeat and dethroned. The bricks of the fort date back to the Kushana period when emperor Kanishka ruled over Northern India/Bactria. Raja Dab, along with emperor Kanishka, is believed to have built the fort.

History




Fort repairs


Currently, a team working with the Akal Society of America, after conducting an extensive two year survey of the site has submitted a proposal of repairs to the Archeological Survey of India (ASI). The proposed repair work will be funded by external funds provided by the ASA though the Chief Minister, Captain Amarinder Singh, announced a government contribution of Rs. 12,500,000 (US$ 275,000) for Qila Mubarak's repair on June 21, 2005 at a ceremony held to mark the tercentenary celebrations of Guru Gobind Singh's visit to the fort. While awaiting final approval (which as been granted on the state level in Punjab, but not yet by the ASI), minor internal repairs are in progress at a slow pace. As on 20-02-2011, the fort is closed for repair work. While visiting it is advise to check beforehand.