Qila Mubarak

Qila Mubarak in Bathinda (celebrated across military history as India's oldest surviving monument of baked brick construction and one of the subcontinent's most historically formidable forts, standing tall for over 1,900 years in the historic center of Bathinda in Punjab), stands as Punjab's crowning archaeological citadel.

Constructed during the Kushan era between 90 and 110 AD by King Kanishka and Raja Dab (and later fortified by the Bhatti Rajput ruler Rao Bhatti in the 6th century), this colossal fort was built with narrow baked Kushan era bricks and mortar, featuring soaring 118 foot-high sloping ramparts and 36 massive rounded bastions dominating the desert plains of Malwa.

It's the home of the historic Razia Sultan Palace Tower where India's first female Muslim monarch was imprisoned in 1240 AD by Malik Altunia before her dramatic escape, the sacred Gurdwara Qila Mubarak (Gurdwara Gobindgarh) located inside the upper ramparts commemorating the blessed visit of the Tenth Sikh Master Sri Guru Gobind Singh Ji in 1706 AD, the massive antique iron cannon 'Dhundhani' mounted upon the bastions, the ancient subterranean escape tunnels, the ornamental Jaipal and Prithviraj Chauhan era fortifications, and an intensely impressive historical atmosphere where the echoes of ancient Kushans, Delhi Sultans, Mughals, and Sikh warrior kings resonate through ancient brick courtyards.

It represents a rich 2,000 year-old Punjab military fortification legacy, Kushan baked brick engineering, and royal Sikh heritage where Razia Sultan towers, Kushan ramparts, Gurdwara Gobindgarh, and Dhundhani cannons unite in Qila Mubarak Bathinda.

Located on Fort Road in the heart of Bathinda city, it sits just 1.5 km from Bathinda Junction Railway Station (BTI), 28 km from Bathinda Airport (BUP), 150 km from Sri Guru Ram Dass Jee International Airport in Amritsar (ATQ), and 220 km from Chandigarh, easily accessible on foot, by cycle rickshaw, auto rickshaw, or private cab.

Kushan Era Origins & The Story of Razia Sultan

Built with distinctive thin baked bricks from the 1st century AD, Qila Mubarak has witnessed the rise and fall of every major empire in North Indian history.

In 1240 AD, Razia Sultan was defeated in battle and imprisoned in the high tower of this fort by its rebellious governor Altunia, who later married the empress before their joint march toward Delhi.

Truth is, standing beneath the 100 foot brick walls that repelled Mahmud of Ghazni and Babur gives you an unforgettable sense of living history.

Gurdwara Qila Mubarak & Guru Gobind Singh Ji

Gurdwara Gobindgarh: Following the battle of Muktsar in 1706 AD, Guru Gobind Singh Ji visited the fort and shot an arrow from its highest bastion, blessing the site for future generations.

Maharaja Ala Singh: In 1754 AD, the legendary founder of Patiala State captured the fort and renamed it Gobindgarh in honor of the Tenth Guru.

Ancient Bastions & Archaeological Preservation

ASI Heritage Site: Maintained by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), the fort stands as a protected national monument of supreme historical importance.

City Center Landmark: Located in the bustling heart of Bathinda, the fort is easily explored alongside the nearby Mazaar of Peer Haji Rattan and Bathinda Lake.

After exploring the ancient brick ramparts of Qila Mubarak, visit the Mazaar of Peer Haji Rattan, tour Bir Talab Zoo, or enjoy boating at Bathinda Lake.