Sir,
Genesis of a fort at Kaleeth during the medieval era has been vividly described by Nagendra Singh Jamwal, SDM Akhnoor as produced in DE on 23 Dec 2012. This fort is known to be there when Raj Ambi surrendered to Alexander. Credit goes to ancient rulers for sighting the fort at trade tri junction from where it dominated Jeorian, Khour, Chhamb, Deva-Batala and rivers Chenab and Manawar. The sad story of its neglect and destruction is regrettable. We have let our monuments decay which had played significant role in history and lives of our ancestors. Infact Dogras kept building monuments and dying to defend them. Their sacrifices in consolidating our State are buried in the history books; less read or spoken. But after the independence they were subjected to humiliation in the same state which they had nurtured with blood. Their heritage also bore the brunt. Kaleeth Fort stood like a pillar against invaders from the West and stimulated the trade over vast tracts. Maharaja Hari Singh rewarded this Fort to Col Shiv Ram Singh Bhau for his bravery in WWII. Kabailis plundered the fort in 1947 and Pak Army did it in 1965 Indo-Pak war. Hence the fort of prosperity turned into fortress of decay. Bhaus could not have fought for their heritage despite inheritance. Now they can do it politically to get the fort restored. The fort be taken over by ASI as recommended by the SDM and preserved for posterity. Bhaus and Mahajans of Kaleeth, wherever they may have settled, must take keen interest in restoration of their monumental heritage like Chib Rajputs are doing. Ambaran Fort should also be repaired and preserved whilst Ambaran Buddhist site is being explored.
Yours etc…..
Col J P Singh, Retd
Gandhinagar, Jammu
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