Rawat Fort

Rawat Fort, also known as Sarai Rawat, is a historic 15th-century fortified caravanserai located in Rawat, approximately 17 kilometers east of Rawalpindi on the Grand Trunk Road in Punjab, Pakistan. Situated on the Pothohar Plateau, the site derives its name from the Arabic word rabat, meaning an inn for traveling caravans. While the current structure is widely attributed to the Delhi Sultanate era, historical accounts suggest it may stand atop an earlier Ghaznavid-era fortification established around 1036 CE. The complex serves as a significant landmark near the second-century Manikyala Stupa, which remains visible from the roof of the fort's mosque, and lies roughly 50 miles from the massive Rohtas Fort built by Sher Shah Suri.

The architectural layout of Rawat Fort is nearly square, measuring approximately 93.5 by 106.3 meters and enclosing a vast courtyard of about 10,000 square meters protected by two main gates. Its historical significance was heightened in the 16th century when the local Gakhar clan fortified the existing caravanserai to defend the Pothohar region against the advancing forces of Sher Shah Suri. This transformation from a simple traveler's inn to a military stronghold highlights the strategic importance of the location along ancient trade and invasion routes. The site features notable structures including a mosque and a distinctive octagonal tomb topped with a large dome measuring 16.6 meters in diameter.

Today, Rawat Fort stands as a testament to the layered history of the region, reflecting influences from the Ghaznavids, the Delhi Sultanate, and the Gakhar tribes. Although the provided text does not detail its specific modern condition or current public access status, the presence of archaeological information displays indicates its recognition as a heritage site requiring preservation. The fort remains a key example of early military and hospitality architecture in Pakistan, offering visitors a glimpse into the defensive strategies and cultural exchanges that shaped the Pothohar plateau over several centuries.