Throchi Fort

Throchi Fort is a historic military structure located in Throchi village within the Choroi Tehsil of Kotli District, Azad Jammu and Kashmir, Pakistan. Situated on a strategic hilltop approximately three kilometers east of Gulpur village, the site offers a commanding view of the surrounding hamlet and landscape. The architecture reflects a blend of Indo-Islamic and Mughal styles, characterized by its elevated position designed for defense. While the exact original construction date remains unverified in primary records, historical research suggests the fort was initially established between 1425 and 1460. This period coincides with the regional control of Jasrat, a prominent Khokhar or Gakhar chieftain, although local traditions attribute the original founding to the Mangral Rajputs under the leadership of Nasir-Din Khan.

The fortress holds significant historical value due to its role in regional power shifts and its evolution over centuries. The name Throchi is locally believed to derive from a prominent Hindu personality of the era. As political dynamics changed, the fort passed through various rulers, eventually falling to the Sikh Empire under Maharaja Ranjit Singh. In 1855, it was transferred to Maharaja Gulab Singh, who undertook substantial reconstruction efforts using stone. During the subsequent Dogra rule from 1846 to 1947, the site served practical military functions, housing small garrisons and acting as a storage depot for weapons and communication equipment to protect against potential invasions.

Today, Throchi Fort stands as an important heritage site representing the complex history of the Kashmir region. Although specific details regarding its current physical condition are sparse in available records, its historical narrative continues to attract interest from researchers and tourists alike. Recent initiatives by local authorities aim to restore and promote such heritage sites to boost tourism in Kotli. The fort remains a tangible link to the area's past, illustrating the architectural and strategic priorities of the Mangral, Sikh, and Dogra periods that shaped the cultural landscape of Azad Kashmir.