# Akhnoor Fort

- **Country:** India

Akhnoor Fort is a historic structure situated on the right bank of the Chenab River, approximately 28 kilometers from Jammu City in the Jammu district of India. Construction of this impressive edifice began in 1762 under Raja Tej Singh and was completed forty years later in 1802 by his successor, Raja Dhian Singh. The fort exemplifies traditional Indian fort architecture, featuring high fortification walls with regular bastions, battlements, and two-storeyed watch-towers at each corner. The complex is divided into two sections by a wall with a gate leading to a southern palace, which boasts decorated arches and remnants of mural paintings within its courtyard.

The site holds profound historical significance, serving as the location where Maharaja Ranjit Singh crowned Maharaja Gulab Singh on June 17, 1822, an event that shaped the region's political landscape. Beyond its 18th-century origins, the fort stands upon Manda, an ancient archaeological site revealing over 5,000 years of human habitation. Excavations have uncovered a threefold cultural sequence ranging from Harappan pottery and copper artifacts to early historic items and Kushan-era rubble masonry. This layering of history makes it a critical site for understanding the chronological development of the Jammu region from prehistoric times through the Kushan Empire.

Currently, Akhnoor Fort is recognized as a Monument of National Importance under the jurisdiction of the Archaeological Survey of India, a status granted in 1982. While a significant portion of the structure previously lay in ruins, active conservation work is underway to preserve its integrity. Access to the fort is available via the riverside and the northern approach, allowing visitors to view its strategic positioning and architectural grandeur. Today, it stands not only as a military stronghold of the past but also as a protected heritage site bridging ancient civilization with colonial and royal history.

![Photo of Akhnoor Fort](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/9/9f/Fort_at_Akhnoor_2013-09-05_12-15-20.jpg)

**Source:** https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Akhnoor_Fort (Wikipedia, CC BY-SA)