Type: Monument - Fort
Province: Gilgit-Baltistan
District: Skardu
Period: Historic
Relative Chronology: 14th-15th Century CE
Description: Situated almost 47 above the base of the Charring mount, this fort is located to the north-east of the town of Skardu. In the Balti language, Kharpocho is translated as Fort of the grandfather. Originally constructed by Maqpoon Bokha as a residence, it underwent its first major structural intervention in 1490 CE, under Ali Sher Khan. Other such interventions took place in 1843 CE, when the Dogras occupied the region. The fort is strategically located at the top of hill, overlooking its surroundings and offering greater leverage over enemy attacks. However, this elevated location also rendered the fort very difficult to access until a proper path and entrance were introduced. The fort is divided into two levels, each for a different purpose. The upper level, with its traditional hall (living area) and viewing chamber, served as a residential area for the Raja family and their special guests. The lower level, consisting of tunnel-like barracks, was used as sleeping and living quarters for the army. The building also wraps around a courtyard containing a water pond that was used to supply water to the inhabitants during times of war. The 1.5 m thick walls of the fort are built with a cribbage and cator structure, and they contain adobe battlements above, as well as firing niches and barracks. Another of the forts surviving structures is an old mosque, the Panjtan Mosque. It is a two-level mosque containing intricately carved windows and door-frames. One can observe, through comparisons to an old photograph that this mosque is in a relatively good condition despite suffering some minor deterioration.
Latitude: 35.301817000
Longitude: 75.643133000
Ownership: Private
Legal Status: Not Protected
Title of Publication: Tourism, Sports, Culture, Archaeology & Museum Department Gilgit-Baltistan
Published In: Miscellaneous
Year of Publication: Miscellaneous
Bibliography/Reference: Anonymous
