ASI's 'apathy' makes Rohtas Fort a fading heritage

Dehri-on-sone, Feb 6: 'Rohtas Fort', one of the oldest forts of India having rich historical value, in the hilly area of Rohtas district in Bihar, may lose its importance in the tourist map following poor maintenance despite being placed under the direct supervision of Acrchaeological Survey of India(ASI).

Built about 3000 years back by prince Rohitswa, son of King Harischandra, the Rohtas Fort popularly known as Rohtas Garh, was captured by Sher Shah in 1539 AD.

After becoming the Viceroy of Bengal and Bihar, Mann Singh renovated the Fort and got a palace built within its premises equipped with all kinds of luxuries and a beautiful garden.

Once a tourist spot, the Rohtas garh has now become a hide-out for anti-socials in recent years. But there seems to a silver lining behind the dark clouds as district Police Superintendent N H Khan had assured the local intelligentia and eminent historians of taking initiative in restoring its past glory.

UNI