CASE STUDIES

at wrecked lobbies of Miri fortress, Quetta, someone barely ponder Figure 2.75. Miri Fort view that if earlier rulers did not construct mammoth strong fortresses, then any available footprints and reminiscence from history must also wiped out by unkind invaders or by natures gushes. In the days of war, it was used as an arsenal. A trench had been dug around this fort like rock. The temple of Pani Nath was also built near this trench. This temple is a standing testimony of how the Muslim rulers took care of the feelings and sentiments of their nonMuslim subjects. At that time the city comprised of 300 houses and a bazar that could meet the local needs but it could not be considered a city or a provincial capital. Later, after eleven years when Army of the Ind us, organized by the English Government, reached Quetta, then this place was made headquarter of the Political Agent and it remained so until 1842 A.D. The local tribes made a number of incursions -- that of 23rd June, 1940 was profoundly serious and was conducted by 800 men. The attack could not last more than 3 hours and only two-gun men were killed and one wounded from the English side while 22 killed and 3 captured from the other side. In 18 76 A. D. this fort was recaptured and it was protected by only a small army of Khan of Kalat, which consisted of group of shooters, a company of infantry and 20 cavalry men. In 1877 A.D. a series of events occurred in which Lieutenant Howson was killed and Lt. Kun Hard and Capt. Scott were wounded. Consequently, the English assumed the control of Miri and later on the city around Miri was transferred to the present place and Miri was made an ammunition store. A.W. Hughes has written the account. The town is surrounded by a mud wall and has two gates, the eastern and southern, the latter being known as Shikarpuri gate. In the center of the town, on an artificial mound, is the miri, or fort, in which the governor of the place resides, and from it there is an exceptionally fine and extensive view of the neighboring valley. This fort, it would seem, possesses but a single gun". He further remarks that in 1872 the garrison of the fort consisted of 100 infantries, mostly Afghan, 40 equestrians, and a few artillerymen. The eucalyptus trees were planted after 1877. The length of Quetta Miri in elliptical shape, is 600 ft while its breadth is 400 ft and its height is 60 ft from the ground level. Major J.F. Garwood had written that Quetta Miri is a heap of hard earth, over which some houses were constructed, which were perhaps in possession of the Sardars of the small township of Shal Kott. In 1883 the plinth of the mound was cut into for a magazine, and previous to that some tunnels had been run well into the mound. Almost in the middle of the mound a statue of Hercules holding a lion's skin in his left hand was found, its height being 2. 4 feet. The statue though rust eaten was yet intact. The earth around was carefully dug but only a few bones of some animals could be found. In the middle layer a small flowerpot was discovered, the thinner side of which Figure 2.78. Armored Gun was painted. Major Shepherd also came across a let of pots of this type near Baleli. Quetta Miri could only be dug to 20 feet with the results narrated above. It may be stated that the total height of this mound is 80 feet and 3 / 4 of the excavation is still to be done. If further digging is done, many things may come to light, and probably incredibly old curiosities can be found out, which may be of both national and global interest. The view of Prof. Stuart Piggett seems to be true that there existed a selfsufficient rural culture around Quetta, older than the Indus culture. After the first World War the buildings around Quetta Arsenal were constructed and were, later, destroyed during the earthquake. After the earth quakes some new buildings were constructed again to be used as go downs and temporary army of feces. Now these buildings are no longer in use since the offices have been

Figure

Tunnel shifted to cantonment area. The red railing around Miri was installed by the Englishman, where only a trench existed before. It is also said that this mound is not natural. The Army of Ahmad Shah Abdali, who went to India through Bolan Pass, had brought this mud on their horses, as a symbol of their passage. On their return some of them took away a part of the mud. This fact is not verified by history. There is the opposing view also that this rock was natural. (Editor, 2022). The name Miri reveals that this name was given to it by the Khans of Kalat ‘The word “Mir” is still used to describe the chief or ruler at Baluchistan so like “miri fort” was an address of several chiefs of KOTA (old name of Quetta) and took the name. Like any fort, Miri fort is also constructed at mounted place and it just appeared to be clay heap from seeing at distance. It has wide and spacious staircases, airy lobbies, underground jails, barren wells and karez in whispering tunnels. Anyone can discover signs of ditches around the fort to guard it from invaders. The city of Quetta was just walled town inside the fort at one time like any other ancient city as Lahore and Delhi were also walled cities till 18th century. The “Miri fort” was built to this octagonal figure in 1883 according to available history but natives described the history of fort back to Alexander. The footprints of Ghaznavid rulers at 11th century and Safavid rulers in early 18th century can also be found at Miri fort. Quetta grabbed strategic position at British rule when British built Quetta as garrison and used the Miri fort as arsenal. Like Lahore and Delhi, these were British who extended the city outside walls of fort. Thomas Holdich writing in 1884 in the Baluchistan District Gazetteer stated that ‘The crown of Quetta was the Mirri. The Mirri fort has been the fortress of Quetta from time immemorial and the base of the fortress is what was probably a mud volcano in days that are prehistoric’ This is a view looking across the fort to distant hills and was taken during the Second Afghan War (1878-80). It was used as the residence of the governor appointed by Khan of Kalat. In 1877, the British decided to make their arsenal storage in Quetta and they chose this fort. From far the fort looks like a mound of clay. But fort is strategically well placed and guards the entrance to Quetta city from the West.

4.6.1. HINDU TEMPLE AT MIRI FORT, QUETTA:

Hindu temple inside the Miri fort which was constructed by an outworker Baboo Raam in 1940 and a Hindu saint Sid Paani Nath resided here. The saint was believed to control the flow of water that’s why he grabbed the title of Paani Nath. Eye catching pictures at ceiling and at walls of temple give you an idea about Hindu existence and their rituals around fort till 18th century. Sid Pani Nath was a saint, and according to the Hindu religion, he could control the flow of river

Temple water. Contractor L. Baboo ram constructed the Hindu temple (mandir) inside the fort walls in 1940. Painting on the wall and roof is interesting. Another Hindu temple that we visited in Baluchistan was in the south, in National hingol park, called the Hinglaj Mata mandir Hindu temple. Too bad general public cannot appreciate the historical and heritage value of this Mirri Fort and Hindu temple because it is in the government’s control. Might as professionally write a Mirri Fort obituary.

4.6.2. MUSEUM AT MIRI FORT QUETTA

There is a museum inside broad territory of Miri fort which more than history has showcased the different cultures and folks of other provinces of Pakistan which bound you with love and care. Though belonged to Punjab, the Sindhi culture always inspired me specially its folk music. A part of fort is being used as an arsenal by PAK ARMY, now days. There are army helicopters, old British washing machines and geezers, guns and tanks. (Kh, 2018)