Bijnot Fort

Constructed in the 8th century, Bijnot Fort now stands in ruins, primarily due to targeted artillery shelling during the 1971 India-Pakistan War, rather than natural deterioration.^[2]

It was under the occupation of Rajputs until 18th century.^[5]

The fort's narrative isn't its historical significance, but the infamous outlaws who frequented it.^[2] Madho Singh, a Rathore clansman from Bikaner, became a fugitive after retaliating violently against a neighbor's insult towards his father.^[2] Escaping to Jaisalmer, he joined a gang of petty criminals, swiftly rising to be their leader.^[2] The gang's criminal activities escalated, leading to a significant heist and subsequent relocation to Pakistan in 1948, near Fort Abbas.^[2]

The gang's cross-border criminal activities led to a confrontation with Rajasthan Police, resulting in the death of Madho's deputy, Krishen Singh.^[2] His ashes, according to local lore, were sent to the Ganga River.^[2]

After the incident, Madho Singh secured an audience with the Nawab of Bahawalpur, gifting him a richly decorated camel.^[2] Consequently, Madho Singh and his remaining gang were permitted to settle in Dera Nawab, the Nawab's seat of power.^[2]

Traditionally, Poorbia Rajputs served as the Nawab's harem guards.^[2] After Bahawalpur's incorporation into Pakistan, these guards returned to India, leading to Madho Singh and his gang assuming this duty.^[2] However, they soon relocated to the desert, resuming cross-border operations and escalating their criminal activities.^[2]

By 1963, Madho Singh was allegedly involved in 135 cases in India.^[2] In an act of revenge for a fallen comrade, Madho kidnapped Bhoor Singh.^[2] Despite pursuit, they avoided capture.^[2] Eventually, Madho executed Bhoor Singh, leading to his own capture and subsequent 14-year custody without trial or conviction.^[2]

In 1978, Madho and his gang were released, thanks to human rights lawyer Abid Minto, and granted Pakistani citizenship.^[2] Seeking peace, Madho rejected offers of protection tied to criminality, opting for lawful living under the shelter of Lal Mian Abbasi.^[2] He died in 1983, ensuring his remaining gang pledged law-abiding loyalty to the Abbasi family.^[2] This pledge was upheld until the last accomplice, Moolji, died in 1999.^[2]

• Derawar, another fort in Cholistan