Kalan Kot
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thepublicYes
| Kalan Kot | |
|---|---|
| |
| Makli Hills, Thatta, Sindh Near Thatta in Pakistan | |
| Site information | |
| Type | Fortress |
| Open to the public | Yes |
| Condition | Ruins |
| Website | antiquities |
| Location | |
 | |
| Coordinates | 24°42′28.7″N 67°52′42.6″E / 24.707972°N 67.878500°E |
| Site history | |
| Built | Subject of historical inquiry |
| Built by | Unknown |
| Materials | Bricks laid in mud mortar |
Kalan Kot is an archaeological site of a fortress near Thatta, in Sindh, Pakistan. It is also known as Kalyan Kot, Tughlaqabad, Tughrilabad, Thakurabad, etc..[1][2] The remains of the structures of the fort are in a ruinous condition. It was likely built during the Sultanate period, located eight kilometres north of Makli Necropolis, near the old bank of Indus River.[3]
Architecture and structure
Perched in a remarkable location, the elongated fortress was naturally designed for defence. The Indus River curves around its western, northern, and eastern sides, making it nearly impregnable except from the south, where two entrances were constructed on dry land. Inside the fort, a mosque once served as a place of prayer and gathering, although today it lies in ruins.[5]
The fort spans approximately two kilometres in circumference and was originally surrounded by a natural moat filled with water, enhancing its defensive strength. Its walls, 4.34 meters (14¼ feet) thick, are built with a core of mud and rubble, faced with square burnt bricks laid in mud mortar. Along the river-facing sides, round bastions were constructed, featuring holes for musketry, clear evidence of its military purpose. Brick partition walls further divided the fort into various sectors.[1]
The mosque within the fort likely dates back to the 16th century-Tarkhan-period. Subsequent additions and modifications were made over the following centuries. Today, only a single arched entrance on the eastern side remains, leading into the central prayer chamber. Originally, the chamber was crowned by a dome, which has since collapsed.[1]
