Forts of Anandpur sahib

Five Qilas of Anandpur sahib

Keshgarh is the name given to the main fort that the tenth Master constructed in Anandpur sahib. The fort is now the Takhat called Keshgarh Sahib. This Gurdwara was one of the five forts constructed by Guru Gobind Singh at Anandpur Sahib for the defence of the Sikhs and the community.

The Guru spent 25 years at Anandpur sahib and to protect the Sikhs from the growing animosity of the hill Rajas and their Mughal allies, the Guru began the construction of five defensive Qilas (Persian for forts). One central fort with four others encircling the town.

The Panj (five) forts or Qilas contructed by Guru Gobind Singh at Anandpur sahib are:

• 1. Keshgarh at the center (now a Takhat),

• 2. Anandgarh (fort of bliss),

• 3. Lohgarh (fort of steel),

• 4. Holgarh (fort of colour) and

• 5. Fatehgarh (fort of victory).

All the forts were joined together with earthworks and underground tunnels. The construction began in 1689 and took over ten years to complete.