Forts of Anandpur sahib

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Five Qilas Anandpur sahib are the five forts which was constructed by Guru Gobind Singh. 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.

Fort Keshgarh

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

  1. Keshgarh - 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. All the forts were joined together with earthworks and underground tunnels. The construction began in 1689 and took over ten years to complete.
  2. Lohgarh (fort of steel) - Lohgarh was second strongest Qila after Qila Anandgarh sahib as it was on southern side of city GURU SAHIB had set up a factory for manufacturing of arms. The hill armies attacked city Anandpur sahib many times but hesitated to attack the Qila as they wonn't be able to break its gate.
    Qila Anandgarh
  3. Holgarh (fort of colour) - Holgarh was a qila where Guru Gobind Singh introduced in the spring of 1701, the cel-ebration of hola on the day following the Hindu festival of colour-throwing, holi. Unlike the playful sprinkling of colours as is done during holi, the Guru made hola an occasion for Sikhs to demonstrate skills-al-arms in simulated battle.
  4. Anandgarh (fort of bliss) - Anandgarh is one from five Kilas Built By SHRI GURU GOBIND SINGH JI for the protection of sikhs from Hill rulers. In Gurudwara Sahib also there is Sacred BAOLI SAHIB.
  5. Fatehgarh (fort of victory) - Fatehgarh Kila was built By SHRI GURU GOBIND SINGH JI to defend the Anandpur Sahib city in the territory of sahota village. When this Qila was built Sahibzada Fateh Singh ji was born hence it was named as Qila Fatehgarh Sahib.