Who commanded the Mughal forces which subdued Kangra fort in 1620 AD?
Show Answer & Explanation
Correct Answer: (D)
Explanation:
The Kangra Fort was finally captured by the Mughal forces in November 1620 AD during the reign of Jahangir. The siege was commanded by Nawab Ali Khan (also known as Nawab Alif Khan), assisted by Raja Jagat Singh of Nurpur. Following the victory, Nawab Ali Khan was appointed as the first Mughal Killadar (Fort Commander) of Kangra.
📚 Additional Info: The Mughal Conquest of Kangra
1. The Timeline of Capture
- Emperor: Jahangir.
- Year: 1620 AD (November 16th).
- Significance: This was a major achievement as the fort had successfully resisted Akbar’s siege in the past. It was the first time the fort fell to a foreign power in centuries.
2. Key Figures
- Nawab Ali Khan: The Mughal commander who led the final successful siege and became the first Mughal Governor of the fort.
- Raja Jagat Singh (of Nurpur): He played a crucial role. Initially, his father (Suraj Mal) had been entrusted with the task but rebelled. Jagat Singh stayed loyal to the Mughals and helped them breach the fort’s defenses.
3. Jahangir’s Visit (1622 AD)
- Emperor Jahangir visited the fort personally in 1622 AD.
- He was so captivated by the beauty of the valley that he contemplated making it his summer capital.
- He ordered the construction of a palace inside the fort (only remains exist).
- To commemorate his victory, he built a Mosque inside the fort and had a gate named “Jahangiri Darwaza”.
4. Surrender of Hari Chand
- The contemporary ruler of Kangra, Raja Hari Chand II, surrendered after a long siege and was later killed by Jagat Singh of Nurpur.