Mandi’s historic fort crumbling due to neglect :

1. Area residents want the structure preserved, say can become a popular tourist spot.

2. The existence of historic Kamlah Fort is at stake due to its poor upkeep. Located in the Dharampur Assembly segment of Mandi district, the historic items of the fort are missing, while walls are shattered.

3. People of the area alleged that despite it being a historical property, the state government has done precious little to preserve and promote it for tourism purpose.

4. Kamlah Fort is a 17th-century structure located near Kamlah village in Dharampur Assembly segment. It was constructed in 1625 by Raja Suraj Sen of Mandi.

5. The Mandi kingdom depended on its forts for security. Mandi is in fact a repository of 360 forts built over a time from the rule of Suraj Sen to that of Ishvari Sen (1788–1826). Maharaja Ranjit Singh attacked the fort in 1830. It was destroyed in 1840. Retaken a few years later, it was reconstructed by Mandi King.

6. A cave known as Rani Ki Gufa in the fort was made to hide the queen during war, which is now in a dilapidated condition. Shockingly, the cave is being used to provide shelter to goats and sheep for the past few years. There is a strong resentment among the locals over it. They, in fact, want the state government to preserve the fort area and use it to promote tourism.

7. On the top of hill in fort area is situated a temple of Kamlah Baba who is revered by people of the area. Due to this many devotees visit the temple frequently also.

8. If the fort is developed for tourism purpose, it would attract a large number of people from across the country because of its historical importance. A majority of people said “they are hopeful that the state government will develop Kamlah Fort much like Kangra Fort for tourism purpose.” They said that the fort is connected with road facility and the state government should connect it with ropeway facility also.

9. IPH Minister Mahender Singh Thakur, who represents the Dharampur Assembly segment, told that a DPR of the project would be prepared and connecting Kamlah Fort with a ropeway facility is under consideration of the government.

About Kamlah Fort :

Kamlah Fort is a 17th-century fort located near Kamlah village in the province of Himachal Pradesh, India west of Mandi. It was probably constructed in 1625 by Raja Suraj Sen of Mandi.

The Mandi kingdom depended on its forts for its security, and Kamlah Fort had the reputation of being the most secure repository of the reputed 360 forts of the Mandi state from the rule of Suraj Sen to that of Ishvari Sen (1788–1826). Maharaja Ranjit Singh attacked the fort in 1830. It was destroyed in 1840 and then retaken a few years later and reconstructed by Mandi Kings.

History :

Situated in the Sarkhaghat tehsil of Mandi District of HP, Kamlah fort is one of the strongest and invincible fort. This fort is approx 100 km from district headquater and bus service is available to reach. It is situated at height of 4500feets. On the top of fort is temple of Baba Kamlahiya. There are approx 1000 stairs between road and temple. Raja Hari Sen, ruler of Mandi started the constuction of fort in the year 1605, but he died before its completion. Later on his son raja Surya Sen continued to unfinished worked. King Shyam Sen, Shamsher Sen and Ishwari Sen ruled the State of Mandi and this fort remained as one of hideout and storage place.

During the rule of Raja Ishwari Sen, ruler of Kangra, raja Sansar Chand along with general of fort named Murli & Manku hatched a conspiracy to conquer this fort. One of loyal soldier Bhagu came to know about this and he with his intelligence & bravery didn't let it happen. Thereafter when King came to know about this he beheaded Murli & Manku. Jalim Sen and his son Balbir Sen were the next heir of Mandi thrown. Prince NoNihal son of Raja Khaagad Singh attacked Mandi state but could not capture Kamlah Fort. King NoNihal made numerous attempts to capture Kamlah fort with his able commanders General Bechura (French National) and Sardar Ajit Singh Sindh Walia but could succeed in the end with great difficulty. In 1846, the king of Mandi Balbir Singh with the help of Britishers got the fort free from Sikhs. As per the treaty dated March 1846 this fort came under the Mandi district of British Govt. Total area of this fort is now 101 biga and is under the language & culture department of govt. This information is based upon the as written on the board inside the fort.

Recent Develpoment :

In May 2008, the place was in news as 10 disintegrated human skulls found here while digging the fields close to the fort. Villagers suspect there could be more skulls in the region. Then Mandi reported that the human skulls appeared to be of the old time. These were disintegrated beyond recognition.  The forensic experts and archaeologists to examine the human skulls.