Malot Fort
Malot Temples in District Chakwal | |
|---|---|
  Malot Temples in District Chakwal | |
| Coordinates: 32°41′0″N 72°48′0″E / 32.68333°N 72.80000°E | |
| Country | Pakistan |
| Province | Punjab |
| District | Chakwal |
| Elevation | 230 m (757 ft) |
Malot is a village of Chakwal District in the Punjab Province of Pakistan. It is part of Kalarkahar and is located at 32°41'0N 72°48'E lying to the west of Kallar Kahar with an altitude of 230 metres (757 feet). [1] A village with the same name also exists at 32°41'18.4"N 72°48'01.6"E near the Malot Fort.
History
It was established and settled by Janjua Rajput tribe. In 997 CE, Sultan Mahmud Ghaznavi, took over the Ghaznavid dynasty empire established by his father, Sultan Sebuktegin, In 1005 he conquered the Shahis in Kabul in 1005, and followed it by the conquests of Punjab region. The Delhi Sultanate and later Mughal Empire ruled the region. The Punjab region became predominantly Muslim due to missionary Sufi saints whose dargahs dot the landscape of Punjab region.
The town was named as Malik Kot and was later shortened to Malot. The Mughal King Babur’s travelogue Tuzkai-Babrui attests to the corollary of Malik-Kot, Mal-Kot and then Malot.
After the decline of the Mughal Empire, the Sikh recaptured as they united the Punjab Chakwal District. During the period of British rule, Chakwal District increased in population and importance.
The predominantly Muslim population supported Muslim League and Pakistan Movement. After the independence of Pakistan in 1947, the minority Hindus and Sikhs migrated to India while the Muslims refugees from India settled down in the Chakwal District.
Malot Fort
Malot Fort located at 32°41'18.4"N 72°48'01.6"E. was built in the 10th century AD and has the synthesis of Kashmiri and Greek architecture.[2] Malot Fort built of local red sand stones of Salt Range mountains, are located on the road leading to Malot village near Choi village. According to archives Malot was built around 980 AD. Gen Cunningham found the Malot