Kangra’s Haripur fort in ruins, cries for govt attention

Ravinder Sood

Palampur, January 6

Haripur is a historic town of Kangra district. Nestling in the lap of the majestic Dhauladhar ranges, the town is known for its Haripur fort. The massive ramparts of the fort can be seen from the Guler railway station. The location of the fort is picturesque and Banganga, a small rivulet, providing it protection from three sides looks awe-inspiring from the top.

Today, Haripur cries for the attention of the state government to save and protect its 600-year-old rich culture and heritage. The twin townships is carrying the heritage of Guler Riyasat.

Founded in 1464, Haripur is a historic place where the famous Kangra miniature paintings (Pahari paintings) were born. The town was famed as the cradle of the Kangra School of Paintings, which fell into decline at the close of the 19th century.

The ancient fort and water springs at Haripur are worth visiting. This was the capital of the princely state of Haripur Guler — an offshoot of Kangra. Legend has it that Raja Hari Chand of Kangra became disengaged from his companions on a hunting expedition and fell into a well. It is stated that during an expedition Raja fell into a well and could not be traced for 22 days. Later, passing merchants saved him. In his absence his wives became sati and immolated themselves.

After this incident, Raja established in his own capital, Haripur, after his name and left his kingdom to his younger brother.

Haripur fort is not as famous or as large as the Kangra fort but it is strategically built. The location is picturesque and the Banganga rivulet gives it natural protection. Inside, there are a few carvings, which are blurred and difficult to reach. The 18th-century travellers, who visited the fort, recorded that the Guler palace of Haripur fort had exquisite paintings and carvings.

It is said that the major school of miniature paintings was also based here. After the construction of the Pong Dam and the flooding of the area by the waters of the Maharana Pratap Sagar, many people in Haripur had their lands submerged. Haripur still holds several old temples and remarkable city gates with large stone carvings of deities from the Hindu pantheon that testify to a long-gone creative impulse. But in this Internet era, there is none to protect these centuries-old heritage.