The remanent of Arki Fort speak volumes about the glorifying history of the royal past of Arki which used to be a flourishing Riyasat in the olden times. Presently, Arki tehsil is a part of Solan district of Himachal Pradesh and looks like a town of the bygone era. The narrow by lanes of Arki however make one ponder about the past of Arki Fort in Himachal Pradesh.
A Past of 300 Years
Arki fort stands as a testimony to the glorified past of this region. Overlooking the present town of Arki, the Arki Fort is instantly visible as like any other fort it stands tall on a hillock at 1049 meters above mean sea level as if providing cover to the hill town below. In its existence of 300 years, the fort has seen a lot of invaders each of whom left an incredible mark on the history of this region.
Infact, the town of Arki is historic too. It has been the capital of hill state of Bhagnal and was founded by Rana Ajai Dev. It was formed in 11th century and the town of Arki was declared capital of Bhagnal BY Rana Sabha Chand in 1643
Image courtesy: Photo by Asif Methar:pexels.com
History of Arki Fort
Interestingly, the fort is less known for those who laid its foundations than for the rule and the misrule of Amar Singh Thapa, the Gorka ruler who ruled over Bhagat and plundered it a lot until the British drove him away.
The Arki Fort was built by Rana Prithvi Singh between 1695 to 1700 who was the ruler of Bhagat. Rana Mehar Chand and Rana Bhoop Singh shaped the fort further until it fell in the hands of Amar Singh Thapa.
The Rule of Amar Singh Thapa
The fort has three major sections or areas, and this includes one in which Amar Singh Thapa lived. The other was Diwane Khas, the region where the king met all his guests. However, the legacy of Ranas could not last long and in 1806 the Gorkhas led by Amar Singh Thapa took control over the state of Bhagnal.
Rana Jagat Singh was thereafter expelled and Amar Singh Thapa began living in Arki Fort. The king took refuge in Fort of Nalagarh during these years.
This fort was home to Amar Singh Thapa, and he planned all his misadventures from this place till the time he was overrun and thrown out by the British.
Amar Singh Thapa was a cruel ruler by nature and used to pronounce death sentences for small crimes. He would ensure that the person responsible for the crime was hanged to death before his eyes on a tree.
The Anglo Gorkha war of 1815 brought an end to the misery of Amar Singh Thapa and after driving him out of the Arki fort, the same was handed back to Rana Jagat Singh by the British. Noticeably, Amar Singh Thapa has also been considered one of the National Heros of Nepal.
Pahari School of Painting
If you are among those who have interest in exploring Pahari school of painting, the Arki fort would be a great place to visit. Like Kangra, Arki too had influence from Pahari School of painting and the style developed here had an influence from Kangra and Basholi schools.
The diwankhana at Arki Fort is a testimony to the same and you will find its walls, pillars and roofs covered with frescos which are designed in Pahari architecture. Animals and humans have been painted in what is known as Arki style of painting here.
Infact, as the fort was with British too it also features some European art, and you will find an interesting mix of Pahari and European art in this fort which is a rare sign to see in the entire region.
Padam Lakshmi Niwas Arki
A part of the Arki Fort has also been converted into a homestay by the current rulers. It has different suites named as Ambuja suite, Pankaja suite, Nityshri suite and Vibhuti suite where you can experience the true elegance and might of what once was the elegantly designed and ruled Arki Fort.
Image Courtesy: Arki Heritage Haveli | Kasauli | Himachal Pradesh | Just Home Stay
Vital Information about Arki
Arki falls in district Solan of Himachal Pradesh and is around 40 km from the district headquarter of Solan. It was the former capital of Bhagnal estate and was known for being the home ground of Amar Singh Thapa who ruled the region for a while in 18th century before being driven away by the British.
Aki has been a cultural centre in this region and was known for Arki school of painting which has a larger influence of Kangra school of painting.
Tourists can visit the Arki fort, Lutru Mahadev temple and Laxmi Narayan temple here. Arki is approachable from Solan and Shimla and can be visited in a day trip from any of these locations.
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