Ranokot

The Ranokot fort is believed to be associated with the Dharaja state, one of many fiefdoms within the deltaic region that existed during the decline of the Mughal Empire in the 18th century. While the Mughal governorship was based in Thatta and supported by the Kalhoras, the Ranas of Dharaja ruled the western delta region. Ranokot was one of their primary strongholds.

Ranokot

Where is it located in Sindh

See the location of Ranokot in Mirpur Sakro district

Site description

course of the river or reclamation of the land for agricultural or pastoral purposes. A narrow water irrigation channel runs where the northern wall would have been, however, it is unclear if the digging of the channel is associated with destruction of the wall and its towers. Similarly the eastern wall is also missing. A large brick mound exists along this wall alignment and could be associated with the remains of the fort gate.

Ranokot is located in an agricultural area of Mirpur Sakro. While historically the fort helped protect the adjacent waterways, it now lies over a mile away from the closest river creek. The ruins of the fort are surrounded by agricultural fields and pastoral areas. Today only the western and southern walls are visible, albeit heavily covered by vegetation. It appears the eastern and northern walls have long been destroyed. It is unknown whether this was due to the changing course of the river or reclamation of the land for agricultural or pastoral purposes. A narrow water irrigation channel runs where the northern wall would have been, however, it is unclear if the digging of the channel is associated with destruction of the wall and its towers. Similarly the eastern wall is also missing. A large brick mound exists along this wall alignment and could be associated with the remains of the fort gate.

Construction methods

Different types of construction techniques are visible at Ranokot. The walls and towers appear to have been made with mud or sandstone and filled with loose earth and stone rubble. Lime mortar has been used but due to the highly degraded condition of the structure it is only visible in certain parts of the site.

The corner towers and one mid-wall tower are still visible on the Western and Southern walls but are difficult to investigate due to limited ground visibility resulting from dense vegetation growth.

Different types of construction techniques are visible at Ratukot. The walls and towers appear to have been made with mud or sandstone and filled with loose earth and stone rubble. Lime mortar has been used but due to the highly degraded condition of the structure it is only visible in certain parts of the site. The corner towers and one mid-wall tower are still visible on the Western and Southern walls but are difficult to investigate due to limited ground visibility resulting from dense vegetation growth.

limited extents of contiguous sandstone and brick construction suggests it may have been salvaged for use in other buildings, burials or shrines in nearby areas.

The use of brick is only found in the eastern mound and may be associated with a different period of construction or maintenance. The mound, if it is associated with the fort gate, could have been part of a later period fortification of the site. The limited extents of contiguous sandstone and brick construction suggests it may have been salvaged for use in other buildings, burials or shrines in nearby areas.

History

With Sindh being on the outer limits of an already weakening Mughal Empire in the 18th century, many fiefdoms and estates had risen in the deltaic region. This was a turbulent period of political intrigue, intensifying local rivalries and territorial ambitions. Dharaja, ruled by Rana Arjun, was one of many such fiefdoms that defied Mughal governorship based in Thatta, the then capital of Sindh. Ranokot, a Dharaja stronghold, held the western waterways of the delta, and served as the personal residence for Rana Arjun and his family.

Mian Ghulam Shah Kalhoro, the Nazim of lower Sindh by royal Mughal decree, had appointed Shakar Ullah as nawab of Thatta and ordered him to organise for the assassination of Rana Arjun and annexation of his territory. Shakar Ullah

tasked Bijar Jokhio with the job. There are differing accounts of how Rana Arjun was ultimately defeated. One such account, during increasing hostilities with Kalhoro armies marching on Ranokot, suggests Rana Arjun ordered his family to be evacuated by boat while he and a small militia escaped to Muchaq island and the ruins of Ratukot. Getting word of this attempted escape, Bijar and a band of 80 men arrived at nightfall and attacked Rana Arjhun’s encampment. Rana Arjun was killed in the ensuing battle, and with him the Dharaja state was brought to an end in 1747. Bijar was made Jam (leader) of the Jokhios for his efforts and the Kalhoro’s gained control of the much coveted lands of the western delta.

Threats to the site

the fort walls and structures, such as bricks and stones, appear to have been salvaged and repurposed for use in nearby constructions. Together, such anthropogenic pressures threaten the integrity of the Fort, highlighting the urgent need for protective measures and sustainable land-use practices to safeguard this historic site.

Ranokot faces significant threats stemming from its proximity to agricultural lands and associated human activities. The surrounding land is extensively cultivated, and the boundaries of the fort are increasingly encroached upon by farmers and herders. Portions of the fort’s area have been repurposed for agricultural and pastoral use, leading to its gradual destruction. Material from the fort walls and structures, such as bricks and stones, appear to have been salvaged and repurposed for use in nearby constructions. Together, such anthropogenic pressures threaten the integrity of the Fort, highlighting the urgent need for protective measures and sustainable land-use practices to safeguard this historic site.