Forever Fortified
The Mir dynasty of Sindh (1782-1843) is reputed to have constructed many forts in Sindh. This fort on the periphery of the Thar Desert, 3 km from Naukot town was built by Mir Karam Ali Khan in 1814. The fort was designed on the same plan as other forts of the Talpur era, with rammed earth as a major building component to withstand artillery attack. Both in terms of history and architecture, Naukot fort has been an important landmark structure for the last two centuries
Condition
Heavy monsoon rains in August 2011 damaged the fort. Rainwater eroded the rammed earth threatening the very foundations of the fort.
Conservation Board approval: 19th September 2011
Financial assistance: Rs. 15 million
Preservation work commenced on Aug 4, 2012, and since then the 5′ thick inner brick masonry skin of fortification, which had collapsed at three places during the 2011 heavy monsoon rains, has been fully restored using traditional materials and techniques. The fortification top, which had developed 2′ – 5′ deep ditches due to erosion of mud core by rainwater infiltration, has been waterproofed and restored with slop moulded bricks in gypsum and mud mortar as per original. Built-in vaulted spaces have been pointed and buried structures have been excavated and repaired. The two gates that had been blocked with brick masonry during the colonial period have also been restored to their original form. Phase I completed in November 2014. Phase-II of the project approved by the BOT in its meeting held on March 6, 2015 at Rs. 10.0m will involve the restoration of the missing character of the fort, such as merlons and elephant-proof gates of the fortification. 164 out of 600 merlons have been restored, more funds are needed for the gates. Adaptive reuse of barracks, dungeon and setting up of Thar Museum in the built-in cells is suggested, and visitor facilities such as a snack bar, lounge and souvenir shops and celebration of traditional festivals and events which would enrich local economy are also needed at the fort
