Sharda Fort
| Sharda Fort | |
|---|---|
| Sharda Peeth | |
| Sharda, Azad Kashmir | |
| Coordinates | 34°47′N 74°11′E / 34.783°N 74.183°E |
| Type | Military/Religious |
| Site information | |
| Owner | Department of Archaeology & Museums AZK, Government of Pakistan |
| Airfield information | |
| Elevation | 1,981 metres (6,499 ft) AMSL |
Sharda Fort, also known as Sharda Peeth, is an ancient fort and a national heritage monument in Neelum Valley, Azad Kashmir, Pakistan. Situated at an altitude of 1981m near the Neelum River, it is a major tourist attraction in Neelum Valley. The heritage site is not just a fort but is a combination of ancient Buddhist and Hindu temples as well as a ruined Buddhist University.
Location
It is situated in the village of Sharda also known as Shardi in Neelum Valley of Azad Kashmir (The Pakistani Controlled side of Kahsmir). The monument is basically a ruined ancient settlement of Buddhist and Hindus which includes a Fort, Buddhist University and various Temple structures of Goddess Sharadha. It is located at a distance of 30 kilometers from Dowarrian.
Importance
The site is not just a tourist attraction. It is believed by Hindus that the Sharda script was developed here in the 9th century. It also remained a Hindu and Buddhist place of learning for centuries until it was ruined.
See also
- List of UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Pakistan
- List of forts in Pakistan
- List of museums in Pakistan