Forgotten Ranikot Fort, often known as The Great Wall of Sindh, is a fortification that defies description, nestled in the isolated highlands of the Kirthar Range in Sindh. One of the biggest fortresses in the world, spanning more than 32 kilometers, is seldom recognized to the majority of Pakistanis and is not featured in popular international travel narratives. Even more astounding is the fact that, although rarely visited on Earth, this enormous edifice can be viewed from space.
About 90 kilometers north of Hyderabad, Sindh, is Ranikot Fort. Although the Talpur dynasty is thought to have reconstructed it in the early 1800s, historians contend that the fort’s foundations date back considerably further. According to some academics, it may have originated as early as the Sassanid period. The mystery surrounding the fort is only heightened by the lack of certainty about its precise origin.
Unveiling Ranikot Fort
The building is breathtaking. Its enormous sandstone walls ascend hills and enclose valleys as they wind through the rugged landscape. The design demonstrates military planning and regional control with its four main gates (Sann, Amri, Shah-Pere, and Mohan) and internal castles (Miri and Shergarh).
The fort’s walls are frequently more than a few meters wide, and some sections can grow up to thirty feet in height. Despite its historic significance, the whole story has not yet been fully exposed by any thorough excavation or scholarly documentation. Ranikot-related legends increase the curiosity. The forgotten fort’s supposed curse, jinns, and otherworldly guards are all mentioned in local tradition. Others assert that it was a defensive building constructed to guard caravan routes or to keep out invading tribes. However, a large portion of Ranikot’s history is based on oral traditions because it lacks inscriptions and official historical documents.
A Forgotten Heritage at Risk
The effects of modern negligence are evident. Despite being included on the UNESCO World Heritage Tentative List in 1993, forgotten Ranikot Fort has not received worldwide recognition or protection status more than thirty years later. The local museum, visitor center, and signage are all missing. Due to unmanaged human involvement, the hard climate, and water erosion, some elements of the building are collapsing. Early 2000s restoration efforts were criticized for using contemporary cement, which diminished the fort’s uniqueness.
In addition to being a forgotten , loss for historians, this lack of preservation represents a lost business opportunity. Every year, millions of people visit places like the Great Wall of China and Machu Picchu in Peru. These places were also forgotten and not always well-known throughout the world; sustained investment, compelling narratives, and clever marketing made them so. Ranikot might take the same route.
Heritage Enthusiasts Destination
The potential for tourism in Ranikot is enormous. For students, photographers, hikers, and heritage enthusiasts, it may be a weekend historical getaway, only a few hours’ drive from big cities like Hyderabad and Karachi. The region’s economy might be revitalized via adventure tourism, cultural festivals, archaeological discovery, and educational tours. To do this, though, the public and commercial sectors must cooperate to enhance road access, guarantee tourist safety, and provide hospitality and tourism management training to local communities.
Furthermore, promoting Ranikot is not just about the money. At a time when younger generations are disengaged from the past, it could help restore pride in Pakistan’s rich legacy. Showing off undiscovered wonders like Ranikot can help change perceptions of a nation that is frequently shown unfavorably in foreign media. The inclusion of this sleeping giant in the curriculum, digital tours, and documentaries could spark interest in it again.
The success of preservation depends on Pakistan’s Department of Archaeology allocating specialized resources and personnel to carry out exhaustive excavations. Unlocking Ranikot’s historical secrets may be possible through partnerships with both domestic and foreign universities. A calculated move would be to submit renewed proposals to UNESCO that include community input, updated documentation, and a sustainable conservation plan.
It remains a mystery: How has something so enormous escaped observation for so long?
Ranikot Fort: “A Historical Enigma”
Actually, forgotten Ranikot Fort is more than just a historical site. It is a tale of unrealized promise, cultural neglect, and forgotten grandeur. It represents what Pakistan can contribute to the world if it decides to cherish its history. We must prevent such timeless legacies from fading into obscurity as we go toward contemporary development and digital futures.
Ranikot waits — for respect, for restoration, for acknowledgment.
By PNP Intern – Irfan Ali
Irfan Ali is an intern at the Press Network of Pakistan.
