The Eroding Significance of Bahawalpur State's Time-Honored Defence Structure: A Case Study of Marot Fort under British Protectorate

Abstract

The Fort of Marot served as a guardian along the northern frontier of Rajhistan, emblematic of Rajput's authority and resilience. It changed hands several times before coming under the stewardship of the Muslim rulers of Bahawalpur State, who also maintained it meticulously. However, with the onset of colonial dominance and the shift in defense strategies due to the region becoming a British protectorate, Marot, like many other contemporary defense structures, lost its prominence as a formidable border guardian. Instead, it saw a transition to a role primarily as a customs collection center and caravan hub. This article seeks to chronicle the historical and archaeological importance of a particular site, tracing its relevance through various ruling regimes. It aims to delve into the site's potential, the evolution of its functionality, and its role in shaping power dynamics across different eras. The chronological exploration will culminate with the period of British intervention, highlighting how the British control over the defense and trade of Bahawalpur State as a result of their trade treaty of 1833 and defense treaty of 1838, when Bahawalpur’s inclusion in the British Protectorate, led to the diminishing significance of these defense structures.