Field guides / Khyber Pakhtunkhwa / Kotla Mohsin Khan
Field guide · Heritage
Kotla Mohsin Khan
A historic gate of a fort that has survived.
Kotla means a small fortified residence. According to one legend, it was founded over a high mound in 2nd half of 16th century by the noted Mughal Mansabdar Arbab Mustajab Khan Momand in the presence of two renowned spiritual figures Hazrat Kaka Sahib Rahmkar and Akhund Dirwaiza Baba. It is spread over an area of 10 hectares of land. It is a three-storey structure, the second floor comprises small rooms and a compound while its third floor contains security posts along with two rooms.
Why go
- ✦A kotla — a small fortified residence — raised on a high mound
- ✦Founded in the later 16th century by a Mughal mansabdar
- ✦Three storeys, with security posts on the topmost
- ✦Spread across ten hectares
- ✦One historic gate of the fort still stands
History
By the account the register gives as a legend, the foundation was laid in the presence of two renowned spiritual figures, Hazrat Kaka Sahib Rahmkar and Akhund Darweza Baba. The building stands three storeys tall: small rooms and a compound on the second floor, security posts and two further rooms on the third. One historic gate of the fort survives.
Historical Significance
A rare surviving example of a Mughal-period fortified private house in the Peshawar valley, as distinct from a state fortress.
Why Visit
Read it as a private fortified house rather than a garrison — that is what a kotla is, and few survive.
Interesting Facts
- 'Kotla' means a small fortified residence, not a military fort
- It covers about ten hectares and stands three storeys high
- The top floor held security posts
Planning tip
Best Time to Visit, October to March.
Getting there, Between Peshawar and Nowshera on the Grand Trunk Road corridor.
Allow, About an hour.
What to Do
Make Kotla Mohsin Khan Part of a Trip
GreenPak resorts within reach, and the journeys that travel this region.
Nearby
Straight-line distance from Kotla Mohsin Khan, within 30 km.
