The Phillaur fort has a fascinating history behind it. It has a great historical background.Built by Maharaja Ranjit Singh on the banks of Satluj river near Ludhiana, the fort is situated in the “Bisat Doab” of Punjab. It is a magnificent red architectural structure situated on the Grant Trunk Road.
The fort is a display of the strength and a heritage symbol of Punjab. The fort houses a museum and a dargah. The architectural style of the fort is what lures the visitors the most. The fort was constructed to serve the purpose of a military fortress for Maharaja Ranjit Singh. Actually, it was a Sarai /inn built by Shah Jahan. Later, the town was occupied by KakarahSikhs and held until Maharaja Ranjit Singh (1780-1839) seized all the Kakarah Estates. After the collapse of the Mughal Empire, Maharaja Ranjit Singh sent Dewan Mohkam Chand, about the year 1809, to take possession of the Imperial Serai and converted it into a formidable fort with the help of his French and Italian officers, namely Generals Ventura, Allard, and Avitabile.
The magnificent Phillaur fort was substantially reconstructed by Maharaja Ranjit Singh to serve as the easternmost outpost of his empire. The fort's architecture has a distinct European character. It has an extensive moat and its outer walls are inclined inwards to deflect cannon balls. It was built in reply to the British who had built a small Fort at Ludhiana on the remnants said to be of an old Lodhi Fort, and to guard the ferry of Phillaur. Later, it became an artillery centre for the British Indian Army.
The British occupied this Fort in 1846 after the Sikhs were defeated in the battle of Aliwal. Phillaur, thereafter, became a Cantonment and Fort remained under the charge of Army authorities till 1890 when it was handed over to the Civil authorities and has been used thereafter for police training purposes. The fort was renamed as 'Maharaja Ranjit Singh Fort' by the Punjab Government by a notification dated 6th April, 1973. Since 1981, it has been a training school for Punjab police and is today known as the Maharaja Ranjit Singh Punjab Police Academy.
Source: Hardeep Singh, Contributor for CCRT