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Bijnot Fort
Bijnot Fort (Urdu: قلعہ بجنوٹ), is a ruined fortress located in Bahawalpur District of Punjab, Pakistan, 23 kilometres (14 miles) west of Indo-Pakistani border in Cholistan Desert.[3][4] HistoryConstructed in the 8th century, Bijnot Fort now stands in ruins, primarily due to targeted artillery shelling during the Indo-Pakistani War of 1971, rather than natural deterioration.[2] It was under the occupation of Rajputs until 18th century.[5] Outlaws connectionThe fort's narrative isn't its historical significance, but the infamous outlaws who frequented it.[2] Madho Singh, a Rathore clansman from Bikaner, became a fugitive after retaliating violently against a neighbor's insult towards his father.[2] Escaping to Jaisalmer, he joined a gang of minor criminals, swiftly rising to leadership due to his imposing stature and Rajput dignity.[2] The gang's criminal activities escalated, leading to a significant heist and subsequent relocation to Pakistan in 1948, near Fort Abbas.[2] The gang's cross-border criminal activities led to a confrontation with Rajasthan Police, resulting in the death of Madho's deputy, Krishen Singh.[2] His ashes, according to local lore, were sent to the Ganga River.[2] After the incident, Madho Singh secured an audience with the Nawab of Bahawalpur, gifting him a richly decorated camel.[2] Consequently, Madho Singh and his remaining gang were permitted to settle in Dera Nawab, the Nawab's seat of power.[2] Traditionally, Poorbia Rajputs served as the Nawab's harem guards.[2] After Bahawalpur's incorporation into Pakistan, these guards returned to India, leading to Madho Singh and his gang assuming this duty.[2] However, they soon relocated to the desert, resuming cross-border operations and escalating their criminal activities.[2] By 1963, Madho Singh was allegedly involved in 135 cases in India.[2] In an act of revenge for a fallen comrade, Madho kidnapped Bhoor Singh.[2] Despite pursuit, they avoided capture.[2] Eventually, Madho executed Bhoor Singh, leading to his own capture and subsequent 14-year custody without trial or conviction.[2] In 1978, Madho and his gang were released, thanks to human rights lawyer Abid Minto, and granted Pakistani citizenship.[2] Seeking peace, Madho rejected offers of protection tied to criminality, opting for lawful living under the shelter of Lal Mian Abbasi.[2] He died in 1983, ensuring his remaining gang pledged law-abiding loyalty to the Abbasi family.[2] This pledge was upheld until the last accomplice, Moolji, died in 1999.[2] See alsoReferences
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