Throtchi Fort

Throtchi Fort

The Throchi Fort in Gulpur, Kotli, was originally built in 1460 but fortified in 1587 when Mughal Emperor Akbar’s armies annexed Kashmir. It is perched on a hilltop and surrounded by natural springs and waterfalls. The fort is famous for the battle in 1947 between a contingent of local men headed by Col. Mahmood Mangral and the Dogra army. The locals defeated and chased out the Dogra soldiers who were besieged at Throchi Fort until they decided to make a run for Jammu. They were chased through Changpur and Khawas villages, and some through the Mooli river. They were eventually caught up at a place called Dabrian, near Joona, where a final showdown took place. Many of the Dogra soldiers were killed in the encounter, whilst one or two who were heavily armed, managed to retreat towards Jammu. Today, the late Col. Mahmood Khan Mangral is regarded as a celebrated hero and Dabrian is place of national importance.