Satghara is one of the ancient villages located near the banks of the Ravi River in the Okara district of Punjab, Pakistan. This village holds a special significance due to its historical background.
Satghara is one of the ancient villages located near the banks of the Ravi River in the Okara district of Punjab, Pakistan. This village holds a special significance due to its historical background.
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The name Satghara has various linguistic interpretations. Local people believe that “sat” means seven and “gharah” means house or family. According to their belief, these are the seven families who migrated to this area with the great Baloch leader Mir Chakar-e-Azam Rind.
On the other hand, many people believe that the area was reconstructed seven times, hence the name “Satghara” Some historians state that some wounded soldiers of Alexander the Great’s army (who were associated with the ancient city of Stagera in Macedonia) settled there, and they named the area Stagera, which later became Satghara.
Mir Chakar Rind Baloch, also known as Chakar-e-Azam, was born in the 14th century and was a renowned and respected Baloch tribal chief and hero. During the 15th century, a famous thirty-year war broke out between the Rind and Lashari tribes, and the Rind Baloch emerged victorious. After the war, Mir Chakar migrated from Balochistan and settled in Satghara. Many other Baloch chiefs also migrated with him and established their homes in this area. Mir Chakar and other Baloch chiefs played a crucial role in helping Emperor Humayun regain his throne in Delhi and defeat the Sher Shah Suri forces. As a reward, Mir Chakar was given Staghdara and its surrounding regions as a gift. He laid the foundation of a city within the fortified walls, which was four-sided. To protect the area, a fort was constructed, covering an area of 15 square kilometers. The fort was built with strong walls, measuring 25 feet in height and 400 feet in length .
These walls were made of solid red bricks. In reality, this fortification was more like a defensive structure built to protect a small population. Unfortunately, due to the locals’ lack of awareness about preservation or inheritance, the fortified walls are gradually deteriorating.
To keep a watchful eye on the enemy, five towers were constructed, three on the eastern side of the fortification and two on the western side. The towers served as observation points from where the entire area could be monitored. If a fire was lit on one tower, it could be seen from the other tower, spreading news of danger throughout the region. However, due to neglect, misuse, and unregulated activities around these towers, their condition has significantly deteriorated.
Satghara Fort is one of the most beautiful examples of Mughal-style architecture and covers an area of 160,000 square feet. Two central gates (whose wooden panels are now missing) lead from the fort to the central market. Many historical sites from the Mughal, Sikh, and British eras can be found here, although their condition is currently deteriorating. Local residents have built houses within the inner parts of the fortification walls.
Mir Chakar passed away at the age of 97 at his residence in Satghara, located in the northwest of the city. His mausoleum was constructed in an octagonal building in the town of Ku, in the northwestern part of the district. Among the historical buildings of this village, there is now a Hindu temple, a tomb, and a tall tower situated on a high hill, which is most likely used as an observation tower.
