Siege of Kishangarh Fort

Siege of Kishangarh Fort
Part of Rajasthan Campaign (1965)
Pakistani flag hoisted over Kishangarh Fort
Date 8–18 September 1965 Location Kishangarh Fort, Rajasthan, India Result Pakistani victory
Belligerents
Pakistan Pakistan Army Pakistan Rangers Hurs	India Indian Army Rajasthan Armed Constabulary
Commanders and leaders
Brig. Khuda Dad Khan Brig. K. M. Azhar Khan Faqir Jamal Mangrio	Unknown
Units involved
51 Infantry Brigade Hurs Pakistan Rangers	30 Indian Infantry Maratha Regiment Rajasthan Armed Constabulary
Casualties and losses
Unknown	Heavy

The Siege of Kishangarh Fort was a key engagement during the Rajasthan Campaign (1965) in the Indo-Pakistani War of 1965. The fort, located 11 kilometers from the border with Pakistan, was strategically significant as it was situated along the only road linking Rajasthan to the Pakistani city of Rahim Yar Khan.

Background

Kishangarh Fort, originally known as Deenugarh, was built in the 18th century with a mix of Mughal and Sindh architectural styles. The fort's strategic position made it a key target during the war.

Hostilities in this sector commenced on 6 September 1965, with the Pakistani forces adopting a defensive posture initially. The Hurs tribe, familiar with the harsh desert terrain, played a crucial role in the campaign. Using their expertise in desert survival and guerrilla tactics, they inflicted significant casualties on Indian forces.

The Siege

On 8 September 1965, Pakistan launched its first major incursion into Rajasthan, besieging Kishangarh Fort. The assault, spearheaded by the Desert Force and Hur militia, took the Indian garrison by surprise. Fighting as light infantry and employing skirmisher tactics, the Hur were able to exploit the terrain and engage Indian forces effectively. The defenders resisted fiercely, but after ten days of bitter fighting, the garrison surrendered, and the fort fell to Pakistani forces on 18 September.

Aftermath

Approximate extent of advance

The capture of Kishangarh Fort was a significant achievement for Pakistan, as it secured a key route and demonstrated the effectiveness of the Desert Force and Hur militia in desert warfare. The event remains a notable episode in the history of the 1965 war.