Sirsa Fort in Haryana

Sirsa Fort is located in Sirsa district of Haryana, near the Thar Desert, approximately 250 kilometres north-west of New Delhi and 260 kilometres south-west of Chandigarh, the state capital. The fort is situated to the south-east of the present-day town of Sirsa, where the material remains of the ancient fort can still be seen.

According to local tradition, the town of Sirsa was founded in the 7th century A.D. by a king named Saras, who is also believed to have constructed the fort. The name Sirsa is traditionally associated with the abundance of siris trees, scientifically known as Albizia lebbeck, that once grew in the surrounding region. In ancient times, the town was supposedly known as Sirsapattan. Sirsa is regarded as an ancient settlement in Haryana and is believed to have formed part of an old route leading towards the erstwhile city of Takshila.

The historical significance of Sirsa is reflected in its references in several ancient texts. The town finds mention in the Mahabharata, Panini’s Ashtadhyayi, and the Buddhist text Divyavadana. Historically known by names such as Sairishaka and Sarsuti, Sirsa and its fort witnessed the rule of several dynasties and powers, including the Mughals and the Marathas. 

One of the notable accounts of Sirsa’s medieval history appears in the Tarikh-i-Firishta. According to the chronicle, the Ghaznavid Sultan Mas'ud I captured Sirsa in 1037 during his campaign to conquer Hansi. His troops reportedly encountered large quantities of sugarcane growing around Sirsa. They are said to have used the sugarcane to fill the moat surrounding the town’s fortress, enabling them to launch an attack on the fort. 

The Ghaznavid hold over Sirsa, however, appears to have been short-lived. Subsequent internal conflicts within the Ghaznavid Empire may have allowed the Tomara dynasty to regain control of the region. This possibility is supported by the discovery of coins belonging to Tomara rulers from both before and after 1037 at Sirsa. 

The fortunes of Sirsa changed considerably in the later centuries. The town was deserted following a devastating famine in 1783. It was subsequently refounded in 1838 and, nearly three decades later, was incorporated as a municipality in 1867.

The archaeological significance of Sirsa is closely associated with the Ther Mound, where the ruins of the ancient town of Sarishika and the Sirsa Fort are believed to lie buried. The site extends over an area of more than five square kilometres. Despite its considerable archaeological potential, extensive excavations have not been undertaken, largely because of the dense human settlements that have developed over the site. 

Nevertheless, archaeological discoveries from the area have provided valuable evidence of its historical importance. Stone sculptures, coins, an inscription, pottery fragments, the remains of the Sirsa Fort, and various other antiquities have been recovered from the region. These findings have helped shed light on the long and complex history of Sirsa and its importance as an ancient settlement. 

Today, Sirsa represents a blend of historical heritage and modern attractions. The remains of its ancient fort, archaeological sites, and historical associations preserve the memory of its rich past, while the modern town continues to attract visitors. Together, these elements make Sirsa a distinctive destination where the region’s ancient, medieval, and modern histories converge.