Sujanpur Tira Fort

Sujanpur Tira Fort is a historic hill fort located in Sujanpur Tira town in Hamirpur district, Himachal Pradesh, on a hillock above the Beas River. Built in the mid-18th century by Raja Abhaya Chand of Kangra and later developed as the residence of renowned Katoch ruler Raja Sansar Chand, the fort is known for its ruined walls, Baradari hall, and temples with mural paintings. It offers views of the river valley and reflects Kangra regional architecture.

Visitors can explore the ruined fort complex situated on a hillock (Tira) overlooking the Beas River and Sujanpur town. The site includes remaining fort walls, gateways, the Baradari (pillared hall) used as a court, and historic temples within the complex such as Narmadeshwar Mahadev Temple and Gauri Shankar Temple known for wall murals. The surroundings offer open courtyards, views of the river valley and town, and a quiet heritage atmosphere suitable for sightseeing and photography.

Sujanpur Tira was founded in the mid-18th century by Raja Abhaya Chand of Kangra, who built the fort in 1758 on a hillock (Tira) on the banks of the Beas River. It later became the residence and capital of the celebrated Katoch ruler Raja Sansar Chand (reigned 1775-1823), who made Sujanpur Tira a centre of art and culture. The fort complex includes the Baradari where the ruler held court and temples built during the Katoch period.

The fort complex is culturally significant for its association with the Katoch dynasty of Kangra and for its temples featuring Kangra-style murals and woodwork. The Narmadeshwar and Gauri Shankar temples within the fort are noted for their religious importance and artistic wall paintings depicting mythological themes, reflecting the regional Pahari art tradition.