Sandeman Fort

Sandeman fort also known as Zhobe fort is a fortress and a military garrison situated in Zhobe district, Baluchistan. It was built in 1890 and is named after British administrator Robert Groves Sandeman, who pacified the region. Zhobe town in the North-west of Baluchistan is among its most celebrated historical towns initially named Apozai which was given to Zhobe after a nearby village. While the locals still use Apozai to address Zhobe, the town is most famous among the researchers by the name of Sandeman Fort. The name Fort Sandeman originally comes from Sir Robert Sandman`s name, which was initially given to the fort he resided in during his tenure as a district officer in Baluchistan. During the Afghan war in 19th century the British put its military on duty in the north-west districts of the Baluchistan. The fort Sandeman was one of the headquarter of the Zhobe levy corps led by British officers. The fort was built as a cantonment to defend the area. Some historians also suggest that the British built this fort to watch over the local population. During the colonial era the political agent resided in a building known as the castle that lay to the North of the town. The military lines, bazar, dispensaries and school lay below. During this time the railway system was built. The fort now is being use as the residence and the office of the Deputy Commissioner of Zhobe. The fort was built on the top of hillock, built in lime stone masonry reflect a beautiful rock of the surrounding area. Apparently it look like in original architecture of boat ( V shape ) structure. However, it has been replaced at certain places by making amendments inside the building. The building is provided with all requisite facilities for accommodation in the guest room, provision for a meeting hall, dining hall and kitchen.