Mangla, famous for its old historical fort, 100 square miles lake, dam, head works, hydro-electrical power station and army garrison and fresh fish from fresh water of Mangla Lake and Jhelum River (especially Mahasher) is known as the "Gateway to Kashmir", the place where the natural boundaries of Jhelum River divides Punjab and Kashmir.
Mangla itself is also known as "Paradise of Angels". Mangla, a historical place on the name of Mangal Devi, an old Devmalya's character. Ancient stories describe that Mangla Devi, who gave her "Dershan" every Tuesday (Mangal) only, was the daughter of Raja Porus.
From this point Alexander the Great crossed river Jhelum (Old name Hydaspes) in 326 B.C., and fought his historical battle with the forces of Raja Porus at the place Khari, 10 miles away from Mangla.
Mangla Fort was built before Christ on the hilly side of Jhelum river, as water to Jhelum river comes from Himalayas Vari Nag Fountain and Wular Lake, from the mountains of Kashmir, and according to Indus Pact a dam was constructed at Mangla. The left bank side of Mangla is situated and/or falls within the territorial limits of district Mirpur (Azad Kashmir).
Jhelum city is situated 25 km from Mangla. Jhelum city is on the name of favourite horse of Alexander, "The Jhelum" which died and was buried there. It is the need of time that Mangla Fort be declared as "International Historical Heritage" and an independent "Mangla Fort Improvement Authority", should be established to rebuild and/or to promote the "Mangla Fort" as an "International Tourists Spot", as well.
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