According to some estimates the original fort was built by Katoch Rajput Dynasty of Kangra or Trigarta kingdom between 800 and 1000 B.C.
The fort was notable for both its effectiveness as a defence installation and for its architecture.
Within the fort stood a citadel flanked by 30 towers, enclosing a Hindu temple and a Khan's palace.
The citadel was severely damaged by the battering it got from the guns in 1818.
The ancient pre-Islamic Hindu temple Prahladpuri Temple dedicated to Lord Narasimha, the fourth avatar of Lord Vishnu is located adjacent to the walls of the shrine.