Legendary tales, hiding stories of the still unknown history of Rohtas, inform that the Kaimur Hills had provided shelter to Prince Rohitaswa, who was the son of Survyavanshi King (Solar dynasty) Harishchandra, famous for his truthfulness in the Puranas. The name of the Rohtas district follows from the legend of Rohitaswa, who is believed to have married a local princess on the Kaimur Hills, and from whom several Kharwars trace their descent.

The historical proof of these traditions is not found, but they have been mentioned as popular even during the visit of Buchanan (1813), implying their existence since long. The earliest historical reference of activities on the Rohtas Fort dates from the rule of King (Mahasamant) Sasankadeva, the ruler of Karnasuvarna in the early 7th century, whose seal inscription was found in the Fort Premises, from an unidentified location on the rock face. 

Of the following period, some inscriptions of King Pratapdhaval of the Khayarwala dynasty are found at various places like Tutrahi (1158 A.D.), Tarachandi and Phulwaria Ghat (both 1169 A.D.). There are other inscriptions of the medieval times including one of a descendant of Pratapdhaval at the Lal Darwaza, Rohtas Fort dated 1223 A.D. and others dating to the rule of the Lodis and the Mughals, especially during the rule of Man Singh, as the Governor of Bengal, camping at Rohtas fort in the 16th century.

To be continued........