Forts and Palaces

• Bahadurgarh Fort, Patiala

  

  Bahadurgarh Fort, PatialaThe Bahadurgarh Fort, on the outskirts of Patiala, was built in the 17th century by Nawab Saif Khan during the reign of Aurangzeb and was reportedly called Saifabad. Notable monuments from that period include the Diwan-e-Aam and an elegant mosque.

  The Bahadurgarh Fort, on the outskirts of Patiala, was built in the 17th century by Nawab Saif Khan during the reign of Aurangzeb and was reportedly called Saifabad. Notable monuments from that period include the Diwan-e-Aam and an elegant mosque.

  The Nawab’s tomb can also be found a short distance from the fort. Later, renamed after the ninth Sikh Guru, Guru Tegh Bahadur, to commemorate his stay here, it was renovated and a gurudwara built by Maharaja Karam Singh of Patiala in the 19th century. Since 1989, the Punjab Police Commando Training School has been located within the grounds

  • Location
  • Read More

• Gobindgarh Fort, Amritsar

  

  One of the most striking and historic edifices of Amritsar, it is the only surviving fort from the times of Maharaja Ranjit Singh. It has had a continuous historical narrative including events from the struggle for independence. This historical layering is also visible in the fort's distinct military architectural style and layout.

  One of the most striking and historic edifices of Amritsar, it is the only surviving fort from the times of Maharaja Ranjit Singh. It has had a continuous historical narrative including events from the struggle for independence. This historical layering is also visible in the fort's distinct military architectural style and layout. It comprises of two concentric layers of fortified walls with bastions and is entered through two successive gateways. The inner enclosure comprises numerous buildings which have an obvious colonial look and feel about them.

  The foundation of the Gobindgarh Fort was laid in the mid 18th century by the leader of the Bhangi misl (clan). The imposing brick and lime structure, though locally known as the Bhangian Da Kila, derives its formal name from Guru Gobind Singh. Historically, possession of the fort was considered akin to possessing power over Punjab's religious and political centres. It fell into Maharaja Ranjit Singh's hands in the early 19th century during his expansionist missions. He further strengthened the walls of the fort and built a moat around it, adding several strong bastions to the structure. It is said to have housed the Maharaja''s treasury, including the famed Kohinoor diamond within its walls.

  Legend has it that Ranjit Singh was coveting the legendary cannon Zamzama (which finds mention in Rudyard Kipling's Kim), reportedly fashioned for Ahmad Shah Abdali out of metal utensils looted from Lahore. It was appropriated by the Bhangis and housed within Gobindgarh fort. Following his annexation of Amritsar, the cannon were transported to Lahore by Maharaja Ranjit Singh for use in subsequent expeditions and today, it stands sentinel outside the Lahore Museum.

  • Location
  • Read More

• Ram Bagh Palace, Amritsar

  

  The Ram Bagh Palace is set amidst gardens modelled on the famed Shalimar Gardens of Lahore. Named in honour of Guru Ram Das, it boasts rare plants and trees, water channels, and a well-appointed statue of Maharaja Ranjit Singh seated on a horse.

  The Ram Bagh Palace is set amidst gardens modelled on the famed Shalimar Gardens of Lahore. Named in honour of Guru Ram Das, it boasts rare plants and trees, water channels, and a well-appointed statue of Maharaja Ranjit Singh seated on a horse. Amidst this peaceful verdure, Maharaja Ranjit Singh had himself built a double-storied luxurious summer palace, with remarkably cool underground apartments for use in hot heather, in the early Indo-Sarcanic style. A swimming pool for the ladies of the court was also constructed in close proximity to it. The palace grounds were accessed through four grand deoris (gateways) built in the Punjab architectural style marked by Rajasthani influences. Several rooms in the palace have decorative false ceilings made in the khatamband technique, a wood craft unique to Kashmir. The Palace is now the Maharaja Ranjit Singh Museum displaying a splendid exhibition from his life and expeditions, as well as, his personal sword, shield and replicas of a golden throne and the Kohinoor diamond. The museum is currently under restoration.

  • Location
  • Read More

• Qila Mubarak, Patiala

  

  This 18th century qila (fort) was built by Baba Ala Singh who established an independent Sikh principality at Patiala. It reportedly took many years to complete but continued to expand well into the 19th century for as long as the royal family resided here.

  This 18th century qila (fort) was built by Baba Ala Singh who established an independent Sikh principality at Patiala. It reportedly took many years to complete but continued to expand well into the 19th century for as long as the royal family resided here. Qila Mubarak remained the official residence of the Maharajas till 1862. The township of Patiala grew and flourished around Qila Mubarak, and today, this majestic fort proudly marks the heart of the city. The sprawling complex comprising inner and outer precincts, each with its own set of buildings, is an outstanding example of Mughal and Rajasthani architectural styles.

  The fort is a must-see for visitors to Patiala and continues to be a huge draw. As many as 13 painted chambers and mirrored halls comprise the private residential area, called Qila Androon, where the Maharaja and the ladies of the royal household resided. The Sheesh Mahal is most remarkable in its elaborate decorations. The walls are intricately inlaid with mirror and gilt, and covered with exquisite frescoes that depict traditional Hindu themes and scenes from celebrated Punjabi folklore. Delicately painted birds, animals and geometrical designs by skilled artists from Rajasthan and Himachal Pradesh are a part of the embellishments. A sacred flame brought by Baba Ala Singh from the Jwalamukhi Temple in Kangra is also housed within this section and has been kept alive since. Another section of the inner grounds comprises the Cannon Park with a gleaming array of large guns and cannons on display.

  Notable buildings in the outer perimeter of the fort include the Raan Baas or ladies apartment; the Darbar Hall built by Maharaja Karam Singh; the Jalau Khana, a hall meant for exhibitions; and the Sarad Khana, intended to house European guests. The fort’s Lassi Khana, or kitchen, is said to have served nearly 35,000 people every day. Qila Mubarak remained the official residence of the Maharajas till 1862, while the Durbar Hall continued to function as their court until 1947. Today, as a museum, this hall’s splendid display includes a silver chariot, Bohemian cut-glass chandeliers, a beautiful jade dagger carried by Guru Gobind Singh and a sword that belonged to Nadir Shah.

  • Location
  • Read More

• Sheesh Mahal, Patiala

  

  Not to be confused with the Sheesh Mahal (palace of mirrors) in the Qila Mubarak, this sprawling three-storied building, part-European and part-Mughal in appearance, was built by Maharaja Narendra Singh a short distance from the Old Moti Bagh Palace, to provide a space for expression for the many artists, poets and scholars who thronged his court.

  Not to be confused with the Sheesh Mahal (palace of mirrors) in the Qila Mubarak, this sprawling three-storied building, part-European and part-Mughal in appearance, was built by Maharaja Narendra Singh a short distance from the Old Moti Bagh Palace, to provide a space for expression for the many artists, poets and scholars who thronged his court. In its current role as a museum, this palace houses an impressive assortment of art and sculpture. It has a remarkable collection of miniature paintings, as well as carved metal and ivory artefacts from across Punjab, Kashmir, Burma and Tibet, including a gruesome albeit fascinating apron of human bones! A separate wing of the museum hosts a taxidermy gallery, displaying a large selection of mounted birds and animals.

  Among the manuscripts in the museum’s possession is a copy of the greatest Sufi classic, the Gulistan Bostan, once owned by the emperor Shah Jahan, its pages illustrated in gold. An interesting collection of coins housed here traces the history of international trade in the 19th century. The feted medal gallery has on display the largest number of medals and decorations in the world, numbering 3,200. Among the most extraordinary are The Order of the Garter (England) of 1348, The Order of the Golden Fleece (Austria) of 1430, and The Order of St. Andrews (Russia) founded in 1688 by Peter the Great. The Most Noble Order of The Garter, the highest civilian decoration bestowed upon British citizens, can also be viewed here. One of only 25 ever in existence, it was accidentally discovered by a visiting High Commissioner! The collection also contains medals from Belgium, Denmark, Finland and a host of countries of Africa and Asia; along side those instituted by Maharaja Bhupinder Singh himself. The latter are embellished with precious stones, and carry beautiful miniature images of Hindu gods and Sikh gurus. The grounds of the Sheesh Mahal are dotted with several statues, including one of Maharaja Bhupinder Singh highlighting his legendary sartorial taste, and an imposing statue of Queen Victoria. Slung across a (now dry) lake is a magnificent suspension bridge linking the Sheesh Mahal with the Banasar Ghar, an exhibition hall. The Sheesh Mahal is also the site for some of the events of the annual Patiala Heritage Festival.

  Timings: 10am-5pm (Tue-Fri), 10am-9pm (Sat-Sun) / Entry: Free / Closed: Monday & Public Holidays

  • Location
  • Read More

• Moti Bagh Palace, Patiala

  

  The Moti Bagh Palace, built as one of the largest residences of the world in the mid-19th century, was the principal seat of the Patiala royal family for a century.

  The Moti Bagh Palace, built as one of the largest residences of the world in the mid-19th century, was the principal seat of the Patiala royal family for a century. The opulent and imposing Indo-Saracenic structure has over 1,000 rooms and is set in a sprawling 400-acre Mughal garden replete with terraces and water channels.

  Following India’s Independence, Maharaja Yadavindra Singh dedicated the Moti Bagh Palace to the promotion of sports. Today, it houses the Netaji Subhash National Institute of Sports and continues to enact out that role by training budding talent in sports and athletics.

  • Location
  • Read More

• Anandpur Sahib Fort, Rupnagar

  

  Anandpur Sahib, the town where the Khalsa was founded, was established by Guru Teg Bahadur on the banks of River Sutlej. It was once fortified by five majestic forts.

  Anandpur Sahib, the town where the Khalsa was founded, was established by Guru Teg Bahadur on the banks of River Sutlej. It was once fortified by five majestic forts. Of these, the main fort built in red brick by Guru Gobind Singh, is still standing. A subterranean well inside the fort, accessed by a sharp flight of stairs, is an intriguing feature of its architecture. Guru Gobind Singh is said to have remained incognito within the fort’s walls when Aurangzeb's army invaded the town in his pursuit. It is here that the annual Hola Mohalla festival is held.

  • Location
  • Read More

• Maharaja Sher Singh’s Palace, Gurdaspur (Batala)

  

  The palace of Maharaja Sher Singh is a reminder of the patronage that rich architectural structures received from Sikh rulers. This beautiful 19th century building, along with the Baradari,was said to bepart of the Anarkalicomplex,landscaped akin to the Shalimar Garden of Lahore. This raised two-storey structure, with circular bastions in all corners, is currently under the Union Baring Christian College and functions as their administrative block..

  • Location

• Jagatjit Palace, Kapurthala

  

  Kapurthala, the royal seat of the Ahluwalias, has justifiably earned itself the sobriquet ‘Paris of Punjab’. Largely due to the buildings commissioned by Maharaja Jagatjit Singh, a resolute Francophile, during his reign. The palace bearing his name is the most emblematic of his architectural flourishes.

  Kapurthala, the royal seat of the Ahluwalias, has justifiably earned itself the sobriquet ‘Paris of Punjab’. Largely due to the buildings commissioned by Maharaja Jagatjit Singh, a resolute Francophile, during his reign. The palace bearing his name is the most emblematic of his architectural flourishes. Designed in 1906 by a French architect, the palace is clearly inspired by Versailles and Fontainebleau; its reception hall named after King Louis XIV, the most well known resident of the Palace of Versailles.

  The interiors of Jagatjit Palace incorporate a fascinating amalgamation of styles; the painted ceilings representing the finest aspects of French aesthetics while the Durbar Hall, which was used for ceremonial occasions, is entirely Indian in décor. Many of the roofs of the palace were made in the beaux-art style of the 19th century; the most striking is the Mansard roof, with a double slope and small, oval windows that recall those at the Louvre. Other parts of the palace feature pillars and fireplaces in Italian lapis lazuli and marble.

  Besides its intrinsic grandeur, the Jagatjit Palace houses the Maharaja’s collection of artefacts from across Europe. This includes the famous mechanical clock which shows planetary positions, the weather and time in 12 countries of Europe and Asia. Spread over 200 acres, the palace sits amidst a fabulous garden dotted with statues and fountains. The palace now houses the prestigious Sainik School which was established here in 1961.

  • Location
  • Read More

• Rajmahal, Faridkot

  

  An example of the Gothic style of architecture, the Raj Mahal was built during the reign of Maharaja Balbir Singh, at the end of the 19th century. The complex comprises a group of buildings within a vast and irregular-walled enclosure.

  An example of the Gothic style of architecture, the Raj Mahal was built during the reign of Maharaja Balbir Singh, at the end of the 19th century. The complex comprises a group of buildings within a vast and irregular-walled enclosure. It consists of the main palace, the Tasveer Ghar (picture house), a Baradari (a twelve-door, open pavilion), a gurdwara, three small pavilions called doll houses, two swimming pools, a well and service quarters. Its main entrance, a magnificent three-storey gateway called Raj Deori, is a hospital today. Spread over 15 acres, the splendid lawns were considered a remarkable achievement in this arid area.

  Entry to the place is restricted and can be obtained only after due permission.

  • Location
  • Read More

• Phillaur Fort, Jalandhar

  

  Originally a serai (inn) builtby Shah Jahan on the Grand Trunk Road, the magnificent Phillaur fort was substantially reconstructed by Maharaja Ranjit Singh to serve as the easternmost outpost of his empire. Designed by the Maharaja’s Italian and French generals, the fort’s architecture has a distinct European character.

  Originally a serai (inn) builtby Shah Jahan on the Grand Trunk Road, the magnificent Phillaur fort was substantially reconstructed by Maharaja Ranjit Singh to serve as the easternmost outpost of his empire. Designed by the Maharaja’s Italian and French generals, the fort’s architecture has a distinct European character. It has an extensive moat and its outer walls are inclined inwards to deflect cannon balls. Later, it became an artillery centre for the British Indian Army. Since 1981, it has been a training school for police – the oldest in India – and is today called the Maharaja Ranjit Singh Punjab Police Academy.

  It also has Old Weapons Museum and Photo Gallery of Police officers served at the fort.

  Timings: Thursdays only from 7:00 am to 7:00pm.

  • Location
  • Read More

• Qila Mubarak, Nabha

  

  The small town of Nabha, neighbouring Patiala, was once a princely state in its own right, and grew around the Qila Mubarak. Characterised by its soaring mud walls, the fort was constructed over a period of 150 years. Raja Hira Singh, who ruled from 1871 till his death in 1911, built most of the structure that stands today. The inner precinct is built on a square platform boasting colonnades, arches, and grand balconies. In 2010, the Qila Mubarak was leased to the Nabha Foundation.

  • Location

• Sheesh Mahal

  

  Lala Hans Raj Jain got this monument constructed in the year 1911. Glass is used for building the interior walls and ceilings. Hence, it is called sheesh mahal meaning a palace of glass. King George V’s coronation ceremony is depicted through the paintings on the first floor. The statues of many gods and goddesses are found on the ground floor.

  • Location

For more information, you can visit website : http://www.punjabtourism.gov.in/Culture_Heritage.aspx#CH_Palaces