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Quila Mubarak Bhatinda - Golden Temple Amritsar

By : Hemant Kumar
Quila Mubarak Bhatinda - Golden Temple Amritsar

Quila Mubarak(Bhatinda) 
Quila Mubarak, Quila Mubarak travel, Quila Mubarak tourism, Quila Mubarak Historical Place, travel to Quila Mubarak The Qila (fort) was also the residence of Patiala dynasty. The housing part was called Qila Androon or the Inner Fort. Its living apartments have names like Jail Walla Palace for royal prisoners, the Moti (pearl) Palace, the Sheesh (mirror work) Palace, the Rajmata (Queen Mother) Palace, the Palace of Colours, the Palace of the Moon.

The recreational structures were called the Putli (Puppet) Ghar and Bagh Ghar or the Garden House. Its richly painted chambers are peerless.

The 10th Sikh Shri Guru Gobind Singh Ji came in this Fort in June, 1705 and through out a Monster KANA DEO and blessed the area with prosperity.

Maharaja Ala Singh of Patiala State captured this Fort in 1754 and named the Fort Gobindgarh, earlier it was called Bikramgarh. The Gurudwara was constructed by Maharaja karam Singh of Patiala on the top of the Fort. This is situated in the heart of the city.

Most astonishing of all, the Palace is fitted with underground sewerage system and has a cool room connected with a tunnel which brings cool air from the basement. Lassi Khana-the royal kitchen used to feed 35,000 people of all ranks everyday.

Kuka Memorial - Golden Temple Amritsar

By : Hemant Kumar
Kuka Memorial(Ludhiana) 

Kuka Memorial, Kuka Memorial travel, Kuka Memorial tourism, Kuka Memorial Historical Place, travel to Kuka Memorial130 years ago Giani Rattan Singh and Sant Rattan Singh, two Namdhari sikhs (Kookas), were hanged from one of the branches of this banyan tree in full public view for having powerfully closed down a number of slaughterhouses opened by the British in the state. While the branch is no more, the tree still stands as a living remnant of the cruelty of the British to curb the then fast-spreading Kuka Movement of the country's freedom struggle.

On 14th June 1871, the Kukas entered the Amritsar slaughterhouse and freed the cows after murdering the butchers. In retaliation, the British government prosecuted and awarded capital punishment to 12 innocent Hindus and Sikhs. The Kukas, on the advice of their Guru, then confessed their involvement and surrendered to the authorities. A memorial was then built to those who were executed or sent to Kaalapani Prison in the Andamans.

A befitting memorial plaque referring to the martyrdom of the two namdhari Sikh freedom fighters and the adoration of their sacrifice has been erected under the tree. Another board at back of the tree shows a painting of the hanging scenes along with the brief explanation of the hanging scene.

Bahadurgarh Fort - Golden Temple Amritsar

By : Hemant Kumar
Bhadurgarh Fort (6 kms from Patiala)

Bhadurgarh Fort, Bhadurgarh Fort travel, Bhadurgarh Fort tourism, Bhadurgarh Fort Historical Place, travel to BhadurgarhBhadurgarh Fort 6 kms from Patiala, initially founded by Nawab Saif Khan in 1658. The present fort was built by Maharaja Karam Singh of Patiala in 1837. It has two circular ramparts and is surrounded by a moat and covers an area of 2100 sq meters. This rather compact but nicely designed citadil is in the custody of the Department of police.

The four wails of the fort enclose the village Saifabad located on the left-side of the Rajpura-Patiala Road. Saif Khan, a relative of the Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb, after holding several important offices, became a hermit and settled down here. After his death he was buried here. His tomb behind the fort, a structure of 177 x 177 ft. is in a state of neglect. Notwithstanding this, his followers still lit a lamp on the tomb every Thursday.

The two inscriptions in the fort testify that the village and the mosque were founded in 1668 during the reign of Aurangzeb. As the custom goes, Nawab Saif Khan was a great admirer of Guru Teg Bahadur. He invited him to use rainy season here. His trip is commemorated by two gurdwaras- One inside the fort and the other outside across the road. It is well-known as Panj Bali Gurdwara.The Bahadurgarh Fort was constructed by Maharaja Karam Singh throughout 1837-45 at a cost of Rs. 10, 00,000

Angol Sikh War Memorial - Golden Temple Amritsar

By : Hemant Kumar
Angol Sikh War Memorial - Golden Temple Amritsar

Angol Sikh War Memorial, Angol Sikh War Memorial travel, Angol Sikh War Memorial tourism, Angol Sikh War MemorialAnglo Sikh War Memorial (Ferozepur), contains portraits of historical personalities, paintings, depicting scenes of battles of the Anglo-Sikh Wars. 

Poetic couplets penned by the modern poet Shah Muhammad are also pressed on the walls of the memorial. The couplets explain the detail of the battles in Punjabi l

Maharaja Ranjit Singh Museum - Golden Temple Amritsar

By : Hemant Kumar



Maharaja Ranjit Singh Museum
Maharaja Ranjit Singh Museum (Amritsar)
Maharaja Ranjit Singh Museum, Maharaja Ranjit Singh Museum travel, Maharaja Ranjit Singh Museum tourism, Maharaja RanjitMatchless collection of paintings, arms and armours. manuscript and coins of 18th and 19th Century.There are three Art Galleries too, in the city one attached to the Golden Temple, the other to Jallianwala Bagh and the third named after the city's famous artist, Thakar Singh.
1. Paintings 2. Arms and Armours 3. Manuscripts 4. Coins
PAINTINGS 
There are plenty of miniature paintings showing the camp and court of Maharaja Ranjit Singh. During the meetings of Ranjit Singh with Lord William Bentinck, the Governor General of India in 1881. The General brought with him a native artist Jiwan Ram to prepare a sketch of the Maharaja.

A huge painting on cloth (app. 154 x 124 cms) shows the city of Lahore and its fort in all its architectural beauty, showing arches, doorways, jails and even pavements of locally burnt clay-bricks. The different professions of the residents have been executed by the Kangra artists in a masterly manner.

There are oil paintings of the Maharaja, his sons Kharak Singh and Sher Singh and his grandson Naunihal Singh, Rani Jindan and many courtiers on display. There is an oil painting by August Scheoft completed between 1850 and 1855 after the original drawing made by the artist who visited Lahore in 1841 during the period of Maharaja Sher Singh, a great patron of art. This Viennese artist's work is one of the most brilliant studies in group portraiture ever done in India. He has given minute details of Sher Singh rather than Ranjit Singh, which suggests that it was commissioned by Sher Singh. Each figure in the painting can easily be identified and is a rare document of the Sikh period in which all the splendour of the Sikh court has been depicted with a masterly touch. Emily Eden, the sister of Lord Auckland, who visited Lahore in December 1838 had painted a number of paintings of Sikh subjects. Perhaps she was the last painter to paint Ranjit Singh when he had become almost invalid. She also had the occasion to paint the famous diamond, Kohinoor. A few reproductions are also on view.

Prince Alexis Soltykoff who belonged to a distinguished Russian family visited Punjab during the period of Maharaja Sher Singh. In a long search of 'colour' he was ever ready with his sketch book. His most remarkable work relating to the Sikhs was "An Evening Ride in Amritsar". Its lithograph is on display. He gave a description of this painting on the day he prepared this sketch, May 3,1842. The greater lords decorated with precious stones were on elephants with gold silver Howdahs and trappings of cloth of gold, while behind them grooms clung on as best they could either quite naked or with a sheet of dirty linen picturesquely wrapped round them. He has described the whole scene in details but even his own words fall for short of the brush he used in the painting. One of the figures on the regimental flags is Shiva's son Kartikiya, the god of war in Hindu mythology.

After the annexation of the Punjab the British administrators commissioned a series of battle scenes showing their supremacy in their wars with the Sikhs. A large number of coloured lithoprints are on view. A study of these prints can reveal the technique of war, the formation of the troops, the weapons used and the uniform they wore. Maharaja Dalip Singh, the boy ruler, was taken to England and kept under the Christan tutorship of Dr. John Logan. Queen Victoria took fancy to Dalip Singh. She got his paintings commissioned by the famous English painter of her times, Winterhalter, in whose paintings Dalip Singh is shown as an elegant young prince with sad eyes. He is shown wearing a necklace of pearls with a miniature portrait of Queen Victoria. She herself drew sketches of Dalip Singh whom she admired as a handsome person. (see section of Maharaja Dalip Singh for more detail).

Sir Lepel Griffin wrote of Maharaja Ranjit Singh although half a century has passed since his death, his name is still a household word in the province, his portrait is still preserved in castle and cottage. It is a favourite subject with the ivory painters of Amritsar and Delhi. "Even foreigners were much impressed by the skill of the ivory painters and they patronised the art by ordering miniature paintings to take back home as souvenirs. Afterwards, however, when the artists started portraying the full face, the rich heritage of miniature paintings lost much of its charm and glory.
ARMS & ARMOURS
The Sikhs who became synonymous with the material personality of the Punjab were inspired by the baptism of the double-edged sword which symbolized the might of righteousness. As Guru Gobind Singh wrote to Aurangzeb in the Zafarnama, "when all avenues have been explored, all means tried, it is rightful to draw the sword for noble cause". His followers were fond of weapons. They took those arms, which suited their method of warfare. Besides the sword, the spear and the lance, they took to bows and arrows, and they started wearing armour. Their fire-arms consisted of cannon, matchlocks, flintlocks, percussion cap guns, camel guns, pistols, howzers and mortars. The swords of the Sikhs nobility were very costly as their handles, guards and scabbards were beautifully decorated with damascened work in gold and silver and inlaid with costly jewels. According to Sir Henry Fane, the blade of Ranjit Singh's sword was in some instances valued at 1000 pounds and the gold and jewels upon its hilt and scabbard at five times of that sum. The Persian sword, which Maharaja Ranjit Singh presented to General Allard, was studded with costly jewels and its blade was worth 5,000 rupees. A similar type of sword, which he presented to European officer was acquired by Maharaja Bhupinder Singh of Patiala and is on display. It has a horse heads shaped jade hilt stud-ded with rubies, with a miniature portrait of Maharaja Ranjit Singh. It's scabbard is embellished with precious stones set in gold. There is an iron and brass shield of exquisite workmanship in relief and cut-work prepared by Muslim craftsman of Lahore whose name is also inscribed on it. It has images of Maharaja Ranjit Singh, and his grandson Naunihal Singh, all on horseback besides mythical scenes and scepes of fighting.

Maharaja Ranjit Singh employed European officers, mostly French and Italians, to train his infantry, artillery and cavalry on European lines. The army cost the State over one crore of rupees a year, which was more than one third of the State's income. His army was the most powerful in Asia.
MANUSCRIPTS
Maharaja Ranjit Singh Museum, Maharaja Ranjit Singh Museum travel, Maharaja Ranjit Singh Museum tourism, Maharaja RanjitThe Khalsa Darbar Records consist of about quarter million sheets of Kashmiri or Sialkoti paper covering much of the reign of Maharaj Ranjit Singh and the decade of his successors. These records relate to each year from 1811 to 1849 and contain detailed information on income from various sources and expenditure on various heads. They are extremely useful for the civil and military history of the period and valuable for understanding the agrarian structure.

Besides the Khalsa-Darbar Records, there are a large number of manuscripts pertaining to the history of the Punjab. The Gulgasht-i-Punjab by Raja Ram Tota records the history of the Punjab up to 1849. This is a fine specimen of calligraphy. The Iqbalnama-i-Maharaja Ranjit Singh by Raja Ram Tota is the history of Maharaja Ranjit Singh up to his death in 1839. The Tankh-i-Kalan Kashmir is a statistical compendium on Kashmir prepared at the behest of Colonel Mihan Singh, the Governor of Kashmir during the reign of Maharaja Ranjit Singh. The Zafarnama is a military manual pertaining to the rules and training of army during the reign of the Maharaja.

One of the remarkable objects on view is a parwana of Maharaja Ranjit Singh addressed to Raja Fateh Singh of Kapurthala. It bears the seal of Ranjit Singh and his palm impression in saffron. It was inscribed on 13th April 1827. Important correspondence with the Kapurthala Chiefs and other Chiefs is also available.
COINRanjit Singh never believed in ostentation. He did not wear a crown, struck no coin in his name and did not sit on a throne. On ceremonial occasions he used to sit on a gold chair while the other dignitaries occupied silver chairs. Ordinarily he used a simple chair. One such wooden carved chair with lacquer w6rk and floral designs and having velvet cushion is on view. The Maharaja bore no titles. The seals he used were inscribed with the phrase 'Akal Sahai' (May God be our helper) along with his name. Several types of coins were current in his dominion but the standard rupee was the Nanak Shahi. The silver coins which are on display here are symbols of his secular outlook On one of the coins there is a trident of Shiva, on another the word 'Om' is inscribed; Ram' in Devanagri script is on some other coins.

Maharaja Ranjit Singh became a legend in his lifetime, loved and respected by all his subjects irrespective of caste or creed. In the court as much as in the army units, Sikhs, Hindus and Muslims rubbed shoulders with one another. He symbolized the best in the tradition of the Punjab that could bring its entire people together.

Wagah Border - Golden Temple Amritsar

By : Hemant Kumar
Wagah Border - Golden Temple Amritsar



Wagah Border, Wagah Border travel, Wagah Border tourism, Wagah Border Historical Place, travel to Wagah Border MonumentWagah is an army outpost on Indo-Pak border - between Amritsar and Lahore. I had the opportunity to witness a ritual of 'madness' at this border post recently.

Our journey began from Amritsar, on the Indian side of the border. As you drive in one of the specially run buses or taxis, which do this trip routinely, you see some of the most fertile land and prosperous rural areas of Punjab.
Wagah Border is situated at a distance of 28 kilometers from Amritsar Punjab. Wagah Border is the only border crossing between India and Pakistan. Wagah Border is an army outpost to keep check intrusion from Pakistan and prevents any Indian from going to Pakistan. Unique buses and taxes from Amritsar city take the tourists to Wagah Border. Way Wagah the tourist chance upon seeing some of the lushest lands of Amritsar Punjab.

At the Wagah border outpost there is a complex of buildings, roads and barriers on both sides. At the entrance of this outpost, there is a sightseeing gate with a dedication "Swarna Jayanti". From this a panoramic view of the scenery is seen. There are electrified barriers with 66,000 volts of electric current. Person visit Wagah border to see "Beating the Retreat" observance performed by the soldiers in evening. Soldiers from India and Pakistan make a flag march. The flags are India and Pakistan is brought down. Then the gates between India and Pakistan are opened. Soldiers make some drills and then the complex is illuminated. The whole service takes about half an hour.

We present you holiday, leisure tour, business tour and pilgrimage tour. Travel to Amritsar city has a memorable experience of staying in best hotels in Amritsar along with a visit to nearby religious places. You must visit historical place like Jallianwala Bagh and Ram Bagh etc.

Only Travel Guide enhances your knowledge about Wagah Border and presents online trip for Amritsar Punjab, India. The Wagah border is the only border that crosses India and Pakistan from the cities of Amritsar of Punjab and Lahore respectively. 

The crowd fell silent, drained of energy. What it left behind in the minds was sure to last a long time. What was the purpose of the entire proceeding ? It bred nothing but intolerance between two neighbours who could surely do without more animosity. Two peoples who have been brothers till recently are separated by artificial borders and daily events like these are only helping those wanting the relations to remain sour. It is time for sane persons in both countries to put a halt to the madness in these 'showdowns' held daily at sundown.
Sunset experience
Wagah, an army outpost on Indo-Pak border - between Amritsar and Lahore, is an elaborate complex of buildings, roads and barriers on both sides. The daily highlight is the evening "Beating the Retreat" ceremony. Soldiers from both countries march in perfect drill, going through the steps of bringing down their respective national flags. As the sun goes down, nationalistic fervour rises and lights are switched on marking the end of the day amidst thunderous applause.
Outlook Traveller TipWagah Border, Wagah Border travel, Wagah Border tourism, Wagah Border Historical Place, travel to Wagah Border MonumentIf you plan to visit the Wagah Border for the changing of the guards ceremony, leave Amritsar early to be at your seat by 5.30-5.45 pm. Hold your cab for the return journey; you don't want to Attari to find a bus.
Though travelling by car is the best option, you can also take a bus to Attari from Amritsar and then catch a rickshaw/ autorickshaw for the last 2 km. For the return trip by bus, remember that the last bus to Amritsar leaves Attari by 6 pm. 
Border Timings: Open 10 am-4 pm.

About Amritsar - Golden Temple Amritsar

By : Hemant Kumar


Facts at a Glance :
» Area -50 sq.kms
» Population -1,011,327
» Language -Punjabi, Hindi, English & Urdu
» Prime Attractions -Golden Temple, Jallianwala Bagh, Mata Mandir Temple, Mata Temple, Ram Tirath Temple, Tarn Taran, Wagah Border.

Golden TempleAn Overview :
Amritsar, literally meaning the 'Pool of the Nectar of Immortality', is one of the major cities of the Punjab state. The administrative headquarters of the Amritsar District, it is the major spiritual and cultural centre of Sikhs. The city, founded in 1577 by Guru Ram Das, the fourth Sikh Guru, is mostly inhabited by the Sikhs. Amritsar has grown from a sacred village pool into a spiritual centre of Sikh culture. The original pool site by which the Golden Temple is built was granted by the Mughal Emperor Akbar. In 1761 Ahmad Shah Durrani sacked the town and destroyed the temple, which was rebuilt in 1764. One of the ancient and charming cities of India, Amritsar is an important distribution centre of dry-fruits in the country. Apart from an important pilgrimage centre, the city is also famous for producing some exquiste items like carpets, fabrics, handicrafts etc.


Climate of Amritsar :
Amritsar has an extreme type of climate with very hot summers and chilly winters. The region has four distinct seasons- the winter season (November to March), the summer season (April to June), monsoon season ( July to September) and post- monsoon season (September to November). Summers can be as hot as 46 degrees. During winters, temperature may drop down to a minimum of - 3 degrees centigrade. The ideal time to visit Amritsar is between the months of October and March.



Tourist Attractions of Amritsar :

» Golden Temple - The Golden Temple or Har Mandir Saheb is the holiest shrine for the people of Sikh religion. The temple was the main centre of the old Amritsar city, which is visited by the Sikh devotees from all parts of the world. Built between 1588 and 1601, the temple architecture is a combination of Hindu and Muslim styles.

Jallianwala Bagh» Jallianwala Bagh - The park is situated close to the Golden Temple. It commemorates 2,000 Indians, who were killed or wounded by the British soldiers during a meeting.

» Mata Mandir Temple - Located at Rani Ka Bagh, this temple was developed by a grand old pious woman. Built on the lines of holy shrine of Mata Vasihno Devi in Jammu, the temple is thronged by a large number of devotees.

» Ram Tirath Temple - Situated on the outskirts of Amritsar, the temple is the birthplace of Lav and Kush. The sacred place for the Hindus, is visited by a large number of people to get a glimpse of statues illustrating scenes from the mythological Ramayana.

» Lalbagh Garden - Covering an area of 240 km, this beautifully laid out garden is a popular picnic spot in the city. The garden is home to many tropical and subtropical plants, a deer park, fountains and pond that attract the visitors.

» Mata Temple - This Hindu temple, was built to commemorate a bespectacled 20th century female Saint Lal Devi. Mata Temple is mostly visited by women wishing to have children.

» Tarn Taran - Located about 25 kms south of Amritsar, this is an important Sikh tank. It is said that the tank has healing properties and corrects minor skin ailments.

» Wagah Border - Wagah Border, the final frontier is located about 47 kms from Amritsar. This is the only border crossing between India and neighbour country Pakistan. Every evening at sunset the parade takes place between the soldiers of India and Pakistan. It is a great moment to see the soldiers of both the countries in high enthusiasm and respect for each other.




Getting to Amritsar :
Wagah Border» By Air -Raja Sansi International Airport is the main airport, which is located 11 kms from the city centre. The airport is connected with Delhi, Srinagar, Singapore, London, Birmingham and Toronto etc.

» By Rail - Amritsar railway station is well-connected to major cities of India. Trains are available from Delhi, Kolkata, Mumbai, Varanasi, Wagah and other places of India.

» By Road - Good network of roads connect Amritsar with important places of Punjab as well as rest of the country. Regular bus services are available to Amritsar from Punjab and nearby states. 

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