The wonder that was Bathinda’s Gobindgarh Fort City’s historical monument in danger of losing its sheen as renovation plans yet to see the light of the day

Racing ahead of time, the fast pace of urbanization in the city is making Bathinda's Gobindgarh fort lose its sheen, albeit brick-by-brick.

In dire need of immediate funds for complete restoration of this magnificent structure, the fort has remained the epicentre of inhabitation in the city.

It has always been restored in phases. While the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) mended its one wall, another collapsed. Such is the state of affairs that the portion of wall in the fort that collapsed anyear ago during the monsoons was closed for a fortnight.

Now, over a year has passed and the portion still remains mired in debris. Following the collapse, access to the boundary walls of the fort has been denied. The wide wall is known as being the favourite haunt for recreation for the city dwellers and the only open space known to those living in the walled city.

“In the absence of spacious houses, the greenery in the fort served as our extended playgrounds. Our children have grown up here. It is painful to see this giant structure crumbling in a state of neglect. I wish the closed portions are soon made accessible to the public,” said Varinder Kumar Sharma, a resident of Pujan Wala Mohalla.

The crumbling wall of the Bathinda Fort has not yet been renovated and threatens to eclipse its historical grandeur. Tribune photograph: Pawan Sharma

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Anniversary of Operation Blue Star at Qila Mubarak Bathinda

To mark the anniversary of the Operation Blue Star, a number of radical Sikhs, heading different organisations, held a conclave at the Gurdwara Quila Mubarik Sahib here late this evening.

On the occasion, the Sikh hardliners honoured the kin of those convicted for killing the then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi. Sant Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale's son Ishar Singh and Tarlochan Singh, son of Amrik Singh, a confidante of Sant Bhindranwale, were among those honoured.

Former Akal Takht Jathedar Jasbir Singh Rode, Bhai Sukhchain Singh of Sant Samaj, Bhai Mohkam Singh of Khalsa Action Committee, Karnail Singh Peer Mohammad of AISSF, Tarsem Singh Moranwali and Bhai Gian Chand of Samaj Bachao were the prominent among those present.

Rajya Sabha member Balwinder Singh Bhunder and district president of SAD (B) Sikander Singh Maluka also marked their presence but left immediately after paying their obeisance.

As the event was primarily a religious one, Diwan Sahib was held on the gurdwara complex where various Ragi Jathas recited Gurbani and held kirtan.

Addressing the gathering, the hardliners condemned the attack on Darbar Sahib. They urged Sikhs to keep united for the cause of Panth and said the Operation Blue Star gave them the courage to fight against the suppression.

"Paying tributes to all Sikhs killed during the Dharam Yudh Morcha and the Operation Blue Star, we declare here today that the fight (Dharam Yudh Morcha) is neither won nor lost. We are not going to leave it mid way," they said.

Meanwhile, the leaders demanded the release of various Sikhs lodged in different jails. The radicals chanted slogans related to Sant Bhindranwale, which were answered by the gathering.

Due to a large number of radicals' presence, the administration remained on toes during the event. Though the police did not prevent anyone from entering the gurdwara, several cops, including CID sleuths (in civil dresses), kept a vigil in and around the Fort.

Due to differences with the organisers of the event, Sant Baljeet Singh Daduwal has scheduled his separate function, which would take place at the gurdwara on June 4.

The Quila Mubarak of Patiala

Patiala city of emperors, gardens and palaces has a huge heritage. Quila Mubarak a Historical National Monument of Patiala is situated in the heart of the city and the oldest part of Patiala.

 The palace was built by Maharaja Ala Singh in 1764 .In earlier days, Quila Mubarak was just a kuch-garhi of a mud fort but later it was named as Quila Mubarak. It was reconstructed with baked bricks. 

 

It was again renovated into a sprawling two-storied mansion with a grand entrance with elaborate arches. A huge part of the fort was changed into a heritage museum. The construction of the inner palace was completed by Maharaja Amar Singh (1765-1781 AD). The royal members of the Patiala reign occupied Quila Androon or the Inner Fort. Maharaja Sahib Singh (1781- 1813 AD), Maharaja Karam Singh (1813 AD – 1845 AD) Maharaja Narinder Singh (1845 AD to 1862) also lived in this fort. The Quila Mubarak complex stands in 10-acre ground in the heart of the city and has the main palace or Quila Androon the guesthouse Darbar Hall or Ran Baas.

Painted inside the throne alcove, Masnad Hall, Qila Mubarak - late 19th

The Quila is followed by the Quila Chowk and surrounded by three major commercial markets, Bajaj Bazaar, the Gur Mandi, and Shah Nashin Bazaar. The Adalat Bazaar starts from the Quila and ends at the Anardana Chowk.The Quila Mubarak Complex includes several buildings, namely the Ran Basa, Quila Androon, Darbar Hall, Sard Khana, Jalau Khana Quila Mubarak Gateway and the boundary walls.

Quila Mubarak Gateway is the only entrance for Quila Mubarak Complex which leads to Quila Androon Chowk. The whole structure of Quila Androon can be watched from this space. It is made of red sandstone and carries the exterior of a multiple domes. Androon Gateway is in the inner boundary of the Quila Androon Chowk. 

The whole gateway is constructed with stucco work. Upper portion of this building was probably used by the king to direct over the functions performed in the court.

This building was constructed in the first half of the 20th century; the Quila was used by various people for various activities. Today, due to lack of relationship between the local people and the Quila, the building is loosing its meaning for the outsiders or visitors.

 The cultural importance of Quila Mubarak still lies in its form and the way in which its space has been utilized within it. Quila Androon has a grand gateway as mentioned above. Central axis is located with its northern front wall. It is almost in a square shape. It is very simple in outer look but the gateway is decorated with stucco work.The Quila is divided in multiple courtyards. Each courtyard is indicating as a palace. Three axis are located with every court. These are known as central, the eastern and the western axis. West courtyards of the central axis are private- residential in nature. The east axis zone is more for public use including performing music and art.

A passage between central and east axis leads to the houses the jyot—a sacred flame that was brought from Jwalamukhi by Baba Ala Singh, the founder of Patiala and it continues to be lit till date. The jyot is kept in raised court. Design of the rooms shows the purpose of the construction.

The Rang Mahal is an elaborately painted chamber and large in size meant for royal audience—Diwan-i-khas.Whereas Quila Androon itself is a Diwan-i-am or the public court.