Work on Ramgarhia Gate nears completion

Tribune News Service

Amritsar, October 15

In an attempt to restore city’s lost heritage, the All India Sardar Jassa Singh Ramgarhia Federation (AISJSRF) has taken an initiative to reconstruct the Ramgarhia Gate near the Chattiwind Gate, the original site where it existed. With the completion of the basic structure, a team of architects will now soon begin the designing and finishing work on the gate.

Dating back to the eighteenth century, Ramgarhia Gate was one of the 12 entry gates built around the city. The high walls of the gate protected the city from Mughal invaders.

“The gate was an entrance to the Ramgarh fort, which was built as mud fortress and called as Ram Rauni. Later, the fort was concretised using bricks by Sardar Jassa Singh Ramgarhia. Over time, the fort’s site gave way to Gurdwara Baba Deep Singh Shaheed. The only reminiscence of Ramgarhia Gate is what is known as Chatiwind Gate. So, we decided to restore the significant aspect of our history and re-build the gate, keeping most of its original features,” said Gian Singh Bamrah, general Secretary, AISJSRF.

The height of gate walls measures up to 50 ft with two pillars of 15 ft diameter. The project is due to complete within six months time. Sumit Dua, a city-based architect expert, who is working on the project for the past one year, has incorporated some of the original features in the re-construction.

He says, “Finishing work on the gate will be done in cement plaster with the mixture of Hirmachi (red ochure colour), which lasts for years. Concepts of Sikh architecture and symbols have been used while designing this gate. The motifs and carvings used to build original Ramgarhia Gate have been incorporated. There were long holes for guns on Ramgarhia Gate, which have found place in the new design. Religious and historical Sikh symbols like Khanda and Nishan Sahib will also be fixed on this gate.”

Sumit adds that the project was significant as it attempts to retain one of the heritages of Jassa Singh Ramgarhia, which were non-existent till now. He says, “Such initiatives are important solely due to fact that they serve as a window to our glorious past. Coming generations will otherwise remain oblivious of the history and heritage. It will be a constant source of inspiration.”