Braving the ravages of time

The historic military fort situated in the heart of Amritsar was also regarded as the heart of Maharaja Ranjit Singh’s kingdom. It was popularly known as Bhangian da Killa (fort of the Bhangis); after its 18th century founder Gujjar Singh Bhangi, who belonged to Bhangi Misl Dhillon Jats rulers. Sandhawalia Jat ruler Maharaja Ranjit Singh renamed it Gobindgarh Fort in the early 19th century after the 10th Sikh master, Guru Gobind Singh. It housed the largest mint and armoury of the kingdom and is the same place where the world famous Kohinoor diamond was kept during the Maharaja’s time. The British took charge in 1850 and later in 1947, it became a shelter camp for refugees of the Partition. Thereafter, the fort was handed over to the Indian Army. It is one of the most popular and visited heritage forts in Punjab.

Shoot to thrill The replica of Bhangia-di-Toap or the gun belonging to the Bhangi Misl, also known as Zamzama, is a heavyweight launcher weighing 80 pounds and measuring 14-ft. It was one of the largest-ever once made in the subcontinent; which was cast in Lahore. The cannon has two Persian inscriptions. The longer one conveys “a destroyer even of the strongholds of the heaven.” In 1762, the Bhangi chief, Hari Singh, attacked Lahore and took possession of it.

Pagdi Museum At Gobindgarh Art Gallery, the tourists can witness various styles of turbans of Punjab. Info boards give amazing insights about the headgear from its evolution to modern times.

The heritage structures also include wells, giving a glimpse of the water dispersal system, adopted during this period. Here, an old well with the cast iron structure for fetching water can be seen.

Mighty gate to glory The fort made of bricks and lime is laid out in a square, has a glorious history of its own, spanning across 257 years. Each of its corners has a parapet and two doors. It had 25 cannons mounted on its ramparts and four bastions. The main entrance, Nalwa Gate, is named after Hari Singh Nalwa. It is believed that an underground tunnel runs beneath and connects it with Lahore.

The British period structures within the fort include the Darbar Hall. It was originally built during Ranjit Singh’s time but was remodelled by the British in 1850.

The old wells inside the fort were being used till early 20th century. The wells are made of Nanakshahi bricks and are among the heritage structures untouched over the years.

A view of Michael Francis O’Dwyer’s bungalow at the fort. He was Punjab’s Lieutenant Governor.

The ‘Fansi Ghar’ at the fort. It was the capital punishment site.

Among the heritage items inside the fort is a massive iron bell from the Misl period that was once used as an alarm during attacks.