PM to hand over historical fort to civil admin on Dec 19

Amritsar, Dec 17 (UNI) The historical and the majestic Gobindgarh Fort which occupies a unique place in the Indian History, will be handed over to the civil administration by Prime Minister Manmohan Singh during his visit to the Holy City on December 19.

The history of this fort, which has been under the occupation of the Indian army ever since independence, is inextricably interwoven with the folklore and historical saga of Amritsar. For centuries, its walls have been a silent witness to changing fortunes and masters who have each played a significant role in shaping the history of Punjab and the country.

From Maharaja Ranjit Singh to the infamous British commander Gen R E H Dyer responsible for the Jallianwala Bagh massacre this fort was occupied by a number of masters. On December 19, there will be another change of guard in this fort when the Army hands over charge to the civil administration.

It will be another historical day in the 'life' of this 18th century fort when Dr Singh takes the keys of the fort from the GOC of Panthers Division Major Gen K S Shergill and hands it over to the Deputy Commissioner in the presence of Chief Minister Capt Amainder Singh. The state government had for long been demanding charge of this fort as the army with limited funds at its disposal were finding it tough to maintain the crumbling structure.

The army had launched a Restoraion Intiative in 2003, to revive the old glory of the fort and check further disintegration of the structure. In its own unique way and with limited funds the army carried out this task to arrest the 'falling' structures and arrest the glory of the fort.

Originating as Bhangtan Ka Killa in 1760, it was rechristened as Gobindgarh Fort by the Lion of the Punjab, Maharaja Ranjit Singh in 1805. It underwent its first reconstruction between 1805 -1809.

The fort is constructed in a square pattern with two strong gates, four large bastions and a well defined rampart. Its majestic entrance is known as Nalwa Gate and at the other end of the fort lies Keelar Gate. It is rumoured that from its close proximity exists an escape tunnel connecting it to Lahore.

The fort also houses the Toshkhana (treasury), Durbar Hall, living accommodation and store houses. A large portion of Maharaja Ranjit Singh's treasure was kept in the Toshakhan.

In 1849, after the Second Sikh War, the British took possession of Amritsar and Gobindgarh Fort. It was occupied by the British from then till 1947. Gen R E H Dyer, also stayed in this very fort.

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