PM hands over historical fort to civil administration

Amritsar, Dec 20 (UNI) The majestic Gobindgarh Fort which occuples a unique place in Indian history, was today handed over to the civil administration by Prime Minister Manmohan Singh.

At a public rally here, Indian Army's Panthers Division Commander Maj Gen K M S Shergill handed over the keys of the fort to the Prime Minister, who in turn gave them to Amritsar Deputy Commissioner K S Bhullar. Maj Gen Shergill gave a few details of the renovation taken by the Army and also presented a picture of the fort to Dr Singh.

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 legacy of Amritsar . For centuries, its walls have been a silent witness to changing fortunes and rulers who have each played a significant role in shaping the history of Punjab and of this country.

From Maharaja Ranjit Singh to the infamous British Commander Gen R E H Dyer, this fort was occupied by a number of masters. The handing over the keys marks another change of guard in this fort.

The state government had for long been demanding to take charge of this fort as the Army with limited funds at its disposal was finding it tough to maintain the crumbling structure.

The Army had in 2003 launched, "Restoration Initiative" to revive the old glory of the fort. In its own unique way and with the limited funds the Army carried out this task.

Originally known as Bhangtan Ka Killa in 1760, it was renamed Gobindgarh Fort by the Lion of Punjab, Maharaja Ranjit Singh in 1805.

It underwent its first renovation from 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 and 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 Toshkhana.

In 1849, after the Second Sikh War, the British took possession of Amritsar and Gobindgarh Fort. It was occupied by the British till 1947. Gen R E H Dyer, the infamous British Commander resposible for the Jallianwala Bagh massacre also stayed in this very fort a day before the April 13, 1919 massacre.

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