Amritsar - the House of Praise
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Amritsar - Sifti da Ghar
Amritsar - the house of praise
1574 A.D
Foundation of Amritsar
Amritsar founded by Sri Guru Ramdas Ji, the fourth Sikh Guru, was initially covered with dense forests and lakes. The Guru invited 52 traders from nearby regions like Patti and Kasur to settle in the newly established city, leading to the creation of the first 32 shops on what is now known as Batisi Hatta. Sri Guru Ramdas Ji himself relocated to the city, which was initially called Ramdaspur and is mentioned in the Guru Granth Sahib.
Amrit Sarovar and Harmandir Sahib
The city's renowned Amrit Sarovar, after which Amritsar is named, was begun by Sri Guru Ramdas Ji and completed by his successor, Guru Arjan Dev Ji, who also placed the Shri Harmandir Sahib at its center. After compiling the Holy Guru Granth Sahib, Guru Arjan Dev Ji ceremonially installed it in Shri Harmandir Sahib, appointing 'Baba Buddha Ji as the first Granthi.
Rise of the Misls and Sikh Confederacy
Following the era of the Gurus, Baba Banda Singh Bahadur, Link follower of Guru Gobind Singh, rose to prominence by defeating Mughal forces and establishing Sikh control in Punjab. This period saw the emergence of several Sikh Misls, or confederacies, which often controlled different parts of Punjab, including Amritsar. The Ahluwalia, Ramgarhia, Kanhaiya, and Bhangi Misls each governed Amritsar at different times, contributing to its development.
Maharaja Ranjit Singh's Reign
Before the rule of Maharaja Ranjit Singh, the Bhangi Misls controlled outer Amritsar and built the Gobindgarh Fort. Maharaja Ranjit Singh defeated them early in his career, unifying the Sikh Misls under his command. He fortified the Gobindgarh Fort, constructed the Ram Bagh Palace, and covered the Shri Harmandir Sahib in gold, giving it the appearance we see today. He also built Link large wall with 12 gates around the city, of which only the "Ram Bagh Gate" remains today.
British Rule and Architectural Developments
During British rule, which began in 1840, the city’s outer walls were demolished, and new gates were built. The British also constructed the Town Hall for city administration, renamed the Ram Bagh Garden as Company Bagh, and built notable structures such as the railway station, the post office, and the Saragarhi Gurdwara Memorial.
Legacy of Indo-British Architecture
An excellent example of Indo-British architecture in Amritsar is Khalsa College, designed by Bhai Ram Singh, Link local architect known for his work at Osborne House in the UK, as well as in Mysore and Kapurthala. He popularised the intricate Pinjara woodwork and carvings of Amritsar globally. The city's heritage, showcased in the Heritage Walk, reflects its rich cultural history, making it the cultural capital of Punjab today.
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