Lahore, Feb 27: A US-based researcher has identified approximately 100 monuments from the Sikh Empire (1799-1849) at Lahore Fort, shedding light on its historical significance. Among these, around 30 monuments have vanished over time.
In an effort to present a comprehensive account of Lahore Fort’s role during the Sikh Empire, the Walled City of Lahore Authority (WCLA) has engaged Dr. Tarunjit Singh Butalia to author a specialized tour guidebook titled Lahore Fort during the Sikh Empire.
“The Lahore Fort, deeply ingrained in the Sikh historical consciousness, served as the seat of power for nearly half a century. It holds personal significance for me as my ancestors held esteemed positions in the Sikh court, as documented in Umdat ut Tawarikh—the Persian court records,” Dr. Butalia stated in an interview.
Emphasizing the importance of preserving Sikh heritage, he noted, “The partition of 1947 divided Sikh historical sites between India and Pakistan, cutting off generations from their roots. However, with visa liberalization and the presence of a large Sikh diaspora, many now have the opportunity to reconnect with these historical sites.”
The Lahore Fort, originally constructed in the 16th century by Mughal Emperor Akbar, later became an integral stronghold of the Sikh Empire from 1799 until 1849. The fort, originally built upon a mud structure, saw further expansion under Emperors Jahangir, Shah Jahan, and Aurangzeb.
Under Sikh rule, Maharaja Ranjit Singh, Maharaja Kharak Singh, Kanwar Naunihal Singh, and Maharaja Sher Singh maintained existing structures and added new ones, including the Hazuri Bagh and its Baradari. Ranjit Singh also commissioned the Gurdwara Dera Sahib at the site of the martyrdom of Guru Arjan Dev, with his successors later constructing his samadh (memorial) adjacent to the gurdwara.
Reflecting on his visit to Lahore Fort in 2019, Dr. Butalia shared, “At the Athdhara (pavilion), I could almost hear the footsteps of Sher-e-Punjab Maharaja Ranjit Singh and Ganda Singh Butalia. However, I was disheartened to find that many tour guides conveyed a negative portrayal of the Sikh era.”
His research revealed that during the Sikh period, the fort was commonly referred to as Shahi Qila, and occasionally as Qila Mubarak.
Motivated by his connection to Lahore Fort, Dr. Butalia embarked on an extensive global research journey, gathering historical documents from libraries, archives, and museums. His findings include over 20 detailed maps and sketches of Lahore Fort and its surroundings, dating back to 1825, with substantial contributions from the Panjab Digital Library in Chandigarh.
He has compiled a comprehensive index of 100 monuments, each mapped by its original Sikh-era name and significance. Additionally, he has proposed a historical tour pathway, beginning and ending at Bastion Café, allowing visitors to explore the Sikh heritage of the fort.
To enhance visitor engagement, historical photographs and sketches of now-lost monuments have been included in his work, offering a visual reconstruction of Lahore Fort’s lost grandeur during the Sikh period.
To ensure an authentic representation of Sikh history at the fort, the WCLA will train its tour guides to use Dr. Butalia’s book as a reference.
His research aims to rectify misinformation found in certain historical accounts and foster a more balanced narrative of Lahore Fort’s Sikh past.
This initiative marks a significant step toward preserving and promoting the shared heritage of Sikhs and Pakistan, ensuring that future generations can experience the historical depth of Lahore Fort during the Sikh Empire.
In an effort to present a comprehensive account of Lahore Fort’s role during the Sikh Empire, the Walled City of Lahore Authority (WCLA) has engaged Dr. Tarunjit Singh Butalia to author a specialized tour guidebook titled Lahore Fort during the Sikh Empire.
Lahore Fort: A Legacy of the Sikh Empire
“The Lahore Fort, deeply ingrained in the Sikh historical consciousness, served as the seat of power for nearly half a century. It holds personal significance for me as my ancestors held esteemed positions in the Sikh court, as documented in Umdat ut Tawarikh—the Persian court records,” Dr. Butalia stated in an interview.
Emphasizing the importance of preserving Sikh heritage, he noted, “The partition of 1947 divided Sikh historical sites between India and Pakistan, cutting off generations from their roots. However, with visa liberalization and the presence of a large Sikh diaspora, many now have the opportunity to reconnect with these historical sites.”
Mughal and Sikh Heritage Intertwined
The Lahore Fort, originally constructed in the 16th century by Mughal Emperor Akbar, later became an integral stronghold of the Sikh Empire from 1799 until 1849. The fort, originally built upon a mud structure, saw further expansion under Emperors Jahangir, Shah Jahan, and Aurangzeb.
Under Sikh rule, Maharaja Ranjit Singh, Maharaja Kharak Singh, Kanwar Naunihal Singh, and Maharaja Sher Singh maintained existing structures and added new ones, including the Hazuri Bagh and its Baradari. Ranjit Singh also commissioned the Gurdwara Dera Sahib at the site of the martyrdom of Guru Arjan Dev, with his successors later constructing his samadh (memorial) adjacent to the gurdwara.
Rewriting the Narrative
Reflecting on his visit to Lahore Fort in 2019, Dr. Butalia shared, “At the Athdhara (pavilion), I could almost hear the footsteps of Sher-e-Punjab Maharaja Ranjit Singh and Ganda Singh Butalia. However, I was disheartened to find that many tour guides conveyed a negative portrayal of the Sikh era.”
His research revealed that during the Sikh period, the fort was commonly referred to as Shahi Qila, and occasionally as Qila Mubarak.
Mapping the Past: 100 Monuments Identified
Motivated by his connection to Lahore Fort, Dr. Butalia embarked on an extensive global research journey, gathering historical documents from libraries, archives, and museums. His findings include over 20 detailed maps and sketches of Lahore Fort and its surroundings, dating back to 1825, with substantial contributions from the Panjab Digital Library in Chandigarh.
He has compiled a comprehensive index of 100 monuments, each mapped by its original Sikh-era name and significance. Additionally, he has proposed a historical tour pathway, beginning and ending at Bastion Café, allowing visitors to explore the Sikh heritage of the fort.
To enhance visitor engagement, historical photographs and sketches of now-lost monuments have been included in his work, offering a visual reconstruction of Lahore Fort’s lost grandeur during the Sikh period.
Preserving Heritage Through Education
To ensure an authentic representation of Sikh history at the fort, the WCLA will train its tour guides to use Dr. Butalia’s book as a reference.
His research aims to rectify misinformation found in certain historical accounts and foster a more balanced narrative of Lahore Fort’s Sikh past.
This initiative marks a significant step toward preserving and promoting the shared heritage of Sikhs and Pakistan, ensuring that future generations can experience the historical depth of Lahore Fort during the Sikh Empire.
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