A bridge built by Maharaja on a dancer’s insistence

During his journeys from Lahore to Amritsar, Sher-e-Punjab Maharaja Ranjit Singh would often halt at this temporary campsite. Such halts became occasions for artistes, performers and musicians to gather, hoping to receive royal patronage. They would present their talent before the Maharaja and, in return, earn rewards and recognition.

According to folk tales associated with the Lahore Darbar, a dancer named Moran was among those who frequently appeared before Maharaja Ranjit Singh. Riding on a horse, she would attend the royal camp and impress the ruler with her graceful dance performances. One day, while crossing the canal on her horse, one of her slippers slipped off and fell into the water. Later, when she appeared before the Maharaja, she refused to perform.

Surprised, the Maharaja asked her the reason. Moran replied that one of her shoes had been swept away by the canal and remarked that if such a powerful ruler could not even build a bridge over the canal, how could performers like her travel with dignity. The remark struck the Maharaja like a taunt. Taking it seriously, he ordered the construction of a bridge over the canal. As the bridge was built on Moran’s insistence, it came to be known as ‘Pul Moran’.

Also read: ‘Battle of Pul Kanjri’ — an enduring tale of Sikh Regiment valour

In local rural dialects, the term ‘kanjri’ was commonly used for women associated with singing and dancing. Over time, the name got changed from the name ‘Pul Moran’ to ‘Pul Kanjri’, a name that continues to be used even today.

With the passage of time, the reign of Sher-e-Punjab came to an end. The Badshahi Canal gradually disappeared, and with it vanished the bridge known as Pul Kanjri. However, the tank and the baradari constructed during Maharaja Ranjit Singh’s era survived and remains in remarkably good condition. The disappearance of the canal also meant the loss of a water source for the tank, leaving it dry today.

The site has been declared a protected monument by the Punjab Tourism Department. Along with the department, a private school from Amritsar, Spring Dale Senior School, has also been contributing towards the upkeep and preservation of the monument.

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