Ajnala massacre martyrs of 1857 recalled for valour, sacrifice at INTACH event

Riarki Public School, Tughalwala, hosted a moving and historically significant commemoration to honour the 282 martyrs of the First War of Independence in 1857, who were brutally massacred at Ajnala.

Organised by INTACH Punjab in collaboration with Riarki Institutions, the event was held at the school’s MS Randhawa Hall and marked the 12th anniversary of the historic 2014 excavation that unearthed the skeletal remains from the infamous well once derogatorily referred to by the British as “Kalianwala Khooh”.

The programme featured a special lecture detailing the events of the 1857 uprising and the rediscovery of the well, along with a curated historical exhibition showcasing rare photographs, archival documents and visuals from both the colonial period and the 2014 excavation. The exhibition offered students and attendees a powerful visual narrative of sacrifice, suppression and eventual historical restoration.

The event began with a soulful Shabad Kirtan and an Ardas performed by students, offering floral tributes to the martyrs in a sacred and patriotic atmosphere. Students of Riarki Public School also delivered impressive and thought-provoking lectures on the historical significance of the Ajnala massacre. Adding emotional depth to the occasion, the students presented a powerful play dedicated to the martyrs, dramatically portraying the events of 1857 and the suffering endured by the soldiers. The performance left the audience visibly moved and reinforced the educational impact of the commemoration.

Amritsar-based historian Surinder Kochhar, who was behind the identification and excavation of the site, was the chief guest and keynote speaker. He shared his journey—from discovering references in colonial records such as Frederick Henry Cooper’s “The Crisis in the Punjab”, to persuading the local gurdwara committee, overcoming scepticism, and ultimately leading to the excavation on February 28, 2014. The excavation revealed hundreds of skeletons, skulls, jawbones, teeth and related artefacts, confirming the massacre of sepoys—primarily from the 26th Bengal Native Infantry—who had mutinied and fled from Lahore’s Mian Mir Cantonment.

Anita Sareen, author of the book, “Revolt of Ajnala 1857 – The Massacre”, also addressed the audience.

Principal Swarn Singh Virk, founder of Riarki College, addressed the students and emphasised that such historic engagements inspire young minds to value and preserve their heritage, nurturing not only historical awareness but also compassionate, value-driven citizenship.

Convener of INTACH Punjab, Maj Gen Balwinder Singh (retd), VSM, highlighted Punjab’s courageous yet often under-recognised role in the 1857 struggle. He stressed that the nation can never forget the sacrifices of these unsung heroes.

Convener, INTACH Amritsar, Gagandeep Singh Virk, made a strong appeal to the authorities to consider renaming Cooper Road in Amritsar—currently named after the Deputy Commissioner associated with the executions—in honour of the martyrs.