In photos: Glory of Sher-e-Punjab’s Panorama fades amid neglect

Located near the Summer Palace in the historic Rambagh Garden of Amritsar, the Maharaja Ranjit Singh Panorama stands as a magnificent tribute to Sher-e-Punjab, Maharaja Ranjit Singh, the first native ruler of the land of five rivers. Established in 2006, the Panorama was constructed at a cost of Rs 5 crore by the National Council of Science Museums, an organisation under the Union Ministry of Culture.

Advertisement

Photo Gallery: Maharaja Ranjit Singh's life at Summer Palace in Amritsar’s Ram Bagh

Despite its historical and cultural significance, the site is currently facing neglect. Poor maintenance, lack of promotion and dwindling visitor numbers threaten to obscure its original purpose — to celebrate the legacy of one of Punjab’s greatest leaders.

Housed in a two-storey circular building, the Panorama offers a visual and multimedia depiction of the significant stages in Maharaja Ranjit Singh’s life and rule. The central attraction is a colossal 12-m-tall and 100-m-long painting, dramatically illustrating six of the Maharaja’s major battles. This immersive experience is enhanced with sound and light effects, recreating the sights and sounds of historic wars.

The battles include the victory at Lahore (1798), where a young Ranjit Singh defeated Shah Zaman’s forces; the capture of the Zamzama cannon (1802); the Battle of Kangra (1809) against the Gurkhas; the victory at Hazro (1813), which marked the liberation of the northern region from Afghan control; and the acquisition of the Koh-i-Noor (1814) from Shah Shuja, fulfilling a childhood ambition of the Maharaja.

Maharaja Ranjit Singh (1780–1839), often remembered as “Sarkar” or “Sher-e-Punjab,” had a profound connection with Amritsar. Though he ruled an empire stretching from the Sutlej to Kabul, Kashmir, and Ladakh, his ties to the Golden Temple and the city remain a legacy. Rambagh Garden, once spread across 84 acres and now reduced to 35 due to encroachments, still preserves some monuments that echo his glory.

The Maharaja Ranjit Singh Panorama is not just an exhibition; it stands as a powerful testament to the legacy of a visionary leader. Yet, without adequate upkeep and focused attention, the site is in danger of slipping into neglect, much like the rich history it aims to preserve. Though the Municipal Corporation of Amritsar is responsible for its maintenance, the Panorama continues to suffer from poor upkeep and limited footfall, overshadowing its cultural and historical significance.