Historian spots tomb of Ala Singh’s father

Ravneet Singh
Tribune News Service
Patiala, November 28

A historian and former researcher at Punjabi University has discovered the tomb (samadh) of Ram Singh, father of Baba Ala Singh, first Sikh chieftain of the Malwa region and Jathedar of the Phulkian Misl.

Dr JS Bhatia, who has worked on wall paintings and history of art for over 20 years, says the tomb is located in the Army cantonment near New Moti Mahal in the city.

In an article, “The Punjab Past and Present”, he claimed that it was built by Raja Amar Singh just outside the then royal city of Patiala. The article was published in a journal by the Publication Bureau of Punjabi University. The tomb has been preserved unknowingly. As per revenue records, the land belongs to Ram Singh and Amar Lal, its caretaker.”

Built in 114 sq yards, the tomb has a dome, which is around 18-foot high. Without undersigns, the paintings in the Samadh depict Hindu gods, Sikh gurus and Sufi saints. The grave has been constructed on a square-shaped platform with colours and carvings similar to a lotus flower. A series of paintings can be seen on internal walls. One of the paintings depict a religious preacher in an ochre-coloured robe with three disciples, apparently Ram Singh and his brothers Tiloka and Raghu. “The preacher could be Sumer Puri, from whom Phul, founder of the Phulkian state and father of Ram Singh, learned yoga,” said Dr Bhatia.

Another painting shows Lord Brahma and Vishnu reclining over a lotus coming out of Lord Vishnu’s navel. The wall on the right is further divided into panels. Bordered by dark red and green colours, the central painting depicts Guru Nanak with his disciple Mardana and his \rabab\. Alongside are portraits of Guru Angad Dev and Guru Amar Das. Paintings of Lord Ganesha and Arjuna with his bow and arrow are accompanied by another painting, depicting four lions. According to Dr Bhatia, this could possibly be the state emblem.

A similar panel on the left wall depicts Guru Hargobind, Guru Arjan Dev and Guru Ram Das. A number of paintings of Guru Gobind Singh, Lord Krishna, a yogi and Raja Amar Singh cover the remaining wall.

Dr Bhatia says, “The technique, texture and colours of anonymous paintings show that these belong to the earliest phase of the Patiala state. Painters then worked only on heroic, mythological and religious themes.

The design of the tomb belongs to the 18th century, most appropriately 1780’s. Amar Singh in adulation of his grandfather Ram Singh placed his grave on a raised platform.

Dr Bhatia said the tomb remained undiscovered till date possibly due to the presence of the military in the area 1960s. It escaped destruction due to satisfactory upkeep by the Army.

The samadh continues to be revered by nearby residents, who visit it with a belief that it belongs to a pir baba.The residents offer prayers and seek blessings on every 10th day of the lunar month.

About the tomb

Built in 114 sq yards, the tomb has a dome, which is around 18-foot high. Without undersigns, the paintings in the Samadh depict Hindu gods, Sikh gurus and Sufi saints. The grave has been constructed on a square-shaped platform with colours and carvings similar to a lotus flower. A series of paintings can be seen on internal walls. One of the paintings depict a religious preacher in an ochre-coloured robe with three disciples, apparently Ram Singh and his brothers Tiloka and Raghu.