Ludhiana’s legacy in a shambles

Manav Mander

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Tribune News Service

Ludhiana, April 18

Ludhiana — a city whose name itself has a legacy seems to have forgotten its own heritage.

Ludhiana got its name from the Lodhi dynasty, which is believed to have founded the city in 1480.

Today, on World Heritage Day, the city forgets its heritage buildings which could have been developed into major tourist attractions, but are lying in ruins due to the apathy of the government.

The population of the city, which should have been proud of their heritage, are unaware of these sites.

Most youngsters were aware of the Mughal sarai at Doraha as it shot to fame with Aamir Khan’s “Rang De Basanti” some 10 years ago. Apart from , they were not aware of other historical sites such as the Lodhi fort and Maharaja Ranjit Singh fort at Phillaur.

“I had never heard of Lodhi fort, which is located in the heart of the city. A friend whose college is located near the fort told me about it, but I never happened to visit it as nobody knows about it,” said Vishali, a graduation student.

Maninder, a post-graduation student, said she knew that the Clock Tower was a historical site in the city but did not know the history behind it.

“Some five years ago I once visited the Mughal Sarai near Doraha. It was featured in Aamir Khan-starrer “Rang de Basanti” after which I along with my friends visited the place. But after that I never got an opportunity to go there. My parents tell me a lot about the historical reference of the city, but I cannot see any building preserved by the government,” Maninder said.

“You go to Himachal Pradesh and they have all their forts and palaces preserved which are now serving as major tourist attractions. Instead of developing new places, the government should focus on restoring the old structures as nothing matches the majesty and splendour of heritage buildings,” said Ravneet Singh, a student pursuing his engineering degree.

World Heritage Day: ‘Lost’ Inheritance?

Lodhi Fort

The Lodhi Fort is over 500-year-old fort constructed by Muslim ruler Sikander Lodhi on a strategic location along the banks of the Sutlej in the city. It has gone to rack and ruin, thanks to the official lack of concern as well as the indifferent attitude of the city residents towards it.

Mughal Serai

Mughal Serai at Doraha was built by Sher Shah Suri in the 17th Century AD and was a much sought-after place for fatigued travellers during the Mughal rule. The respite offered by the sarai was unmatchable.

Clock Tower

The Clock Tower, popularly known as Ghanta Ghar, is more than 100 years old. It was on October 18, 1906, that the Victoria Memorial Clock Tower, Ludhiana, was inaugurated by the then 

Lt-Governor of Punjab and its dependencies, Sir Charles Montgomery along with Deewan Tek Chand, the then Deputy Commissioner of Ludhiana. The tower had been erected as a memorial to the silver jubilee year of Queen Victoria’s regime.