Patiala’s stately gates stand neglected

Gagan K. Teja

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Tribune News Service

Patiala, October 27

The historic gates of the royal city that were once its pride now stand neglected.

The construction of these gates started during the rule of Maharaja Amar Singh in late 1780s. Finally, Maharaja Narendra Singh fortified the city with the construction of these gates in 1860s.

These were Darshani Gate, Lahori Gate, Nabha Gate, Samania Gate, Sirhindi Gate, Safabadi Gate, Sheranwala Gate, Sunami Gate, Top Khana Gate, Ghalaudi Gate and Sanauri Gate.

Out of these gates, Lahori Gate, Nabha Gate, Ghalaudi Gate, Sanauri Gate and Safabadi Gate no longer exist, and the others are a picture of decay.

Only the Sheranwala Gate and the Sunami Gate are an exception as these were restored sometime ago.

The gates were built keeping in mind the rich culture and tradition of those times. Guru Granth Sahib was installed in all the gates with “path” being held at scheduled times. However, this practice has been discontinued.

The Samania Gate near Mohindra College has developed huge cracks and in a pitiable condition. Similarly, the Top Khana Gate is dilapidated and is always locked, resulting in commuters in the area having to take a much longer route.

City resident Tilak Raj blamed consecutive state governments for not maintaining the rich heritage of the city. “There was a time when one would marvel at the grand structures and intricate work on these. But now they just look like ruins,” said Sampuran Singh (70).

Patiala Deputy Commissioner Varun Roojam said they had sanctioned money to restore one gate and would soon start work on other gates as well.

NPS Randhawa, Director of Punjab Tourism and Chief Executive Officer of Punjab Heritage and Tourism Promotion Board, said the Deputy Commissioner had recently sanctioned Rs 10 lakh for the restoration of Samania Gate and that they had already floated the tenders.