ASI surveys tomb claimed to be of Baba Ram Singh

Ravneet Singh

Tribune News Service

Patiala, November 14

Officials from the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) today visited a ‘samadh’ (tomb), which is claimed to be of Baba Ram Singh (first Sikh chieftain) built by Raja Amar Singh in the early 1780s.

Researcher Dr JS Bhatia, who has over 20 years of experience in history of visual art, has claimed to discovered the tomb.

Floor tiles have been installed by the Indian Army, which acquired the area in 1960s. Some part of the tomb constructed on 114 square yards (near DPDO in Patiala city) has got damaged due to installation of lights. The Army officials said nearby residents visit the tomb every month.

Dr Bhatia said paintings in the tomb depict Hindu and Sikh Gurus, along with pir babas. A grave has been kept on a square-shaped pedestal with colours. Paintings on internal walls depict a religious preacher and disciples, apparently Sumer Puri (preacher) along with Ram Singh and his brothers Tiloka and Raghu, he said.

“The technique, texture and colours of anonymous paintings assert they belong to the earliest phase of the Patiala state. Painters then worked only on heroic, mythological and religious themes. The design of the ‘samadh’ and dome structure is from the 18th century,” he said.

AK Tiwari, Deputy Director, Archaeological Survey of India, said he has come for a survey. “We will prepare a report and forward it to the department,” said Tiwari.