Reconnecting with Patiala’s legacy

In 2009, while working for a social initiative I hosted an intern from America. On a relaxed Friday evening, he asked me, “Can you show me around your city?”

With the pride of a born Patialvi, I took him around what we call Patiala’s ‘geri' route — from 22 No Phatak to YPS Road — showing him our vibrant evening culture. “This,” I said proudly, “is how we live.

But Monday morning brought a moment I’ll never forget. He came and said, “I’ve heard that Patiala is a royal city.  You never told me there's a Qila here! Or that there are 250-year-old cenotaphs!” His words made me feel very small. I was born and raised in Patiala, and I hadn’t known about its history. How could I call myself a Patialvi?

That moment was a turning point in my life. I began exploring my city’s royal past, its overlooked gates, the stories that Qila Mubarak held within, the nucleus of Patiala founded over 260 years ago. The more I uncovered, the more I realised how disconnected we had become from our roots.

What started as a personal quest became a heritage walk project —a humble attempt to reconnect Patiala and Patialvis, as well as others, with its legacy. Since then, I’ve led countless such walks. Each walk still uncovers a new story, a forgotten corner, and a reason to fall in love with my city all over again.

Today, I don’t just say I’m from Patiala. Today, I know I am a Patialvi.

Ravee Singh Ahluwalia, Patiala