Pul Kanjri: A bridge between love & bravery

Located along the Indo-Pakistan border near Amritsar, Pul Kanjri is a place steeped in history, romance and valour. Once a significant cultural centre during the early 19th century, it later became a battlefield of bravery during the 1971 war, when the Second Sikh Battalion of the Indian Army demonstrated its military strength by reclaiming the area from the enemy. This historical site beautifully intertwines love and courage, reflecting Punjab’s rich heritage.

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Located approximately midway between Lahore and Amritsar, Pul Kanjri is closely associated with Maharaja Ranjit Singh, who frequently camped here while travelling with his royal troops. According to historical accounts, the Maharaja’s favourite dancer, Moran, once lost her sandals while crossing a nearby canal and refused to perform for him. To appease her, he ordered the construction of a bridge over the canal, which led to the site being named Pul Kanjri. This gesture not only reflected the Maharaja’s affection for the art but also symbolised the cultural inclusivity of his reign, where courtesans were revered as accomplished artistes preserving classical art forms.

The architectural heritage of Pul Kanjri reflects the grandeur of Maharaja Ranjit Singh’s empire, showcasing the harmonious coexistence of different faiths. The Shiv Mandir at the site is a striking example of architectural brilliance, but the intricate fresco work on its roof and walls is in dire need of restoration. Without timely intervention, these priceless artworks may be lost forever. Similarly, the Baradari, where the Maharaja used to stay, is in a severely dilapidated state. Featuring a blend of Mughal and Sikh architectural elements with intricate stone carvings and elegant arches, these monuments require urgent conservation efforts.

Today, Pul Kanjri stands as a protected heritage site, maintained by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI). Though much of its original grandeur has faded, it continues to attract historians, researchers and tourists interested in Punjab’s cultural legacy and the history of Maharaja Ranjit Singh’s reign.

Beyond its romantic past, Pul Kanjri is also a site of military valour. During the 1971 war, the 2nd Sikh Battalion of the Army recaptured the Border out Post (BOP) in a fierce battle led by Major NS Koak and 40 valiant soldiers. Despite facing four counterattacks, the battalion successfully defended the post, with one Junior Commissioned Officer (JCO) and nine soldiers attaining martyrdom. The enemy suffered significant losses, with many casualties, whose officer, along with 10 soldiers, was captured as prisoner of war.

Among the brave soldiers was Lance Naik Shangara Singh, MVC, who crawled under heavy gunfire to an enemy trench housing a medium machine gun (MMG). He single-handedly snatched the MMG, silencing the enemy’s fire and aiding the recapture of the post. A proud war memorial now stands in his honour, marking the site of this incredible act of bravery. The proximity of both the historical and war memorials, within a 100 m radius, adds to Pul Kanjri’s profound historical significance.

Late Manveen Kaur Sandhu, founder and former principal of Spring Dale School, expressed a desire to rename Pul Kanjri to ‘Pul Moran,’ as the current name does not align well with Punjab’s cultural vocabulary. Spring Dale School, Amritsar, under a MoU with the Punjab Government, has been actively involved in the maintenance of this historical monument.

Maj Gen (retd) Balwinder Singh, Punjab Convener of the Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage (INTACH), along with Principal Rajiv Kumar Sharma, visited the site and emphasised the need for its restoration.

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