The Rambagh Gate is an old heritage, historical Three-Storied Structure of India accepted by UNESCO. Amritsar’s Ram Bagh structure was built in 1818 AD. It was designed as an exquisite summer retreat for Maharaja Ranjit Singh, the legendary king of Punjab. The Rambagh structure was built by Maharaja Ranjit Singh in the sacred memory of Guru Ram Das Ji, The design of this structure was influenced by the Mughal design concept. It has a square later on modified by the British into an informal curvilinear plan of building structure.
The Complex is located in the northeast of the walled city of Amritsar. The entire project is spread across 84 acres land of in Amritsar. The complex contains a variety of historic structures in a garden setting. Ram Bagh is the treasurer house of the art, history, and Architecture of the shikhs of the 18th and 19th centuries.
Historical Importance of Rambagh Gates and Rampart
It’s an old heritage structure of Indian structure. It represents the Punjab’s historical heritage identity.
Its historic ensembles of Punjab. The complex is also at the center of a long-drawn legal battle, which has adversely affected its conservation and restoration.
In 1997, the entire Ram Bagh complex including the palace as well as other buildings and monuments was declared protected by the state government, it’s have been taken by ASI as a protected monument. Because of encroachment and lack of conservation. Thus Ram Bagh complex was declared a monument of National importance by the central government in 2004.
The architecture of the Temple, Design Style, Material, and Construction
Historically, Ram Bagh was designed on the concept of ‘Char Bagh’ (The Persian system of historical gardens). Ram Bagh is the best example of a masterpiece of landscape design work as well as a marvelous work of engineering in the scientific system of water management and unique horticultural practices. Major Structures involved in the Ram Bagh complex are the summer palace, Hammam, Deorhis, Walls and Watchtowers, Macchi Ghar, Munshikhana, Bardari, etc.
By the study of some writers said that the Ram Bagh complex is a unique example of a confluence of Persian principles and Shikh architectural traditions. Others consider it as Mughal, Rajput, and European Styles. The structure has a square plan, which was later on modified by the British into an informal curvilinear plan. The center of planning of this project is occupied by the summer palace and its main focus building which was used as residence for Maharaja Ranjit Singh during his visits to Amritsar. Later it was converted into the Maharaja Ranjit Museum. Two major sides of east-west and north-south axes were given for lots of trees with rows of fountains. These connected to palace to four secondary buildings, which were located at terminal points of the axes, punctuating the middle of each side of the brick wall enclosing the garden. On the north and south side of the planning, placed gateways to gardens, known as ‘Deorhis’ which were built in Mughal and Rajput architectural styles. ‘Munshikhans’ known as Royal offices placed at the west with west walls. Thus these are all internal space planning.
The gates and ramparts of Ram Bagh Palace emphasized strength, durability, and aesthetics. The construction material included locally available, source stone, particularly sandstone. The lime mortar is used commonly as a binding material. The gate’s walls are thick and solid in size offering protection palace complex and its inhabitants. The restoration of the Ram Bagh structure involved using traditional building techniques and locally sourced, locally available materials like the characteristic Nanakshahi bricks set in lime mortar. The Northern and south façades have huge central archways, Flanked by a regular bay on each side containing an ornamental Jharokha. The exterior as well as interior of Delhi is decorated with floral and geometrical designs. The architectural ornamentation of gates and ramparts includes a plethora of decorative elements such as arches, domes, balconies, and jharokhas. The ramparts of Ram Bagh Palace are designed to achieve harmonious proportions and balance, which helps to contribute to their overall aesthetic visual appeal.
Today as an Important Tourist Place and Its Cultural Heritage
In today’s time, Rambagh Palace and its Ramparts are important tourist destinations that cherish and preserve part of India’s cultural heritage.
UNESCO has recognized the resilience the urban revitalization achieved at the Rambagh Gate and Ramparts in Punjab, India, which earned the highest honor, the ‘Award of Excellence’. It’s a Historic landmark and a significant platform for cultural exchange. The Ram Bagh Gates and Ramparts project is part of the UN Sustainable Development Group (UNSDG). This three-storied structure now serves the historical gate community as a traditional market, a government school, and a municipal printing press. The restoration involved using traditional building techniques and locally available materials like the characteristic Nankshahi bricks set in lime mortar.
Today’s time the garden is under the administration of the Municipal Corporation of the city. The restoration and conservation works were done by the archaeological survey of India.
Conclusion
According to the study, it is a very old historical heritage construction. The restoration and conservation works are done by the Archaeological Survey of India. It has a strong background of history. Also, the Architectural style followed the traditional style of design in construction. Ornamentation and decoration give a strong aesthetic to the structure. It’s a UNESCO-accepted structure in India. Ram Bagh gates and Ramparts are India’s historical heritage identity.
Images Reference:
Ram Bagh Gate, Amritsar, Punjab, India. [Photograph], (n.d), and Retrieved website: – www.indianexpress.com https://indianexpress.com/article/cities/chandigarh/heritage-projects-punjab-haryana-unesco-asia-pacific-awards-9077913/:
