Amritsar is a very renowned tourist place near Delhi. The
city is home to the stunning Golden temple and Jallianwala Bagh. Tourists also
love to see the ceremonial rituals at the Wagah border. All these were a one
day affair for the tourists till now. Few people know that the beautiful city
is home to an amazing fort known as Gobindgarh fort. It is very grand and of
historic significance.
The history of the fort is quite interesting. The fort was
founded during the mid-18th century by the Bhangi misl community leader. It was
a symbolic representation of Punjab in such a way that anybody who occupied it
was believed to have conquered the Punjab state itself.
The fort holds a historical significance as it was at these
gallows that millions of patriots were executed during India’s freedom
struggle. General Dyer’s office was near it and he used to enjoy the executions
of Indian freedom fighters.
There was a debate going on whether the state governments
had the capacity of maintaining the fort to restore its previous splendor. Now,
the fort is dedicated to public after completion of the 1st phase of
renovation.
The motive is to develop Amritsar as the hub of tourism so
that the tourists can make a stopover for 3-4 days instead of just one as
practiced earlier. It was illuminated flawlessly to be the frontline landmark
in giving boost to Punjab’s tourism sector. Book taxi for outstation tour from
Delhi to Amritsar and see the newly renovated Gobindgarh fort which was
initially known as 'Bhangian Da Qila'.
The fort was renamed in the 19th century as Gobindgarh by
Maharaja Ranjit Singh after Guru Gobind Singh. He gave a new look to the fort
with the assistance of French military experts. It is said that the famous ‘Kohinoor’
diamond were also kept here only.