Gobindgarh Fort: History, Architecture, Shows & Performances at Gobindgarh Fort, Attractions, Unknown Facts (2024)
Gobindgarh Fort, the beautiful place to visit situated in the heart of the Amritsar, echoes the fascinating history of Punjab and offers glimpses into the events that have shaped that part of India into what it is today.
The Gobindgarh Fort is situated 2 km away from the Golden Temple & boasts of a history of over 250 years. The Gobindgarh Fort was initially built during the era of Bhangi Misl. The Fort was then seized and renovated first by the Sikh & later by the British Empire. Presently, Gobindgarh Fort serves as a live museum where visitors and tourists can witness the heritage of Punjab.
So, planning to visit Gobindgarh Fort of Amritsar? Here in this article, you will find almost everything about Gobindgarh Fort, its history, attractions, shows, timings, etc. So, let’s get started.
History of Gobindgarh Fort
Do you know that the Gobindgarh Fort was formerly known as “Bhagian da Qilla”? A local chieftain of the Bhangi Misl named Gujar Singh Bhangi made it as a mud Fortress in the 18th century.
The very first Maharaja of the Sikh Empire, Maharaja Ranjit Singh, conquered the Gobindgarh Fort in the early 19th century. He was the one who renamed it as Gobindgarh Fort after the Guru Gobind Singh, the 10th Guru of the Sikhs. Later, he made multiple renovations and added new structures to the Fort from the year 1805 to 1809. These revamp done were mostly based on French military Fortification plans & even Maharaja Ranjit Singh took assistance from a French architect for the same. The vital reason for strengthening the Fort by him was to protect the Golden Temple and also the Amritsar from invaders at that time.
The Architecture of Gobindgarh Fort
Gobindgarh Fort has a square-shaped layout, which is made out of bricks & lime. The Fort displays multiple structures & features, few of which were included during the Sikh period, while the Britishers formed few others. Toshakhana, Darbar Hall, Khas Mahalare, and Colonial Bungalow are some of the existing structures inside the Fort that display unique architectural beauty. The original structure even housed a coin minting factory, 8 watchtowers, and 25 cannons.
Today’s Scenario of Gobindgarh Fort
Presently, Gobindgarh Fort is one of the top tourist destinations to visit in Amritsar. The Government of Punjab has transformed it into a live heritage & a treasure trove of the history of this region. Presently, the Gobindgarh Fort houses museums, various food stalls & a vibrant bazaar. It even serves as an infotainment hub where you can immerse yourself in games, fun rides, exciting activities, handicraft shopping, 7D shows, live performances, and many more.
Shows & Performances at Gobindgarh Fort, Amritsar
Many live performances and several high-tech shows are being organized at Gobindgarh Fort to educate visitors about the history and heritage of Punjab. These shows and live performances include:
Spirit of Punjab:
Spirit of Punjab is a live performance. The Gobindgarh Fort has a stage in the house where one can watch the cultural performances the whole day. The program remains vibrant with many live performances like Gidda, Bhangra, Gatka, Dholi, Comedy, Games, and many more. If anyone wanted to participate in it, they can and win many prizes too.
Timing: Whole Day
Whispering Walls:
Whispering Walls is a light and sound show. Every single evening, a light and sound show is being organized at Gobindgarh Fort. This show is full of entertainment and information that highlights the illustrious history of the Fort and the city as well.
Timings: 7:15 am [Punjabi] & 7:45 pm [English]
VR Shows:
The Gobindgarh Fort even has a Virtual Reality show, which provides high-technology experience and takes you on a ride via the history of the Gobindgarh Fort.
Timings: Whole Day
Sher-e-Punjab:
In addition to the virtual shows, Gobindgarh Fort also offers a 7D show, which is directed by Ketan Mehta, who is an internationally renowned film director. The show visualizes the part of the life and time of “Maharaja Ranjit Singh” in an amazing way.
Timings: Whole Day
Attractions of Gobindgarh Fort, Amritsar
There are multiple attractions of Gobindgarh Fort. But among all, the major attractions of the Fort are:
- Gates – Gates offered multi-level entrance checks once, such that the Army could make any surprise attack in case the Gobindgarh Fort came under the invasion.
- The Four bastions – These are located at the four different corners of the Fort.
- The Toshakhana – It is a structure that served as the treasury of Maharaja Ranjit Singh once. It is the place where he had kept the very famous and exclusive Kohinoor Diamond. Presently, it is a house of a coin museum, displaying a remarkable collection of old & some rare coins.
- Khas Mahal – It can also be called a Coffee House; it’s a building that exhibits distinct architectural elements from the colonial & Sikh eras.
- Darbar Hall – Darbar Hall was served as a hospital once and afterward, converted into an officer’s mess during the occupation of the Indian Army.
- Haat Bazaar – It is a vibrant market area where you can purchase some beautiful handicrafts for yourself and your loved ones.
- Pagdi Museum – It is an exciting display of interesting forms of Turbans across the Punjab.
- Zaika Gali – This is a food joint where a visitor of the Fort can try the authentic food and delicacies of Punjab.
- Sikh Art Museum – This place has a royal collection of beautiful paintings depicting the saints and warriors of Punjab.
- Ambarsari Zaika Dhaba – It is a Dhaba-style space that serves the delicious food of Punjab.
Unknown Facts about Gobindgarh Fort, Amritsar
The Gobindgarh Fort had a 50-meter tall watchtower during the year 1874, which was later demolished by the Indian Army.
The Fort was the place for the royal wedding of “Prince Nau Nihal Singh,” who is the grandson of Maharaja Ranjit Singh.
A bell was made in the year 1863 in Sheffield, which still exists at the Fort. It is believed that the steel bell to be a cast made by “Naylor Vickers & Company” to create other bells for Amritsar.
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