Heritage of Ambala Final Ppt (2)

HERITAGE OF AMBALA Prepared by Vivek Sharma, Member INTACH Ambala Chapter

WHAT IS INTACH   

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INDIAN NATIONAL TRUST FOR ART AND CULTURAL HERITAGE Founded in 1984, INTACH is the single largest conservation network in the country. INTACH has successfully lived to its commitments and is known for the creditable work undertaken by various INTACH Chapters, the ICCI and the Central Office. Operated through 140 District Convenors, who have listed over 6500 monuments / properties in 23 States.

Eight Divisions HEADQUARTERD IN NEW DELHI a) Architectural Heritage. b) Material Heritage. c) Natural Heritage. d) Chapters Division. e) Heritage Education and Communication Services. f) Cultural Affairs and International Relations. g) Heritage Tourism. h) Intangible Heritage.

OBJECTIVES Act as the Nations Conscience keeper in conservation and protection of unprotected monuments, historic sites, places or objects of Artistic or Historical interest, Natural environment, Intangible Heritage like traditional dance, music, festivals etc.

INTACH's MOTTO

"Fighting to preserve what is rightfully ours."

AMBALA

LOCATION OF AMBALA  Ambala

is located at 30.38°N 76.78°E.  It has an average elevation of 264 metres (866 feet).

Origins of the name  

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There are quite a few interesting beliefs about the origin of Ambala: Some historians believe Ambala owes its name to King Singh; the founder of Ambala who was an Amb Rajput Some believe that it was named after the goddess "AMBA" whose temple is located in the city Ambala was originally called "Ambwala", Amb meaning mango in the native language (so, city of Mangoes)

ANCIENT HISTORY  As

per ancient Indian history, Aryan people had resided at Ambala at some point in time. There was a very popular place called Sarudhnanear Ambala, which was the Aryan country's capital at that time. Ambala was given the status of a district in the year 1847.

BRITISH ERA  The

Ambala Cantonment was established in the year 1843 after the British abandoned its cantonment at Karnal, following the malaria epidemic of 1841-42. The cantonment houses the ‘2 Corps’ one of the three Strike Corps of the Indian Army and is of immense strategic importance.

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Ambala was constituted as a district in the year 1847, and was formed by merging the jagir estates of hitherto independent chieftains whose territories had lapsed or had been confiscated by the British Indian Government. In its 160 years of existence as a district, Ambala has witnessed many changes in its boundaries. In its heyday the district boundaries extended across tehsils of Ambala, Naraingarh, Jagadhri, Pipli, Kharar, Ropar and Nalagarh. Kalka-cum-Kurari State, Pinjore, Manimajra, Kasauli & Sanawar were also merged into the district at different points of time.

The Revolt of 1857

The Ambala district played a significant role in uprising of 1857. Ambala was a military depot of great Importance then. Sham Singh ,a sepoy of the 5th Native infantry told Forsyth, the then Deputy Commissioner Ambala, in the end of April 1857, that a general rising of the Sepoys would take place in the beginning of May. He was proved Correct at approximately 9 A.M.on Sunday 10th May 1857 an Indian regiment the 60th Native Infantry rose in open revolt at Ambala followed by 5th native infantry at 12 noon but the Britsh were too alert and suppressed the revolt. Like the sepoys, the civil population was also badly affected . Indeed everyone among them irrespective of their caste , creed and religion stood against Britishers and played a significant Role in Struggle.

ROLE IN INDEPENDENCE STRUGGLE

Year

1883 Arya Sa

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this period the people also made efforts to establish re-organization at national level. Lala Murli Dhar of Ambala (1820-1924) was one of the founding fathers of Indian National Congress at Bombay in 1885. Later on during early twentieth century Indian National Congress organization spread its roots at various places in Ambala District.

TODAY’S AMBALA  

Today's Ambala District with an area of 1568.85 km² is a pale shadow of its original immense size. The Ambala District now comprises two subdivisions (Ambala & Naraingarh) and three tehsils (Ambala, Barara & Naraingarh). It has a population of 12 lakhs, which is about 5% of the total population of Haryana. It is bound by Mohali and Patiala districts of Punjab, Sirmaur District of Himachal and Yamunanagar & Kurukshetra districts of Haryana. Ambala district is represented by 5 Assembly Constituencies and 1 Lok Sabha Constituency

INTERSTING FACTS  Godse

was hanged at Ambala Jail on November 15, 1949, along with Narayan Apte , the other conspirator.

RAILWAY  Ambala

is a divisional headquarters of the Northern Railway Zone and is an important railway junction. The Ambala Cantonment railway station was founded on the junction of the Delhi-Kalka and Ludhiana-Saharanpur lines. The historic Delhi-Ambala-Kalka railway line dates back to 1889 while the Ludhiana-Saharanpur line was built in 1870

AIR FORCE BASE 

Ambala Air Force Base is one of the oldest and largest airbases that were inherited from the British by the IAF. It was from this airbase thatSpitfires and Harvards flown by Instructors of the Advanced Flying Training School took part in the 1947-48 Kashmir Operations. Subsequently, Ambala was the front line airfield for many years. It was home to various aircraft that were inducted into the Indian Air Force.Vampires, Ouragans, Hunters, etc. all flew from this base. The airbase was briefly attacked in 1965 by Pakistan Air Force's B-57 bombers. Today, the Airbase houses the ‘7 Wing’ with squadrons of Jaguars and MiG-21 Bisons. Ambala airfield has a war memorial called 'Frozen Tear' dedicated to all aircrew who lost their lives in times of war and peace flying missions from the airfield.

HERITAGE OF AMBALA

WHAT IS HERITAGE? 

BUILT UP HERITAGE 

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NATURAL HERITAGE 

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Lakes, Forests, Rivers, Ponds etc.

INTANGIBLE HERITAGE 

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Buildings, Monuments, Religious Buildings etc, Residential Buildings etc

Traditional Dance, Arts, Music, Crafts, Festivals, Rituals, etc.

MATERIAL HERITAGE 

Artifacts, Statues, Paintings, Murals, Rock Paintings, Photographs etc.

Various Cultures & Era  Ancient  Mughal  Punjabi  British  Post

Partition

NAVARANG RAI SAROVAR 400 YR OLD WHERE VAMAN DWADSHI MELA HELD EVERY DUSSEHRA STATUE OF VAMAN BHAGWAN OVERPOWERING RAJA BALI SEEN IN FOREGROUND AND THAKUR DWARA MANDIR IN THE BACKGROUND

Navrang Rai Sarovar The famous Thakur Dwara Mandir, Samadhi of Raja Gurbaksh Singh (husband of Daya Kaur), who held sway over Ambala region, and other small mandirs are located on its banks. It had eight bathing ghats.

SKETCH BY GOBI LAMBA

NAVARANG RAI SAROVAR SMALL OLD TEMPLES AND SAMADHI OF RAJA GURBAX SINGH(HUSBAND OF RANI DAYA KAUR ) POOR STATE OF POND. SOME IMPROVEMNTS MADE RECENTLY.

AMBIKA DEVI MANDIR VERY OLD MANDIR CONSTRUCTED IN MEMORY OF AMBA, AMBIKA AND AMBALIKA OF THE MAHABHARAT PERIOD.

AMBALA NAME POSSIBLY DERIVED FROM THIS.

PAINTINGS DONE ON UPPER WALLS HAVE FADED.

The Mandir which is dedicated to Ma Ambika Devi (Ma Bhawani) is located near Ram Bagh Mandir. It was built on a small mound or 'tibba' which was then surrounded by Saraswati River (Tangri River). Gradually the river receded but the temple remained surrounded by water. It is believed that the origins of this Mandir date back to Mahabharata the wars between the Pandavs & Kauravs 

The temple was destroyed many times during the Mughal period but was rebuilt every time by the Hindus. In 1852 two minarets were built here by the Muslims. These were partly destroyed later, and lions were constructed on them by the Hindus.

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Two fairs are held every year during the Navratras

THIS AREA BELONGS TO THE MANDIR AND SHOULD BE CLEANED AND DEVELOPED INTO A PARK

Raja Ka Talab and Rani ka Talab 

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Both these talabs are located in the Cantonment and looked offer well by the Army. These were constructed over 400 years back Raja Ranjit Singh of Chhachhrauli village, a Riyasat under Patiala. Raja Ranjit Singh and his wife used to go for Shahi Snan and thereafter pray at Shiv Mandirs (installed in both the talab). Rani Ka Talab is well designed, made of thin bricks, clearly indicate the age of the structure. Raja ka Talab has been converted into an excellent park. Earlier it was called Company Bagh, then Patel Park now Padget Park. Both these talabs have no water throughout the year except during the rainy season. It would further improve the sites if water could he arranged throughout the year.

Haathi Khana Mandir

Hathi Khana Shiv Mandir 

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Probably in 1844, at the request of South Indians who served with the British Elephant Cavalry Regiment they built a small temple on some land acquired from Nanhera village. A small Pindi (Idol) was installed and named as Hathi Khana Shiv Mandir. After the move of the Elephant Cavalry Regiment the temple was looked after by local priests till 1950, thereafter by a registered trust. Presently a number of small temples of various devotees have been added to the main Shiv Temple. In addition a few Saint Ashrams for visiting Sadhus have been constructed to stay. The temple attracts a large number of devotees throughout the year. on Shivratri, during the month of Sawan specially, a very long queue of worshippers visits the temple.

Manji Sahib Gurudwara (Bowli Sahib) 

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Located in village Khurampur near Lakri Ke Are` and Motor Market. The Sixth Guru, Guru Hargobind Sahib Ji believed to have stayed here on his way to Gwalior. Due to the heavy demand of drinking water he inaugurated the digging of a well (Bowli) at a site selected by him. After arranging the release of 52 Rajas from Gwalior Fort he again stayed at the Gurudwara and conveyed to all the medicinal values of the water which would cure any ailments. The temple was destroyed by the flooding of River Tangri but it was rebuilt by locals and devotees. The four minarets now are gold plated and the temple is inlaid with 'Meenakari' and 'Chitrakari' work. The Sarovar has recently been inaugurated by Baba Harbans S. and S. Jagir Singh.

Ram Bagh, Ambala City

BADSHAHI BAGH GURUDWARA

Gurudwara Badshahi Bagh 

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The Gurudwara is located near Ambala District Court on the South side of the city. Ammiruddin, who was the Nawab of Badshahi Bagh used to threaten the Hindus and ridicule them for their cowardliness. When Guru was passing through Ambala, Ammiruddin challenged him, saying that his hawk would defeat the Guru’s hawk. It is believed that Guru Gobind Singh directed two sparrows on a nearby tree to attack; they badly mauled Ammiruddin’s hawk.

CHIDION SE MAIN BAAJ LADAON, TABHI GOBIND SINGH NAAM KAHAON

Panjokhara Saheb Gurudwara

Panjokhra Sahib Gurdwara 

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Panjokhra Sahib is dedicated to the eighth Guru Harkishen Ji. He visited the site in 1720 and started preaching the local congregations. It is believed that it is here that Shri Lal Chand Pandit asked the Guru to first understand the Bhagvat Geeta before preaching. Guru Harkishen ji explained in detail the meaning and understanding of the Geeta. On this the Pandit was overwhelmed and he converted to Sikhism. All people visiting the Gurdwara and taking snan in the holy temple are convinced that they would overcome there grief and there illness would be completely cured.

Kos Minar 

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This, along with many others, was constructed by Sher Shah Suri on G.T. Road over 400 years back to mark milestones / distances. It is located in the cloth market of Ambala City. It became a protected monument in 1918 under the Ancient Monuments Preservation Act VII of 1904. There has always been pressure by shopkeepers to encroach on the land. There is a need to clear the area around it to enhance its grandeur as a Heritage Monument.

BRITISH ERA From Ambala to Umbala

ST PAUL’S CATHEDRAL

ONE OF THE MOST BEAUTIFUL AND WELL FURNISHED PROTESTANT CHURCH OF INDIA. COSTRUCTION STARTED JAN 1852 CONSECRATED ON 04 JAN 1857. GARRISON CHURCH WITH 1500 SEATING CAPACITY.

St. Paul’s Cathedral  

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The construction of this Church started on 14 Jan 1852 by Capt Attkinson, the architect. St Paul’s Cathedral was consecrated on 04 Jan 1857 by the authority of Lord Bishop Daniel of Calcutta and Bishop Dealtry of Madras. The church was built in decorated Gothic Style and had a seating capacity of 1500 people. It was the Garrison Church, specially meant for British Amry Officers and their families, though civilians also joined in their worship. The church was initially affiliated to the Church of England but on 03 April 1925 it was shifted to Lahore Diocese. It is believed that this is the oldest Church in the State of Haryana. On 21 September 1965, during the Indo-Pak conflict St. Paul’s Cathedral was destroyed due to indiscriminate bombing by Pakistan’s Air Force Leaders from all over the world condemned this incident and termed it as a crime against humanity. On completion it was one of the most beautiful and well furnished churches of India.

ST PAUL’S CATHEDRAL

Due to security reasons, for landing / taking off air craft, the existing bombed church was not allowed to be re-constructed. It has now been declared as a National Monument and placed under the Archeological Survey of India.

ST PAUL’S CATHEDRAL

Sikh Wars Memorial

HOLY REDEEMER CHURCH FIRST CATHOLIC CHURCH BUILT BY THE BRITISH WHEN THEY MOVED FROM KARNAL TO AMBALA CANTT.

Holy Redeemer Church 

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When the British moved to Ambala from Karnal in 1848, they built the first Catholic Church of Holy Redeemer with the residence of the Italian Priest Capuchin Father Venance close by. It was reconstructed in 1905 and was solemnly blessed by Arch Bishop Gentile. The new church can seat 800 people. The Church with its huge tower, solid pillars and high Gothic roof is architectural marvel. The benches in the church have a niche in which soldiers could place their rifles.

MARTHOMA SYRIAN CHURCH, DURAND ROAD

St. Thomas Orthodox Syrian Church, The Mall

O L D

C E

B R I T I S H

M E T R Y

GURU GOBIND SINGH LIBRARY

Formerly Queen Victoria Memorial, 1891

Guru Gobind Singh Library (Fyson Library) 

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It was constructed as a Dak Bungalow in 1890 for the -British. The building is of unique construction: 12 exquisite doors and 16 ventilators, the building is warm in winter and cool in summer. Queen Victoria stayed here in 1902. The Dak Bungalow as also known as Victoria Memorial Club and Malika ki Yadgar. In 1926 it was converted to a Public Library (known as Fyson Library) On 08 May 1949 it became Guru Gobind Singh Library when it was inaugurated by the then Chief Minister of Punjab Gopi Chand Bhargava.

Now NH1

SIRHIND CLUB

Sirhind Club  Sirhind

Club was constructed in 1891 and started functioning under the Chairmanship of Brigadier General G.T. Pretyman.

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The club was damaged in 1965 during the Indo Pak Conflict. It has been renovated and expanded over the years. Major renovation was carried out to bring it to its present condition.

 Railway

Station

Masonic lodge The Masonic Lodge ( known as Dragon Lines) is located on Staff Road is 160 years old. It commenced its philanthropic work prior to 1857. Till 1895 it had purely British membership, thereafter it was open to Indians.

PARRY’S HOTEL ENTRANCE

Parry’s Hotel  Also

known as Kings Hotel Umbala 1908. It was a very old Hotel constructed mainly for Europeans. After other hotels came up it went in disuse and has now completely broken down. The Gate is an architectural wonder and is in bad shape. It needs to be taken over by the Municipal Corporation and renovated under arrangements INTACH.

Old Civil Hospital Building , Ambala City

Philadelphia Hospital, Ambala City : New Year’s Card

SADAR

BAZAAR

AMBALA SADAR BAZAAR

AMBALA SADAR BAZAAR

AMBALA SADAR BAZAAR

A DOOR WAY IN OLD SADAR BAZAAR

AMBALA SADAR BAZAAR

BD HOSPITAL

BD HOSPITAL

BD HOSPITAL SKETCH

BANARSI DAS (OLD RESIDENCE)

LET US MAINTAIN THE CHARACTER OF SADAR BAZAR

NO MORE THESE

ARE OLD BUILDINGS WHICH HAVE BEEN LOST DUE TO MODERNISATION

Ambala City

Ambala City

Ambala City

NO MORE

NO MORE

VILLAGE PANJOKHRA A HERITAGE VILLAGE

 The

village has a large number of artistic doors and architecture. This village has a great scope for becoming a Heritage village after renovation of the doors/architecture which all are private owned.

References      

Ambala : A Journey Through Old Lanes and By Lanes : Rahul Dass Umbala Cantonement (Yesterday’s Recalled : Man Mohan Gupta Ambala Ka Itihaas : Tejinder Singh Walia www.ambala.nic.in Photographs Courtesy Ranbir Singh, Brig. G.S. Lamba, Sirhind Club. Sketches Brig. G.S.Lamba, Convenor INTACH Ambala Chapter

INTACH AMBALA CHAPTER

 At

present Ambala Chaper has approximately 20 members from works of life.  The Convenor Brig. G.S. Lamba  Co-Convenor is Lt. Gen. Ranjit Singh, PVSM, SM.

Elina Banerjee, Army School won National Level Competition, 2008

PROPOSED ACTIVITIES  Listing

of Heritage Sites and Documentation of Intangible Heritage  Creating Awareness by Organising Tours, Competitions, Workshops  Enrolling New Members, Institutions  Promoting Heritage Clubs  Undertaking Preservation of Documents, Photographs, Sites  Advocacy for Preservation of Sites.

How You Can Help Heritage Awareness Initiatives  Create awareness in Your Surrounding & Community, Family, Friends about Heritage  Have Heritage Clubs formed in Schools, Colleges.  Tell others about Ambala’s History and preserve old buildings  If you come to know anything Interesting about Ambala Tell Us  Celebrate World Heritage Day on April 18th , World Heritage Week (14th -21st November)

How You Can Help-2 Listing of Heritage  List the natural, built, art, living heritage near your home/ area. The format is available on request.  Help in documenting the intangible heritage.  If you have any old Photographs Share with us and we will share with whole Ambala.

BECOME MEMBER OF INTACH AMBALA CHAPTER and Help in Enrolling other Members

COME, JOIN THE MOVEMENT FOR CONSERVING AND PROTECTING OUR RICH HERITAGE. MAKING AMBALA DISTRICT A PARADISE ON EARTH