More than 250 years old, the Gobindgarh Fort has become one of the most iconic symbols of Punjab. The heritage site hails from a time when the Indian subcontinent was divided into small principalities and ruled by kings. At one point, some 12,000 soldiers manned the fort to protect Amritsar from potential invaders. 

In modern days, Gobindgarh Fort has transformed into an educational attraction dedicated to the history and culture of Amritsar. The complex contains four museums, including a Warfare Museum showcasing rare weapons, a Turban Museum explaining headgear from the region, and a Sikh Art Museum. Stick around after dark for the captivating light and sound shows projected on the fort’s Colonial Bungalow. 

Did you know that Gobindgarh Fort was originally known as Bhagian da Qilla? A local chieftain of the Bhangi Misl named Gujar Singh Bhangi built it as a mud fortress in the 18^thcentury, and hence the name.

Maharaja Ranjit Singh, the first maharaja of the Sikh Empire, conquered the fort in the early 19^thcentury. It was he who renamed it as Gobindgarh Fort after Guru Gobind Singh, the 10^th guru of the Sikhs. Further, he made many renovations and added new structures to the fort from 1805 to 1809. Much of these revamps were based on French military fortification plans and Maharaja Ranjit Singh even took help from a French architect for the same. The major reason why he strengthened the fort was to protect the Golden Temple and the city of Amritsar from invaders.

Gobindgarh Fort remained under the control of Maharaja Ranjit Singh until 1849 when it was seized by the British. After the country’s independence, it was garrisoned by the Indian army and remained inaccessible to civilians for a long time. Finally, on 10^th February 2017, the fort was opened to the public as a live heritage museum.

Address: Old Cantt Road, inside Lohgarh Chowk, Vijay Chowk, Amritsar