Think Amritsar and it is almost synonymous with the divine Golden Temple. Also called Sri Harmandir Sahib, this one is a highly revered site for the Sikh community and represents the core tenets of Sikhism which includes equality. But beyond the Golden temple Amritsar is a city that offers a kaleidoscope of sights spanning history, culture, architecture and more. Here are five places that are worth a visit when in Amrtisar.
Partition Museum
Housed within the town hall of Amritsar, this solemn museum is a grim reminder of the partition in 1947; i.e. when British India was divided into India and Pakistan. The event saw several hundred thousand killed and displaced and the museum serves to document the series of events leading to the partition. It traces the journey of first-generation partition survivors who have given first hand accounts of their ordeal and also donated several objects and memorabilia. The latter include clothes, utensils, kitchenware, jewelry and even photographs. The display is spread across several galleries and is a treasure trove of information on this historical event.
Gurudwara Saragarhi Memorial
Located in close proximity to the Golden temple, this Gurudwara has been constructed in honor of 21 Sikh soldiers from the 36th Sikh Regiment who gave up their lives while protecting Fort Saragarhi in September 1897. These brave soldiers fought as many as 10,000 Afghani tribesmen in a battle that lasted for seven hours. In fact, the popular Bollywood movie Kesari is based on this battle and every year September the 12th, is commemorated as ‘Saragarhi Day’. This small gurudwara pays homage to the grit and bravery of these soldiers and is a symbol of their supreme sacrifice.
Maharaja Ranjit Singh Panorama
Situated in Ram Bagh gardens on Lawrence road, this one has been developed by the National Council of Science Museums and is an initiative of the Ministry of Tourism and Culture, Government of India. It is one of the most popular spots to visit in the city and is an ode to famous Sikh monarch Maharaja Ranjit Singh. The museum has a series of elaborate dioramas that portray the life and times of the Maharaja. Further, there is a collection of paintings, coins, arms and weapons in the museum and is a great place to learn about the monarch.
Pul Kanjari
Located midway between Lahore and Amritsar, Pul Kanjri is associated with the life and times of Maharaja Ranjit Singh. The township was once a thriving trade center that suffered the brunt of the partition of the Punjab ard a short occupancy by Pakistan during the 1971 war before being gloriously recaptured in battle. Pul Kaajri now encompasses a ruined baradari, a historic sarovar with a temple, remnants of an old canal, and a mosque that bespeak its historic and secular concerns. A memorial to the soldiers who laid down their lives in the war is located to the south nearby.
Gurdwara Sri Tarn Taran Sahib
Established by the fifth Sikh Guru Guru Arjan Dev Ji, Sri Darbar Sahib Tarn Taran is the main religious hub at Tarn Taran Sahib and was founded in 1590 CE. It has one of the largest Sarovars (ponds) among all Gurudwaras and is a replica of Shri Harminder Sahib, Amritsar. Apart from this Tarn Taran is steeped in Sikh culture and has many historical Gurudwaras which are worth a visit.
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