Ram Bagh Palace or Ram Bagh Mahal, was the palace of Sandhawalia Jatsikh ruler Maharaja Ranjit Singh, founder of Sikh Empire in Punjab, India. It was used as summer palace by Ranjit Singh. The palace is situated in the center of a garden popularly known as Ram Bagh or Barandari. The whole Ram Bagh complex including Ram bagh Palace is declared as protected monument vide Punjab Government notification number 1/14/97- TS /2051, dated 10 October 1997.
History and background
Maharaja Ranjit Singh had a deep interest in the development and beautification of various areas under his rule. Amritsar being the central hub of spiritual and cultural activities of Sikh Empire and stronghold of Bhangi Misl got special attention of Ranjit Singh. He used to visit the Amritsar city on occasions of Vaisakhi, Vijayadashami and Diwali etc. Therefore, he made a beautiful garden on the Mughal pattern of Shalimar Gardens, Lahore. The Rambagh Palace was built in the middle of the Ram Bagh, Amritsar. The palace was constructed under the supervision of Faqir-Aziz-ul-Din, Desa Singh and Sardar Lehna Singh Majithia all having close relationship with the Maharaja. The red-stone work of all these buildings was executed by workmen brought from Delhi by Faqir-Aziz-ud-Din. After the death of Maharaja Ranjit Singh, many old buildings were taken over by the British. in recent years the Palace as well as other building and monuments in the Ram Bagh complex were under threat due to encroachment, or lack of conservation. Keeping it in view the state Government of Punjab has declared the whole complex as ‘protected’ area vide notification dated 10 April 1997, to be maintained as an ancient and historic places under Section sub-section 4 of the Punjab Ancient and Historic Buildings and Sites Act, 1964. The luxurious two-storey summer palace was built at the cost Rs 1,25,000. Ranjit Singh used the central building as his residence during his visits to Amritsar whereas the small palaces were provided for the chiefs. There was a swimming bath for the ladies of the royal household adjoining the palace.
Administration and conservation
The conservation, preservation, and maintenance of the historic Rambagh garden of Amritsar which was the summer palace of the legendary Sikh ruler Maharaja Ranjit Singh is currently taken of by the Archaeological Survey of India.A formal agreement has been executed between the Union government through municipal corporationAmritsar. According to the agreement the MC, however,would only act as custodian of the area.
