Place · Sikh fort · India
Gobindgarh Fort
/ɡobɪndɡəɽʱ/
Also known as Gobindgarh Qila, Qila Gobindgarh, Bhangian da Qila, Bhangi Fort
Originally built as Bhangian da Qila by the Bhangi Misl in the 1760s, Gobindgarh became a major stronghold of Maharaja Ranjit Singh, who strengthened and rebuilt it between 1805 and 1809. It protected Amritsar and its sacred centre while serving as a military fortress and royal treasury.
- Date
- c. 1760 CE; rebuilt 1805–1809
- Periods
- Islamic Age and Bhakti Traditions, Early Modern Age, British Colonial Age, Republic and Living Practice
- Function
- Other / mixed
- Patron dynasty
- sikh empire
- Confidence
- Established / referenced
- Location
- 31.621, 74.873
Worth knowing
The fort’s Toshakhana once housed the Sikh Empire’s treasures, including the famous Koh-i-Noor. Its history continued through the East India Company and the Indian Army.
Connections (2)
- Site withinAmritsar
Gobindgarh Fort was built to defend Amritsar, the spiritual centre of Sikhism, from invading forces approaching along the Grand Trunk Road. Originally constructed as Bhangian da Qila in the 1760s, it was later strengthened by Maharaja Ranjit Singh. The fort also guarded the city’s treasury and strategic approaches.
- Located atKoh-i-Noor
Ranjit Singh kept the Koh-i-Noor at a high-security facility within Gobindgarh Fort at Amritsar when it was not being worn. The fort's inner Toshakhana treasury held the diamond under the watch of royal treasurer Misr Beli Ram. When the diamond was to be transported, it was placed in a pannier on a guarded camel; 39 other camels with identical panniers were included in the convoy; the diamond was always placed on the first camel immediately behind the guards, but great secrecy was maintained regarding which camel carried it. Only Beli Ram knew which camel actually held the stone.
On these journeys
Sources
District Amritsar; National Mission on Monuments and Antiquities
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