Efforts underway to restore Ramgarhia Fort
The Fort of Maharaja Jassa Singh Ramgarhia, located on the western side of the Jalandhar-Jammu National Highway on the Dasuya-Hajipur Road at Singhpur Barnala in Hoshiarpur district, stands as one of the 360 forts once under the control of the Ramgarhia Misl.
The legacy of this fort is being revived by the Maharaja Jassa Singh Ramgarhia Memorial Educational Trust, under the leadership of Chairman Hardev Singh Kaunsal, Vice-Chairman Pradeep Singh Plaha, and President Harbans Singh Tanda. Chairman Kaunsal shared that the Trust aims to transform the location into a lasting monument for future generations. A Gurudwara Sahib is currently under construction on the original foundations of the fort discovered during excavations, with about 70 per cent of the work already completed.
This historic structure holds immense significance as a symbol of military prowess, strategic foresight and cultural resurgence during the 18th-century leadership of Maharaja Jassa Singh Ramgarhia-a renowned general of the Sikh Confederacy.
Maharaja Jassa Singh Ramgarhia played a pivotal role in defending Sikh sovereignty against Mughal and Afghan invasions. His contributions were not limited to military achievements; he also encouraged the construction of Gurdwaras and participated actively in the cultural and religious revival of Sikhism. The fort at Singhpur was both a military bastion and a representation of the Sikh spirit of resilience and resistance during times of foreign aggression.
Situated in the strategically significant Doaba region of Punjab, Singhpur’s location on the banks of the Beas River made it ideal for fortification. Designed to withstand sieges, the fort featured thick stone walls, fortified gates, barracks for soldiers, stables, ammunition storage and open courtyards for administration. It served as a key military hub enabling swift mobilisation of troops and resources, while also functioning as an administrative center consolidating Ramgarhia authority in the region.
Architecturally, the fort reflected a blend of indigenous and Mughal styles. Its robust structure was balanced with elements of grandeur, embodying both the practical needs of defense and the cultural refinement of the time. The fort was instrumental not only in securing territorial control but also as a beacon of Sikh determination against Mughal and Afghan domination.
Though the fort no longer exists in its original form, it continues to live on in the collective memory of the Sikh community. Two historical wells, with “Akal Shai" engraved on their bricks, have been preserved as remnants of the past. In recognition of the site’s historical importance, the Punjab Government under the leadership of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann named the road in the village as Maharaja Jassa Singh Ramgarhia Road in 2024.
A ceremonial gate, a statue of Maharaja Jassa Singh Ramgarhia and a martyr’s memorial are also part of the redevelopment plan. Notably, a sword with a gold handle and three historical grenades were recovered during the excavation and are now on display at the Gurdwara Sahib.
The Maharaja Jassa Singh Ramgarhia Memorial Educational Trust is also constructing an administrative block comprising offices, a meeting hall, kitchen and accommodation facilities. Furthermore, there are plans to establish a senior secondary school affiliated to CBSE or ICSE boards, along with proposals for a School of Eminence and a Nursing College in memory of Maharaja Jassa Singh Ramgarhia.
In a major event celebrating the legacy of the great Sikh warrior, his birth anniversary was commemorated on a grand scale at the Singhpur heritage site on Monday, May 5, 2025. A large number of devotees from across Punjab, Rajasthan, Haryana and Delhi participate in this historic gathering.
Jalandhar