Celebrating rich heritage of Punjab on World Heritage Day

by Harpreet Sandhu – Former Additional Advocate General of Punjab, Author & Heritage Promoter 

World Heritage Day serves as a poignant reminder of the significance of our cultural and natural heritage. It's a day to reflect on the treasures of our past and the legacy we leave for future generations. Heritage is not just about preserving historical monuments or natural wonders; it's rather about honoring our roots, understanding our identity, and cherishing the diversity that enriches our society and depicts that nation's culture resides in the hearts and in the soul of its people. Preserving our heritage isn't just a matter of nostalgia, it's an investment in our collective future as it teaches us valuable lessons, inspires creativity, and fosters a sense of pride in our shared humanity. The Heritage monuments across our country showcase ancient architectural marvels to breathtaking landscapes and depicts our legacy from the past, what we live with today, and what we pass on to future generations.

We need to promote the theme of World Heritage Day 2024, "Celebrating Our Cultural Diversity," which resonates deeply with Punjab's heritage as the state boasts a diverse array of monuments which not only serve as reminders of Punjab's multicultural heritage but also foster a sense of pride and identity among its people and above all not much highlighted amongst the commons. It is imperative, now more than ever, to prioritize their conservation and safeguard them for future generations, promoting awareness and education about their historical significance. Rather it’s high time to foster a sense of ownership and pride among locals for the long-term sustainability of heritage conservation initiatives. Heritage Day reminds us that let us pledge to protect, cherish, and celebrate the richness of our natural heritage belongings.

Our State Punjab is blessed to have vibrant tapestry of traditions, the significance of heritage monuments transcends not mere structures but rather they are living testaments to the region's rich past and enduring legacy that stand as proud representatives of its historical grandeur and include one of the rarest monuments such as the oldest surviving fort of India dating back to 1100-1200 AD much popularly known as Quila Mubarak – The Bathinda Fort, then you have Maharaja Ranjit Singh Fort (Phillaur) - the enchanting Fort of Phillaur is one of the jewels of Punjab, built as a Sarai by the Mughals, converted into Fort by Maharaja Ranjit Singh in year 1809, Pul Kanjari (Amritsar) – an Heritage monument built by Maharaja Ranjit Singh, on Amritsar – Lahore road, near Wagah Border trading centre of the 18th century, Khalsa College Amritsar - 126 year old Historical Institution built in combination of Mughal, Sikh and Victorian Architecture located on the Amritsar – Lahore highway built during British era on 300 acres of land Bhai Ram Singh Principal Mayo School of Arts Lahore, Moorish Mosque (Kapurthala) – an architect heritage marvel considered to be the best mosques of South East Asia, built by Maharaja Jagatjit Singh the last ruler of Kapurthala, having Indo – Saracenic architecture and has been patterned on the similar lines of Grand Mosque of Morocco,, Bassian Kothi (Raikot Ludhiana) – two hundred year old Heritage monument having relevance with Last Sikh ruler of Punjab Maharaja Duleep Singh younger son of Sher – E Punjab Maharaja Ranjit Singh, Nurmahal Sarai Jalandhar – one of the most enchanting heritage monument, with a fascinating history dating back to the Mughal period and commissioned by Empress Nur Jahan, wife of Emperor Jahangir, in the early 17th century,  “Museum of Social History of Rural Punjab" in Punjab Agricultural University Ludhiana portraying replica of ancient socio-economic and religious life that takes you back to the quaint charm of Punjab’s glorious heritage and many more heritage sites - monuments, spanning various epochs and dynasties, epitomize the multicultural ethos on the land of Punjab, serve as bridge that connect the past with the present as they remind us of the rich tapestry of traditions, beliefs, and practices that define Punjab's cultural diversity and historical richness.  

Its need of hour to highlight these Heritage sites as they can serve as major tourist attractions, contributing significantly to local economies providing economic benefits to communities. On this World Heritage Day, let us reaffirm our commitment to safeguarding Punjab's cultural legacy as well as the heritage monuments which are beautiful reflections of our ancient and cultural roots as by preserving our heritage monuments, we not only honor the past but also lay the foundation for a more inclusive and culturally vibrant future. Thus we can ensure that the pride of every heritage monument must be glorified by preserving their identities and don't let them rot, as they showcase our life.