Patiala Sightseeing
PATIALA CITY
Patiala lives on in contemporary india as a shining example of tradition and modernity. Patiala’s princely status has made this a popular city for punjabis all over the world and the city accommodates and glorifies its many traditions. All of it can be summed up by its famous tag line – pagdi, peg & paranda.
Over the centuries, It’s rich history is shaped by its many patron’s chivalary, ostensible luxury, unashamed chauvinism & sheer guts. Patiala was founded in 1763 by Baba Ala Singh after building many small successes in the erstwhile phulkian region. It was established with a sole aim of expanding it’s territory to the farthest corners of Punjab region. Patiala literally mean property of Ala. Its many early settlers migrated from Sirhind and were the bania community who enjoyed benevolent patronage from its rulers. They flourished and strengthened the many commercial establishments.
The rulers were major patrons of art and built the city in a tasteful manner. At the change of guard from the british to indian period, patiala maharajas contributed to governance and its many buildings were adopted as government offices with sprawling gardens. Along with few other dynasties like the Nizams, Patiala maintained a modern european styled army with a sophisticated aministrative staff.
Places to see in Patiala
We are all fortunate that many of the landmarks that were built by erstwhile maharajas still exist and have become a major tourist attraction. Some of them are as follows:
Dukh Niwaran Gurudwara
Dukh Niwaran whose literal meaning is Eradicator of suffering is spread over several hectares of land and has 75 meter square sarovar. The history of Gurudwara Dukh Niwaran is attached to 1672 when the ninth guru of Sikhs Guru Tegh Bahadur sat under a banyan tree by the side of a pond and that subsided the sickness in village. The King of Patiala then, Maharaja Yadavinder Singh later commenced for construction of building and sarovar at the sight in 1942.
Sheesh Mahal Complex
Sheesh Mahal whose literal meaning is Palace of Mirrors constructed in the 19th century, is located at the old Moti Bag palace. Its construction was embarked by Maharaja Narinder Singh. The largest collection of medals from the world can be found in the museum inside the palace,. A beautiful array of art and sculpture can also be found in this museum. The miniatures found in the museum describes the legendary sartorial taste of Mahartaja Bhupinder Singh. Slung across a (now dry) lake is a magnificent suspension bridge , The Lakshamana Jhula linking the Sheesh Mahal with the Banasar Ghar, an exhibition hall. The Sheesh Mahal is also the site for some of the events of the annual Patiala Heritage Festival.
Qila Mubarak
A magnificent example of the royal sikh architecture is Qila Mubarak meaning the Fortunate fort. Paintings of Sikh rulers, mirrors, armors and guns and magnificent chandeliers can be found inside the building’s Darbar hall. The Androon Hall is a spellbinding piece of art work which is made with glass of different colors. The Qila Mubarak complex built in 1764 by Baba Ala Singh,the founder of Patiala, is afort cum palace built as a derivative of Mughal and Rajput style of architecture in India. Many famous scenes in Bollywood and Pollywood movies have been shot in the building.
Baradari Gardens
Baradari Garden located near Sheranwala Gate owes its name to the 12 enterance doors to the garden. It was built near the palatial residence of Maharaja Rajinder Singh, the Baradari Palace now turned to Hotel Heritage. The best time to visit Baradari Garden is early morning or evening. The garden is a fine specimen of Mughal era architecture that blends the Indian, Persian and Turkic architecture.
National Institute of Sports (NIS)
Located in the Old Moti Bagh Palace of the royal family of Patiala, NIS is the Asia’s largest sports institute. The institute was renamed as Netaji Subhas National Institute of Sports in January 1973. Major Dhyan Chand’s gold medal, from 1928 Amsterdam Olympics, and PT Usha 1986 Seoul Asiad shoes, are housed at the National Institute of Sports Museum.
Kali Devi Mandir
Dedicated to Maa Kaali, Kali devi Temple was built by Maharaja Bhupinder Singh in 1936. He purchased a 6-ft statue of Hindu Goddess Kali and Pawan Jyoti from Bengal to the temple. It has been declatred as National monument because of its beautiful structure.
Shopping in Patiala
Shopping in Patiala is a delightful experience. Here are a few famous places to shop in Patiala. Tripuri market or adalat bazaar is known for its colorful phulkari dupattas, A typical footwear that is Punjabi Juttis to be found in adalat bazzar’s jutti market, Qila Mubarak’s market for beautiful bangles and colorful parandies that are worn in hair to form plates, achaar bazaar inside sirhindi gate for tasty pickles.
