SA Travel Diaries - Once a Princely State - Patiala by Yashika Kapila

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India has a vital place in world because of diverse reasons. India is the only country got freedom from British by Non-Violence. Mahatama Gandhi and our big freedom fighters fought for us and got freedom from British Government around 60+ years back. People from many cities and states of India participated in freedom fight. Patiala is the one city which got involved completely for liberty. This city is situated in Punjab’s south-eastern part. Patiala City is positioned near the fort Qila Mubarak.

Patiala was a Sikh princely state that lasted from 1714 to 1948. Not many know that Patiala state was established in 1763 by Baba Ala Singh, a Jat Sikh chieftain, who laid the foundation of the Patiala fort known as Qila Mubarak, around 'which the present city of Patiala is built.

(Qila Mubarak)

Quila Mubarak was first built as a mud fortress and later, it was reconstructed in baked bricks. 13 royal chambers with scenes from Hindu mythology painted in the Patiala art style.
Being 300-year-old building, the Quila is in a bad shape and has been damaged a lot. World Monuments Fund had listed Quila Mubarak in list of world’s 100 "most endangered monuments" in year 2004.

Restoration work of Quila has been undertaken by Indian National Trust for Arts and Cultural Heritage, Archaeological Survey of India with the help of Punjab state and central govt. World Monuments Watch has also funded preservation of this monument.

(Sheesh Mahal, Patiala)

The Sheesh Mahal is the famous tourist place in Patiala. Maharaja Narinder Singh built this Mahal in 1847. The design and the decoration of the palace was chosen by Maharaja Narinder Singh to a large extent. One section of Sheesh Mahal is decorated with colored glass and mirror work and it is also known as ‘Palace of Mirrors’ Unfortunately the construction is going on from past 6 years so wasn't able to see the beauty of this place from inside. Upon asking, the security guard told us that the construction is gonna take 1.5 - 2 years more.

In my 2 days of stay in Patiala I was able to only cover the above two places. But this is not it, apart it, Patiala is famous for customary turban, paranda, patiala salwar (ladies trouser), special type of footwear and a special measure of liquor (Patiala peg). And fun fact: Rakesh Sharma the first astronaut from India was born in city Patiala.
To sum it up, Patiala is a great combination of Urban and Rural Punjab as it offers the best of both worlds. The city offers the urban lifestyle we demand nowadays along with the peace we crave for in metros.

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