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The merger of PEPSU in
Punjab in 1956 and its close proximity
to Chandigarh have not robbed Patiala
of any of its importance although many
had feared the decline of this erstwhile
princely capital on account of these
factors. The location of a number of
offices of the Punjab Government and
the establishment of the Punjabi University
at Patiala have rather added to its
importance.
The old and the new worlds go hand
in hand in Patiala. Its massive forts,
its magnificent palaces and its narrow
and crooked lanes preserve all the charm
of the old world while its modern buildings
and institutions, gardens and wide concrete
roads make it look a pre-eminently young
city equipped with all the amenities
of present day life.
Maharaja Amar Singh completed Qila
Mubarak (the fort) founded in 1764.
It has two portions, Qila Androon, the
inner fort, Qila Mubarak the outer.
The facade of gate of Qila Androon is
decorated with geometrical and floral
designs in lime plaster. There are two
painted chambers depicting scenes tom
Hindu mythology and portraits of Sikh
Gurus in Patiala style. The complex
has a unique under-ground sewerage system.
An excellent museum of Chandeliers and
famous weapons is located here.
Also worth seeing are the Motibagh
Palace which houses a Museum and which,
in addition to beautiful collections
of the arts and the artifacts also houses
the world's greatest collection of medals.
Baradari Gardens, Gurudwara Dukhniwaran
Sahib, Temple Kali Devi, which on account
of the rare murals on its walls, has
been declared a national monument. Patiala
is a center of education, an emporium
of consumer goods and is well known
for its royal cuisine and hospitality.
National Institute Of Sports:
The Moti Bagh Palace, residence of the
erstwhile rulers of Patiala now belongs
to the nation and houses the National
Institute of Sports.
The Archives of the Punjab Government
located in the Baradari Complex here
have the richest collection of manuscripts
pertaining to the history of earstwhile
princely states of Punjab.
Mughal Serai, Shambhu:
This Sarai, is 11 kms. from Rajpura
on Rajpura- Ambala G.T. Road. Mail,
Military Post and an Inn, originality,
the Serai has two majestic gates with
a mosque in the Center and cells on
all sides, a 'bowli' (paved well) and
a 'baradari' a (building having 12gates).
It is a protected monument.
Bahadurgarh Fort:
6 kms. from Patiala town on Patiala-Chandigarh
road, it was originally built by Nawab
Saif Khan in 1658 A.D. and rebuilt in
1837A.D. by Maharaja Karam Singh.
The fort, which commemorates the visit
of Guru Teg Bahadur, is surrounded by
two circular ramparts,110feet apart
with a moat, 58 feet wide.
Chattbir Zoo:
On Chandigarh-Patiala highway. It is
the largest zoo, which simulates natural
habitat of the animals and birds in
the northern India. A deer and lion
safari are attractions of the zoo.
Ghuram:
Ghuram, a village in Patiala District,
reputed to be the home town of Mata
Kaushalya is replete with ruins. At
Sheikh Bhikhan's shrine which commemorates
his meeting with Guru Gobind Singh Ji,
an annual fair is held in June/July.
Nearby stands an old fort to the south
of, which is a garden surrounded by
a pucca wall, adjacent to which is a
large tank.
Nabha:
Old Palace of Nabha is, now, converted
into a Government College. The royal
Guest House and High Court Complex have
become parts of a Public School. Hira
Mahal, the residence of the ruling family,
now, houses antique cars, the walls
of its main hall have enchant murals.
Horlicks, the great English manufacturing
house has a big set-up here which produces
Horlicks and Ghee (clarified butter)
which are renowned.
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