HERITAGE

OF AMBALA
Prepared by Vivek Sharma, Member INTACH
Ambala Chapter
WHAT IS INTACH
 INDIAN NATIONAL TRUST FOR ART AND
CULTURAL HERITAGE
 Founded in 1984, INTACH is the single largest
conservation network in the country.
 INTACH has successfully lived to its commitments
and is known for the creditable work undertaken by
various INTACH Chapters, the ICCI and the Central
Office.
 Operated through 140 District Convenors, who have
listed over 6500 monuments / properties in 23
States.
Eight Divisions
HEADQUARTERD IN NEW DELHI

a) Architectural Heritage.
b) Material Heritage.
c) Natural Heritage.
d) Chapters Division.
e) Heritage Education and Communication Services.
f) Cultural Affairs and International Relations.
g) Heritage Tourism.
h) Intangible Heritage.
OBJECTIVES

Act as the Nations Conscience keeper in

conservation and protection of unprotected
monuments, historic sites, places or objects
of Artistic or Historical interest, Natural
environment, Intangible Heritage like
traditional dance, music, festivals etc.
INTACH's MOTTO

"Fighting to preserve
what is rightfully ours."
AMBALA
LOCATION OF AMBALA
 Ambala is located at 30.38°N 76.78°E.
 It has an average elevation of 264 metres
(866 feet).
Origins of the name

 There are quite a few interesting beliefs about

the origin of Ambala:
 Some historians believe Ambala owes its name
to King Singh; the founder of Ambala who was
an Amb Rajput
 Some believe that it was named after the
goddess "AMBA" whose temple is located in the
city
 Ambala was originally called
"Ambwala", Amb meaning mango in the native
language (so, city of Mangoes)
ANCIENT HISTORY
 As per ancient Indian history, Aryan people
had resided at Ambala at some point in time.
There was a very popular place
called Sarudhnanear Ambala, which was the
Aryan country's capital at that time. Ambala
was given the status of a district in the year
1847.
BRITISH ERA
 The Ambala Cantonment was established in
the year 1843 after the British abandoned its
cantonment at Karnal, following the malaria
epidemic of 1841-42. The cantonment
houses the ‘2 Corps’ one of the three Strike
Corps of the Indian Army and is of immense
strategic importance.
 Ambala was constituted as a district in the year 1847, and
was formed by merging the jagir estates of hitherto
independent chieftains whose territories had lapsed or
had been confiscated by the British Indian Government.
In its 160 years of existence as a district, Ambala has
witnessed many changes in its boundaries. In its heyday
the district boundaries extended across tehsils of Ambala,
Naraingarh, Jagadhri, Pipli, Kharar, Ropar and Nalagarh.
Kalka-cum-Kurari State, Pinjore, Manimajra, Kasauli &
Sanawar were also merged into the district at different
points of time.
The Revolt of 1857
The Ambala district played a significant role in uprising of 1857.
Ambala was a military depot of great Importance then. Sham
Singh ,a sepoy of the 5th Native infantry told Forsyth, the then
Deputy Commissioner Ambala, in the end of April 1857, that a
general rising of the Sepoys would take place in the beginning of
May. He was proved Correct at approximately 9 A.M.on Sunday
10th May 1857 an Indian regiment the 60th Native Infantry rose
in open revolt at Ambala followed by 5th native infantry at 12
noon but the Britsh were too alert and suppressed the revolt.
Like the sepoys, the civil population was also badly affected .
Indeed everyone among them irrespective of their caste , creed
and religion stood against Britishers and played a significant
Role in Struggle.
ROLE IN INDEPENDENCE
STRUGGLE

Year
1883 Arya Sa
 During this period the people also made
efforts to establish re-organization at national
level. Lala Murli Dhar of Ambala (1820-1924)
was one of the founding fathers of Indian
National Congress at Bombay in 1885. Later
on during early twentieth century Indian
National Congress organization spread its
roots at various places in Ambala District.
TODAY’S AMBALA
 Today's Ambala District with an area of 1568.85 km²
is a pale shadow of its original immense size.
 The Ambala District now comprises two subdivisions
(Ambala & Naraingarh) and three tehsils (Ambala,
Barara & Naraingarh). It has a population of 12
lakhs, which is about 5% of the total population of
Haryana. It is bound by Mohali and Patiala districts
of Punjab, Sirmaur District of Himachal and
Yamunanagar & Kurukshetra districts of Haryana.
Ambala district is represented by 5 Assembly
Constituencies and 1 Lok Sabha Constituency
INTERSTING FACTS
 Godse was hanged at Ambala Jail on
November 15, 1949, along with Narayan Apte
, the other conspirator.
RAILWAY
 Ambala is a divisional headquarters of the
Northern Railway Zone and is an important
railway junction. The Ambala Cantonment
railway station was founded on the junction of
the Delhi-Kalka and Ludhiana-Saharanpur
lines. The historic Delhi-Ambala-Kalka
railway line dates back to 1889 while the
Ludhiana-Saharanpur line was built in 1870
AIR FORCE BASE
 Ambala Air Force Base is one of the oldest and largest airbases
that were inherited from the British by the IAF. It was from this
airbase thatSpitfires and Harvards flown by Instructors of the
Advanced Flying Training School took part in the 1947-48
Kashmir Operations. Subsequently, Ambala was the front line
airfield for many years. It was home to various aircraft that were
inducted into the Indian Air Force.Vampires, Ouragans, Hunters,
etc. all flew from this base. The airbase was briefly attacked in
1965 by Pakistan Air Force's B-57 bombers. Today, the Airbase
houses the ‘7 Wing’ with squadrons of Jaguars and MiG-21
Bisons. Ambala airfield has a war memorial called 'Frozen Tear'
dedicated to all aircrew who lost their lives in times of war and
peace flying missions from the airfield.
 HERITAGE
OF AMBALA
WHAT IS HERITAGE?
 BUILT UP HERITAGE
 Buildings, Monuments, Religious Buildings etc, Residential
Buildings etc
 NATURAL HERITAGE
 Lakes, Forests, Rivers, Ponds etc.
 INTANGIBLE HERITAGE
 Traditional Dance, Arts, Music, Crafts, Festivals, Rituals,
etc.
 MATERIAL HERITAGE
 Artifacts, Statues, Paintings, Murals, Rock Paintings,
Photographs etc.
Various Cultures & Era
 Ancient

 Mughal

 Punjabi

 British

 Post Partition
NAVARANG RAI SAROVAR
400 YR OLD WHERE VAMAN
DWADSHI MELA HELD
EVERY DUSSEHRA
STATUE OF VAMAN
BHAGWAN
OVERPOWERING RAJA
BALI SEEN IN
FOREGROUND AND
THAKUR DWARA MANDIR IN
THE BACKGROUND
Navrang Rai Sarovar

The famous Thakur Dwara Mandir, Samadhi of

Raja Gurbaksh Singh (husband of Daya
Kaur), who held sway over Ambala region,
and other small mandirs are located on its
banks. It had eight bathing ghats.
SKETCH
BY GOBI
LAMBA
NAVARANG RAI SAROVAR

SMALL OLD TEMPLES AND

SAMADHI OF RAJA GURBAX
SINGH(HUSBAND OF RANI DAYA
KAUR )
POOR STATE OF POND.
SOME IMPROVEMNTS MADE
RECENTLY.
AMBIKA DEVI MANDIR
VERY OLD MANDIR
CONSTRUCTED IN MEMORY
OF AMBA, AMBIKA AND
AMBALIKA OF THE
MAHABHARAT PERIOD.

AMBALA NAME POSSIBLY

DERIVED FROM THIS.
PAINTINGS DONE ON UPPER
WALLS HAVE FADED.
The Mandir which is dedicated to Ma Ambika Devi (Ma
Bhawani) is located near Ram Bagh Mandir. It was
built on a small mound or 'tibba' which was then
surrounded by Saraswati River (Tangri River).
Gradually the river receded but the temple remained
surrounded by water. It is believed that the origins of
this Mandir date back to Mahabharata the wars
between the Pandavs & Kauravs

 The temple was destroyed many times during the

Mughal period but was rebuilt every time by the
Hindus. In 1852 two minarets were built here by the
Muslims. These were partly destroyed later, and
lions were constructed on them by the Hindus.

 Two fairs are held every year during the Navratras

THIS AREA
BELONGS TO THE
MANDIR AND
SHOULD BE
CLEANED AND
DEVELOPED INTO A
PARK
Raja Ka Talab and Rani ka Talab
 Both these talabs are located in the Cantonment
and looked offer well by the Army. These were
constructed over 400 years back Raja Ranjit Singh
of Chhachhrauli village, a Riyasat under Patiala.
 Raja Ranjit Singh and his wife used to go for Shahi
Snan and thereafter pray at Shiv Mandirs (installed
in both the talab).
 Rani Ka Talab is well designed, made of thin
bricks, clearly indicate the age of the structure.
Raja ka Talab has been converted into an excellent
park. Earlier it was called Company Bagh, then
Patel Park now Padget Park. Both these talabs
have no water throughout the year except during
the rainy season.
 It would further improve the sites if water could he
arranged throughout the year.
Haathi Khana Mandir
Hathi Khana Shiv Mandir

 Probably in 1844, at the request of South Indians who served

with the British Elephant Cavalry Regiment they built a small
temple on some land acquired from Nanhera village. A small
Pindi (Idol) was installed and named as Hathi Khana Shiv
Mandir.
 After the move of the Elephant Cavalry Regiment the temple was
looked after by local priests till 1950, thereafter by a registered
trust. Presently a number of small temples of various devotees
have been added to the main Shiv Temple. In addition a few
Saint Ashrams for visiting Sadhus have been constructed to stay.
 The temple attracts a large number of devotees throughout the
year. on Shivratri, during the month of Sawan specially, a very
long queue of worshippers visits the temple.
Manji Sahib Gurudwara
(Bowli Sahib)
 Located in village Khurampur near Lakri Ke Are` and Motor
Market. The Sixth Guru, Guru Hargobind Sahib Ji believed to
have stayed here on his way to Gwalior.
 Due to the heavy demand of drinking water he inaugurated the
digging of a well (Bowli) at a site selected by him. After arranging
the release of 52 Rajas from Gwalior Fort he again stayed at the
Gurudwara and conveyed to all the medicinal values of the water
which would cure any ailments.
 The temple was destroyed by the flooding of River Tangri but it
was rebuilt by locals and devotees. The four minarets now are
gold plated and the temple is inlaid with 'Meenakari' and
'Chitrakari' work. The Sarovar has recently been inaugurated by
Baba Harbans S. and S. Jagir Singh.
Ram Bagh, Ambala City
BADSHAHI BAGH GURUDWARA
Gurudwara Badshahi Bagh

 The Gurudwara is located near Ambala District

Court on the South side of the city.
 Ammiruddin, who was the Nawab of Badshahi Bagh
used to threaten the Hindus and ridicule them for
their cowardliness. When Guru was passing through
Ambala, Ammiruddin challenged him, saying that his
hawk would defeat the Guru’s hawk.
 It is believed that Guru Gobind Singh directed two
sparrows on a nearby tree to attack; they badly
mauled Ammiruddin’s hawk.
 CHIDION SE MAIN BAAJ LADAON,

TABHI GOBIND SINGH NAAM KAHAON

Panjokhara Saheb Gurudwara
Panjokhra Sahib Gurdwara

 Panjokhra Sahib is dedicated to the eighth Guru

Harkishen Ji. He visited the site in 1720 and started
preaching the local congregations.
 It is believed that it is here that Shri Lal Chand Pandit
asked the Guru to first understand the Bhagvat Geeta
before preaching. Guru Harkishen ji explained in detail
the meaning and understanding of the Geeta. On this the
Pandit was overwhelmed and he converted to Sikhism.
 All people visiting the Gurdwara and taking snan in the
holy temple are convinced that they would overcome
there grief and there illness would be completely cured.
Kos Minar
 This, along with many others, was constructed by
Sher Shah Suri on G.T. Road over 400 years back
to mark milestones / distances. It is located in the
cloth market of Ambala City. It became a protected
monument in 1918 under the Ancient Monuments
Preservation Act VII of 1904.
 There has always been pressure by shopkeepers to
encroach on the land.
 There is a need to clear the area around it to
enhance its grandeur as a Heritage Monument.
BRITISH ERA

From Ambala to Umbala

ST PAUL’S CATHEDRAL

ONE OF THE MOST

BEAUTIFUL AND WELL
FURNISHED
PROTESTANT CHURCH
OF INDIA.
COSTRUCTION STARTED
JAN 1852
CONSECRATED ON 04
JAN 1857.
GARRISON CHURCH
WITH 1500 SEATING
CAPACITY.
St. Paul’s Cathedral
 The construction of this Church started on 14 Jan 1852 by Capt
Attkinson, the architect.
 St Paul’s Cathedral was consecrated on 04 Jan 1857 by the
authority of Lord Bishop Daniel of Calcutta and Bishop Dealtry of
Madras.
 The church was built in decorated Gothic Style and had a seating
capacity of 1500 people. It was the Garrison Church, specially
meant for British Amry Officers and their families, though civilians
also joined in their worship.
 The church was initially affiliated to the Church of England but on 03
April 1925 it was shifted to Lahore Diocese.
 It is believed that this is the oldest Church in the State of Haryana.
 On 21 September 1965, during the Indo-Pak conflict St. Paul’s
Cathedral was destroyed due to indiscriminate bombing by
Pakistan’s Air Force Leaders from all over the world condemned this
incident and termed it as a crime against humanity. On completion it
was one of the most beautiful and well furnished churches of India.
ST PAUL’S CATHEDRAL
Due to security reasons, for landing / taking off
air craft, the existing bombed church was not
allowed to be re-constructed. It has now been
declared as a National Monument and placed
under the Archeological Survey of India.
ST PAUL’S CATHEDRAL
Sikh Wars Memorial
HOLY REDEEMER CHURCH
FIRST CATHOLIC CHURCH
BUILT BY THE BRITISH
WHEN THEY MOVED FROM
KARNAL TO AMBALA
CANTT.
Holy Redeemer Church

 When the British moved to Ambala from Karnal in

1848, they built the first Catholic Church of Holy
Redeemer with the residence of the Italian Priest
Capuchin Father Venance close by.
 It was reconstructed in 1905 and was solemnly
blessed by Arch Bishop Gentile. The new church
can seat 800 people.
 The Church with its huge tower, solid pillars and
high Gothic roof is architectural marvel.
 The benches in the church have a niche in which
soldiers could place their rifles.
MARTHOMA SYRIAN
CHURCH, DURAND ROAD
St. Thomas Orthodox Syrian Church,
The Mall
O
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GURU GOBIND SINGH LIBRARY
Formerly Queen Victoria
Memorial, 1891
Guru Gobind Singh Library
(Fyson Library)
 It was constructed as a Dak Bungalow in 1890 for
the -British. The building is of unique construction:
12 exquisite doors and 16 ventilators, the building is
warm in winter and cool in summer.
 Queen Victoria stayed here in 1902. The Dak
Bungalow as also known as Victoria Memorial Club
and Malika ki Yadgar. In 1926 it was converted to a
Public Library (known as Fyson Library)
 On 08 May 1949 it became Guru Gobind Singh
Library when it was inaugurated by the then Chief
Minister of Punjab Gopi Chand Bhargava.
Now NH1
SIRHIND CLUB
Sirhind Club

 Sirhind Club was constructed in 1891 and

started functioning under the Chairmanship of
Brigadier General G.T. Pretyman.
 The club was
damaged in 1965
during the Indo
Pak Conflict.
 It has been
renovated and
expanded over the
years. Major
renovation was
carried out to bring
it to its present
condition.
 Railway Station
Masonic lodge

The Masonic Lodge ( known as Dragon Lines)

is located on Staff Road is 160 years old. It
commenced its philanthropic work prior to
1857. Till 1895 it had purely British
membership, thereafter it was open to
Indians.
PARRY’S HOTEL ENTRANCE
Parry’s Hotel

 Alsoknown as Kings Hotel Umbala 1908. It

was a very old Hotel constructed mainly for
Europeans. After other hotels came up it
went in disuse and has now completely
broken down. The Gate is an architectural
wonder and is in bad shape. It needs to be
taken over by the Municipal Corporation and
renovated under arrangements INTACH.
Old Civil Hospital Building ,
Ambala City
Philadelphia Hospital, Ambala
City : New Year’s Card
SADAR BAZAAR
AMBALA SADAR BAZAAR
AMBALA SADAR BAZAAR
AMBALA SADAR BAZAAR
A DOOR WAY IN OLD SADAR
BAZAAR
AMBALA SADAR BAZAAR
BD HOSPITAL
BD HOSPITAL
BD HOSPITAL SKETCH
BANARSI DAS
(OLD RESIDENCE)
LET US MAINTAIN THE
CHARACTER OF
SADAR BAZAR
 NO MORE
THESEARE OLD BUILDINGS
WHICH HAVE BEEN LOST
DUE TO MODERNISATION
Ambala City
Ambala City
Ambala City
NO MORE
NO MORE
VILLAGE
PANJOKHRA

A HERITAGE
VILLAGE
 The village has a large number of artistic
doors and architecture. This village has a
great scope for becoming a Heritage village
after renovation of the doors/architecture
which all are private owned.
References
 Ambala : A Journey Through Old Lanes and By
Lanes : Rahul Dass
 Umbala Cantonement (Yesterday’s Recalled : Man
Mohan Gupta
 Ambala Ka Itihaas : Tejinder Singh Walia
 www.ambala.nic.in
 Photographs Courtesy Ranbir Singh, Brig. G.S.
Lamba, Sirhind Club.
 Sketches Brig. G.S.Lamba, Convenor INTACH
Ambala Chapter
 INTACH
AMBALA
CHAPTER
 Atpresent Ambala Chaper has approximately
20 members from works of life.
 The Convenor Brig. G.S. Lamba

 Co-Convenor is Lt. Gen. Ranjit Singh, PVSM,

SM.
Elina Banerjee, Army School won
National Level Competition, 2008
PROPOSED ACTIVITIES
 Listing of Heritage Sites and Documentation of
Intangible Heritage
 Creating Awareness by Organising Tours,
Competitions, Workshops
 Enrolling New Members, Institutions
 Promoting Heritage Clubs
 Undertaking Preservation of Documents,
Photographs, Sites
 Advocacy for Preservation of Sites.
How You Can Help
Heritage Awareness Initiatives
 Create awareness in Your Surrounding & Community,
Family, Friends about Heritage
 Have Heritage Clubs formed in Schools, Colleges.
 Tell others about Ambala’s History and preserve old
buildings
 If you come to know anything Interesting about
Ambala Tell Us
 Celebrate World Heritage Day on April 18th , World
Heritage Week (14th -21st November)
How You Can Help-2
Listing of Heritage
 List the natural, built, art, living heritage near
your home/ area. The format is available on
request.
 Help in documenting the intangible heritage.

 If you have any old Photographs Share with

us and we will share with whole Ambala.
BECOME MEMBER OF INTACH AMBALA
CHAPTER and Help in Enrolling other
Members
COME, JOIN THE MOVEMENT
FOR CONSERVING AND
PROTECTING OUR RICH
HERITAGE.

MAKING AMBALA DISTRICT A

PARADISE ON EARTH