Historical structures: Restoration of Ranjeet Singh’s baraderi starts

Was destroyed in 1992 in the wake of Babri Mosque demolition in India.

GUJRANWALA:

Qila Deedar Singh town municipal administration has started restoration work at a baradari at Sheranwala Bagh destroyed by rioters in 1992 in the wake of the demolition of Babri Mosque in India. The historical structure was built in 1788 on directives of Sardar Mahan Singh, father of then Punjab ruler Maharaja Ranjeet Singh.

TMO Aslam Qamar told The Express Tribune that the renovation work was expected to be completed in one-and-a-half year. He said the cost estimate of the renovation was about Rs3 million. He said a tea house would also be established at the site under the renovation plan. Architect Mureed Hussain, in charge of the renovation work, said he had obtained plans and drawings related to the baradari from the Archeology Department.

Background

Sheranwala Bagh in Gujranwala has been a famous spot for political gatherings.

Politicians who held rallies at the site include Fatima Jinnah, Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto, Benazir Bhutto and Nawaz Sharif and Maulana Fazlur Rahman.

Other sites

Other historical sites in the town are Girjakhi and Sialkoti Gates and the birthplace of Maharaja Ranjeet Singh.

Published In The Express Tribune, June 22^nd, 2012.