Fort in ruinsHistory:The foundation of Qila Mubarak,a protected monument,was laid by Baba Ala Singh in 1764 in the heart of Patiala,and it was completed by his grandson Maharaja Karam Singh. Initially,the building was a mud fort,which was later transformed by the then rulers into a sprawling double-storied structure with a massive gate having beautiful arches. Twin painted chambers are located inside the fort,illustrating the scenes from Hindu mythology and portraits of Sikh gurus in true Patiala style. The fort has two portions,Qila Androon (the inner fort) and Qila Mubarak (the outer one). Decorated with geometrical and floral designs,the gate of the Qila Androon is made of lime plaster. The living apartments of the fort are known by different names,such as Jail Walla Palace,Moti Palace,Sheesh Palace and Rajmata Palace. Qila Mubarak also consists of two recreational structures,Putli Ghar and Bagh Ghar. The best part of the fort is converted into a museum of chandeliers and weapons. Present Status: An imposing structure,the fort is in ruins today,despite the fact that Patiala heritage festivals were held here during the tenure of former Punjab chief minister Capt Amarinder Singh. Though some restoration works were carried out during his tenure,no one has cared for the monument after the change of guard. In 1999,major conservation and restoration work was taken up by the Chandigarh centre of the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI). Most of the walls had developed cracks and the lime plaster had peeled off,causing dampness and growth of algae. The concrete floor had worn off at many places. The intricate decorative work on walls,windows and doors of Ranbasar (courtrooms),Sarad Khana (summer residence) and the Durbar Hall were damaged. A 20-foot part of the wall of the 250-year-old Qila caved in September last due to two days of continuous rains. About 3-foot-wide wall near Lassi Khana and Ranvaas also collapsed due to incessant rain. The control of the fort was transferred to the Department of Culture in 1966-67. Patiala ADC Shiv Dular Singh Dhillon says,The ASI teams had visited the fort and carried out restoration work,but the Department of Culture could give the exact status. Swarn Singh,special secretary,Department of Culture and Heritage,Tourism and Cultural Affairs,says,More than Rs 3 crore have been released by the state government for restoration,and we have asked the ASI to start work soon.
