Young Historians Lehnaaz Rana and Noor Dhillon Revive the Legacy of Kapurthala’s Princely State-Manmohan Singh
Manmohan Singh/ October 23,2024
From the grand marble pillars of Jagatjit Palace to the hidden corners of Punjab’s forgotten forts, two students from Class 12, Lehnaaz Rana and Noor Dhillon, of Strawberry Fields High School, Chandigarh are bringing history to life through their digital initiative, The Time Capsule. What began as a shared curiosity has evolved into a thriving online platform blending art, storytelling, and history, now capturing the attention of thousands of followers on Instagram (@thetimecapsule._), with each post and reel offering a fresh glimpse into the rich heritage of Punjab.
Their journey has taken them to the princely city of Kapurthala, often called the “Paris of Punjab” for its European-inspired architecture. As they discover art and historical exploration together, Noor and Lehnaaz invite their audience to step into Kapurthala’s grandeur. Their videos transport viewers through the majestic halls of The Jagatjit Palace, where Indo-European fusion is found in every frescoed ceiling and marble column. Through detailed blog posts and artful Instagram reels, the duo highlights the city’s forgotten architectural gems like Durbar Hall, a 130-year-old Indo-Saracenic marvel, and the Kamra Palace (GolKothi) located in the heart of the city.
One of the most Defining moments of their project was meeting Maharaja Sukhjit Singh, the scion erstwhile Kapurthala state. His stories about his ancestors’ love for French culture and their contributions to the city’s development became invaluable pieces of their research. Capturing these narratives in their work, they ensured that these stories, often confined to fading books and oral traditions, reached the digital age.
history—it’s about making it accessible, relevant, and alive. Through their paintings, blog, and Instagram posts, Noor and Lehnaaz have created a unique, immersive experience for modern audiences, one where Punjab’s rich past is felt, seen, and celebrated. Their work serves as a vivid reminder that history isn’t static; it lives on through the lens of those who continue to explore it.
Young Historians Lehnaaz Rana and Noor Dhillon Revive the Legacy of Kapurthala’s Princely State. As their project continues to grow, their vision remains clear: to bridge the gap between the past and the present, allowing people to rediscover the stories that shaped their world.
Note: The views expressed are personal .Manmohan Singh is retired from PSPCL as Dy.Secy.Public Relations and he can be contacted at 843772512
