Patiala police changes the outlook of heritage building
Kanwar Inder Singh/ royalpatiala.in
Patiala police has started the renovation work of a heritage building Mai ji di Sarai, a 18th century heritage building in the city, at their own. The sarai (Inn) is the office of CIA staff of the Patiala police, which uses its premises to keep criminals and interrogate them.
Patiala police had also renovated the outer wall of the sarai, which was primarily built with small sized bricks.
When contacted the CIA incharge Inspector Rahul, he said” we had initiated the process of renovation as some part of the wall was damaged. The building can be collapsed any time. Keeping the security concerns in mind, we started the renovation and plaster work was done to strengthen the boundary wall. But, now we have stopped it.”
When contacted the chief engineer (Civil) Punjab Police Housing Corporation Ranjodh Singh he said,” we are not repairing the said 18th centuary building. Even I don’t know about this renovation. Many times the repair work is being done by local police, at their own level.”
When contacted Director Tourism Kanwal Preet Brar, IAS she said,” I don’t know about this. Moreover we didn’t even allow them for any renovation of this 18th centaury building. I’ll got it checked, whether it is protected monument or not .”
Patiala police changes the outlook of heritage building- Mai Ji Di Sarai
Mai Ji Di Sarai (Inn)- A marvelous structure of erstwhile Princely State of Patiala was built by Maharani Aas Kaur, wife of erstwhile Princely State of Patiala ruler, Maharaja Sahib Singh, to provide resting place for the tired travelers, in the late 18th century. She got a serai (Inn) constructed at the main entrance to the then princely state of Patiala. She built the building for the comfort of the visitors. Maharani Aas Kaur observed that visitors to the state, who came from far off places had no place to rest. At that time the Sanauri Adda side of the city, which today falls at the rear, used to be the main entrance to the Sirhindi Bazaar, a hub of trading activity. The Maharani was a great philanthropist, used most of her treasure to raise the serai.
The serai was mainly a haveli was built in 3.12 Acre. It is one of the beautiful examples of Sikh architecture which has few parallels in the form of brick masonry. Mughal influence with minutely carved façade, pointed arch windows, decorative cornices, arch niches, walls are made up to Lahori bricks with lime mortar and plaster, flat roof with jack arch roofing. Sikh masons took cues from the Rajasthani architecture and also evolved their own designs. Uniquely designed parks in the haveli can compete with the world famous havelis of the Rajasthan. The calm and peaceful environments all-around of this place show the importance of this place.
July 29,2021
