# Gobindgarh Fort

- **Country:** India
- **Location Text:** Amritsar

Gobindgarh Fort is a historic military fortress situated in the center of Amritsar, Punjab, India. Originally constructed in 1760 by Gujjar Singh Bhangi of the Bhangi Misl, the structure was significantly expanded and renamed in the early 19th century by Maharaja Ranjit Singh in honor of the tenth Sikh Guru, Guru Gobind Singh. The fort is built entirely of brick and lime plaster in a distinctive square pattern with a perimeter of one thousand meters. Its architectural design features four bastions, ramparts that once held twenty-five cannons, and defensive elements like a moat and gates, including the Nalwa Gate. Notably, the fortification plans were inspired by French military models, incorporating improvements made by a French architect to protect the holy city of Amritsar from invaders traveling along the Grand Trunk Road.

Historically, the site served as a crucial repository for the Sikh Empire's wealth, housing the legendary Koh-i-Noor diamond within its Toshakhana treasury alongside supplies for thousands of soldiers. Following the fall of the Sikh Empire, the British Army occupied the fort from 1849 until Indian independence in 1947, during which they upgraded the bastions and gates to accommodate advances in artillery technology. After independence, the Indian Army maintained control of the premises for several decades. The fort remained a restricted military zone until it was officially opened to the public on February 10, 2017.

Today, Gobindgarh Fort stands as a fully restored landmark under the control of the Punjab Government. It has been transformed into a vibrant museum and theme park dedicated to preserving and showcasing the rich history and culture of Punjab. Visitors can explore the revitalized grounds which serve as a living testament to the region's martial past, transitioning from a strategic defense point built by Jat rulers to a modern cultural hub. The site now offers an immersive experience into the legacy of Maharaja Ranjit Singh and the evolution of military architecture in northern India.

![Photo of Gobindgarh Fort](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/3/37/Gobindgarh_fort%2C_Amritsar%2C_Punjab%2C_India.jpg)

**Source:** https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gobindgarh_Fort (Wikipedia, CC BY-SA)