The Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage (INTACH) has issued a strong appeal to the Punjab government, urging immediate action to preserve and protect the historic Chhota Ghallughara memorial site in Amritsar. This location marks a tragic and pivotal event in Sikh history and is now under threat from encroachment and neglect.
A Plea for Protecting Historical Memory
The Amritsar chapter of INTACH has formally written to the Director of the Punjab Archaeology Department, highlighting the precarious state of the memorial. The site commemorates the Chhota Ghallughara (the Lesser Massacre) of 1746, a dark chapter where an estimated 7,000 to 10,000 Sikhs were killed by the Mughal army. Despite its profound historical significance, the memorial has not received the protected status it deserves, leaving it vulnerable.
Professor Sukhdev Singh, the convenor of INTACH Amritsar, emphasized the urgency of the situation. He pointed out that the memorial, which includes a Gurdwara and a sarovar (holy pond), is suffering from a lack of maintenance. More alarmingly, parts of the land attached to the site are being illegally occupied. "The site is of immense historical and religious importance," stated Singh, underscoring the need for official recognition and conservation.
The Historical Significance of the Site
The events memorialized at this site occurred in May 1746. Following a battle near Kahnuwan, a massive contingent of Sikhs, including women, children, and the elderly, were surrounded by Mughal forces led by Diwan Lakhpat Rai. The ensuing massacre, known as Chhota Ghallughara, was a devastating blow to the Sikh community. The memorial, located in the Khadur Sahib area near the Ravi River, serves as a solemn reminder of the sacrifice and resilience of the Sikhs during that period.
INTACH's appeal is not just about preserving bricks and mortar. It is about safeguarding the collective memory of a community and honoring the sacrifices made there. The trust argues that granting the site official protection under the Punjab Archaeology Department is a crucial first step. This would enable proper maintenance, prevent further encroachment, and allow for the dignified upkeep of the Gurdwara and its surroundings.
The Path Forward for Heritage Conservation
The call to action from INTACH outlines clear expectations. The organization is urging the state authorities to swiftly declare the Chhota Ghallughara memorial a protected monument. This official designation would trigger a much-needed conservation plan and allocate resources for its preservation.
The broader issue highlighted by this case is the state of many lesser-known historical sites across Punjab. While major landmarks receive attention, numerous sites of deep cultural and historical value languish in obscurity, threatened by urban expansion and apathy. The fight for the Chhota Ghallughara memorial is part of a larger battle to preserve Punjab's rich and multifaceted heritage for future generations.
The ball is now in the court of the Punjab government. How it responds to this appeal will be a test of its commitment to preserving the state's diverse historical narrative. Heritage conservationists and the local community await decisive action to secure this poignant landmark.
