The Forgotten Legacy of Burail Fort: Echoes of History in Chandigarh

Nestled in the heart of Northern India, Chandigarh, the modern and meticulously planned city designed by the legendary architect Le Corbusier, is known for its iconic structures and urban layout. However, amidst modernity and urban development, lies a hidden treasure from the past–The Burail Fort, located in Sector 45. The Burail Fort is a lesser-known historical site that withstood the test of time witnessing the passage of centuries. What was once a symbol of strength is now a shadow of its former self. 

In this blog post, Lehnaaz and I will dive into the historical facts surrounding the Burail Fort and discuss the unfortunate state of disrepair and neglect that it endures today which we witnessed through our own lenses. 

The Burail Fort, believed to date back to the 17th century was constructed during the Mughal era and served as a defense structure for the surrounding area. With its imposing walls, intricate minarets and grand gates it once exuded magnificence and power, though not anymore. The fort played a role as a military outpost overseeing the surrounding landscape to maintain Mughal authority in the region. 

A remarkable episode in the fort's history included Banda Singh Bahadur, the courageous Sikh warrior. The fort was briefly taken over by a Mughal Faujdar, the Faujdar was very harsh to the people of Burail. He used to keep newly married women with him for a few days before sending them back to their husbands. The distressed people conveyed this news of sheer cruelty to Banda Bahadur, he instantly sent his Khalsa army to assassinate the Faujdar. This victory was later commemorated by the construction of the Shahidi Qila Sahib Gurudwara, in memory of the Sikh warriors who made ultimate sacrifices.

The growing influence of the Britishers in India led to the Burail Fort playing yet another pivotal role during the Second Anglo-Sikh War fought from 1848 to 1849. Sir John Lawrence along with his forces, captured the fort after a brief but gruesome battle, marking the end of Sikh rule in the area. After witnessing many shades of history, it was even converted into a jail, which played a significant role during the Indian independence movement as well. The jail housed several prominent freedom fighters, including Bhagat Singh, Batukeshwer Dutt, and Rajguru, who were imprisoned here before being shifted to Lahore Central Jail.

Of the fort's once-palatial grandeur, only four minarets remain, one on each side: northeast, northwest, southwest, and southeast. These minarets, adorned with intricate designs and patterns, were constructed with uniform small Nanakshahi bricks, the remains of which are still noticeable. They stand as melancholic sentinels, observing the encroachments and neglect that surround them. These minarets, with their elegant architecture, are the only reminders of the fort's illustrious past.

Despite its rich history, the Burail Fort today wilts in utter neglect. Substantial sections of the fort have crumbled, and the majestic gates are now reduced to rubble and ruin. What's even more disheartening is that the authorities have yet to officially recognise and protect this historical site!

One of the most distressing aspects of the Burail Fort's plight is the encroachment within its premises. Several families have established homes inside the fort, accelerating its deterioration. The once-imposing walls are now concealed by makeshift structures, and the historical significance of the site is lost. The lack of awareness, vandalism, ad-hoc urban development, and poor maintenance have eclipsed the great history that this fort holds.

As we explored and examined the sight, we saw the lackluster appearance of the area which we once pictured to be a sight to behold. Upon interviewing the locals, we gathered that rarely did anyone know the significance of this fort nor did they have the curiosity to delve into its past. After hours of interviewing, we found one local, an 80-year-old man, Gurmeet Singh whose eyes were telling some story. When we spoke to him, the sheer nostalgia was evident in his talks, he recalled being a child and venturing in the minarets which weren’t so lost back then. This Fort was his childhood, which was now crumbling and fading away…. 

The Burail Fort deserves to be remembered, celebrated, and protected for the future generations as well as for people like Gurmeet Singh whose lives revolved around this structure. Its neglect and battered state are a collective failure to honor the sacrifices and heritage it holds. It is not just a relic of the past; it is a living testament to the spirit of a bygone era, waiting for the recognition and care it truly deserves.