MP Meet Hayer dedicates renovated Sangrur museum to public

Patiala: The renovated District Museum in Sangrur was opened to the public on Thursday following a Rs 2.5-crore restoration, part of the Punjab govt's push to preserve cultural and historical heritage. Inaugurating the facility, MP Gurmeet Singh Meet Hayer described it as a "living symbol" of Punjab's history, noting that the museum — located in Banasar Bagh and built in Mughal and Rajasthani styles — had remained shut for a long period before being restored and reopened with renewed grandeur.He said, "The museum, located within Banasar Bagh in the heart of Sangrur city, housed rare and valuable artefacts associated with the rulers of the Jind state, including personal weapons of Maharaja Gajpat Singh, Maharaja Bhag Singh and Maharaja Sangat Singh, along with antique pistols, royal portraits, a gold-crafted kirpan, ancient coins, a copy of the Shrimad Bhagwat Purana and other heritage items."The MP said the building earlier served as the Darbar Hall from where the administration of the Jind state operated and from where Maharaja Ranbir Singh ruled for a significant period. He said the foundation of the building was laid in 1870 by Maharaja Raghbir Singh. He said the gold work on the ceiling was executed by Iranian artisans, while architect Bhai Ram Singh designed the wooden carvings and decorations.Major restoration works included conservation of ceiling artwork and gold leafing, structural strengthening using lime and concrete, preservation of heritage chandeliers, installation of brass doors, sandstone flooring, bolstered foundation, polished wooden elements and modernisation of lighting arrangements.Researcher Rajiv Jindal, who conducted extensive research on the Jind state, Sangrur and its architectural heritage, shared insights about various historical buildings of Sangrur.MSID:: 130144705 413 |