Punjab: Trust demands restoration of Sainik School’s legacy
Punjab: The Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage (INTACH) has sought the immediate intervention of the state government to preserve the historic Jagatjit Palace, which houses Sainik School, Kapurthala. INTACH has cited the rapid deterioration of the palace’s structure and artefacts. Built in 1908 by Maharaja Jagatjit Singh, the palace was built on the lines of the Palace of Versailles and is a testimony to Punjab’s royal past. The site is of great architectural and cultural significance, with ornate wall paintings, sculptures and historical relics that reflect the grandeur and heritage of the former princely state. INTACH’s Punjab chapter has expressed concern that neglect and lack of maintenance has caused severe damage to the building and the artefacts kept in it. The wall paintings have either faded or crumbled. Many rare artefacts are deteriorating due to years of disrepair and inadequate care.
In a letter addressed to the state government, Major General Balwinder Singh (Retd), Punjab State Convener of INTACH, called for immediate action. “Despite assessments being carried out three to four times in the past, no significant steps have been taken to allocate funds for restoration work,” he wrote. “We must urgently re-evaluate the damage and begin the process of restoring cultural treasures before these are lost forever,” he added. He said preserving the palace was not just about saving a physical structure; it was about preserving a tangible link to Punjab’s royal heritage and architectural excellence. Jagatjit Palace serves as an educational and historical resource, providing insight into the cultural, artistic and political history of the region.
Its preservation will not only honour the state’s heritage but also instill pride in future generations and promote cultural tourism. Recognised by UNESCO for its efforts in heritage conservation, INTACH has offered its expertise to carry out the restoration work. “We have proposed to sign a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the state government to collaborate on the conservation of the palace and its artefacts. Our team has the required skills and global experience to carry out sensitive restoration work. INTACH is fully committed to reviving the palace and protecting the rich cultural heritage of Punjab,” Singh said, adding that he has urged the government to give priority to the conservation of the Jagatjit Palace as it is a symbol of the state’s heritage and identity.
