April

The site comprises numerous samadhis (shrines) with the key one being that of General Sham Singh Atari, the famous general of the First Anglo Sikh War (1845-46). The samadhis are located within a large open space adjacent to a brick lined historic water tank. The complex is situated on the outer edge of the village of Atari on the Indo-Pakistan border.

The samadhis are built of nanakshahi bricks set in lime mortar with fine lime plaster over it. The interior of the dome of the samadhi is rendered with wall paintings. Over the years, the buildings were covered with cement-based plasters, and multiple coats of paint. A platform had been built around the structures, which were causing increasing dampness in the historic structures.

The scope of work included conservation of the samadhis, landscaping of the site, its interpretation, and creating a visitor information centre. Contractors: The Lime Centre.

The site is being conserved, landscaped and being provided with an interpretation centre. Local masons are being trained in the use of traditional materials and construction techniques for the conservation projects, this ensures providing of livelihood opportunities for the local community and to instill a sense of pride in them about their heritage.

The Samadhi (memorial) to Sham Singh Atari, in village Atari in Amritsar, Punjab. General Sham Singh Atari was a general in the court of Maharaja Ranjit Singh. He fought gallantly and died as a martyr in the Anglo Sikh battle of Sabraon in 1846.