Amritsar Fort ( Gobindgarh Fort )

Originally built by Gujjar Singh Bhangi, the local chieftain in the 18th century Gobindgarh was conquered and enhanced in the early 19th century by Maharaja Ranjit Singh who renamed it after the 10th Sikh guru, Guru Gobind Singh. The fort had five cannons which included the famous two ‘Zamzama' cannons, also called ‘Bhangiyon-de-tope'. The structures built during this phase were the circular path in the center part of the innermost enclosure, Toshakhana, and Bastions. In 1805, Maharaja Ranjit Singh strengthened the fort. One of the main reasons to erect the fort was to save Harminder Sahib and the city from the invaders using the Grand Trunk road throughout the 18th century who often attacked the city for the purpose of loot. During this phase, the moat and gates were built using the initial mud foundations to a contemporary military defense structure inspired from French military fortress plans. The fort was renovated with help of a French architect. It is reported that Maharaja Ranjit Singh kept his treasure at the Toshakhana which included the famous Koh-i-noor and supplies for an army of 2000 soldiers in the fort. In 1849, the British captured the fort and made significant changes were made during the period. Also, significant changes were made to the bastions and gates as the new artillery technology was adopted.