Photo Source: Babushahi Bureau
MP Satnam Sandhu seeks Centre’s intervention to preserve Maharaja Ranjit Singh heritage sites, demands memorial in Ropar
Maharaja Ranjit Singh Preserved India’s Heritage; Today It Is Our Responsibility to Preserve His Legacy’ – MP Satnam Sandhu
Sarkar-e-Khalsa Commemorative Flagpole Installed at Maharaja Ranjit Singh’s Historic Site in Ropar Stolen; No Clue about the Accused – MP Satnam Singh Sandhu Raises the Issue
Babushahi Bureau
New Delhi, August 12, 2026: Member of Parliament (Rajya Sabha) Satnam Singh Sandhu, raising the issue of a neglected legacy of Sher-e-Punjab Maharaja Ranjit Singh Ji during Zero Hour in the Rajya Sabha in the ongoing Monsoon Session of Parliament, urged the Government of India to preserve the historic site situated on the banks of the Sutlej river at Ropar and to establish the “Maharaja Ranjit Singh Diplomatic Heritage Memorial, Ropar” there — the very site where, on 26 October 1831, the historic diplomatic meeting took place between Maharaja Ranjit Singh Ji and the then Governor General, Lord William Bentinck.
Explaining the historical significance of this meeting, MP Satnam Singh Sandhu said, “This meeting holds a special place in India’s diplomatic history. At that time the British had established their dominance over a large part of India, but Maharaja Ranjit Singh Ji’s Khalsa Raj was a strong and sovereign state. In view of the challenges emerging from the north-west and Central Asia, friendship with the Maharaja was important for the British. The Maharaja arrived at this meeting in full splendour, with his royal camp and military contingents, which was an expression of the sovereignty of an independent and powerful state.”
Referring to Maharaja Ranjit Singh Ji’s governance, MP Sandhu said that from 1801 to 1839, for nearly 38 years, the Maharaja established a strong kingdom, but his greatness was not limited merely to the expansion of his realm. He also preserved and revived India’s religious and cultural heritage.
MP Satnam Singh Sandhu said, “The Maharaja had the gold work carried out at Sachkhand Sri Harmandir Sahib. He carried out seva at numerous historic shrines, including Sri Akal Takht Sahib, Takht Sri Patna Sahib, Takht Sri Hazur Sahib and Sri Nankana Sahib. Not only that, he also carried out the gold seva for the Sri Kashi Vishwanath Temple, and according to one historical account he wished to offer his Kohinoor diamond at Jagannath Puri. This was the vision of a Maharaja for whom India’s heritage was a shared heritage.”
Drawing the attention of the House to the present condition of this historic site in Ropar, MP Sandhu stated that the commemorative Sarkar-e-Khalsa installed at the site had been stolen. He said, “An FIR was also registered with the police in this regard, but that marker was never recovered. Today, the legacy of that same Maharaja in Ropar is seeking our attention.”
Sharing the outline of the proposed memorial, MP Satnam Singh Sandhu said, “My request to the Government of India is that this site be preserved and the Maharaja Ranjit Singh Diplomatic Heritage Memorial be established here. Through a museum, a documentary gallery and digital presentations, it should place before coming generations the historic diplomatic meeting of 1831, the Maharaja’s diplomacy, his acumen in governance, his military strength, and the service he rendered towards the preservation of India’s heritage.”
MP Sandhu said that under the leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, the preservation of historical and cultural heritage has received fresh priority across the country. He said, “The Hon’ble Prime Minister has given the vision of ‘Vikas Bhi, Virasat Bhi’ (Development as well as Heritage). In keeping with this spirit, the development of this site in Ropar will not only connect our young generation with their glorious history, but will also give a boost to heritage tourism in the region.”
Concluding his remarks, MP Satnam Singh Sandhu said, “The Maharaja who preserved India’s heritage — today, preserving that Maharaja’s legacy is our responsibility.”