Sikh religious site in Amritsar, Punjab, India
Kesgarh Qila or Takht Kesgarh Sahib, alternatively spelt as Keshgarh Qila, is one of the five takhts of the Sikhs located in Anandpur Sahib, Punjab, India. The fort is also called Takhat Kesgarh Sahib. This Gurdwara was one of the forts constructed by Guru Gobind Singh at Anandpur Sahib for the defense of the Sikhs. He spent his 25 years at Anandpur Sahib and, to protect the Sikhs from the Rajas of the Hill States and Mughals, began the construction of five defensive Qilas (forts) all around the town.
History
Historical photograph of Takht Keshgarh Sahib
Historical photograph of Qila Anandgarh from May 1934.
The Takht is one of Five Takht in Sikhism, the Takht name is Takht Kesgarh Sahib being the place where the last two Sikh Gurus, Guru Tegh Bahadur and Guru Gobind Singh, lived. It is also the place where Guru Gobind Singh founded the Khalsa Panth in 1699.[2] In the 1930's, a new structure was constructed over the original site and structure of Anandgarh Qila.[3][4] Originally, the Sarai Ganga tributary of the Sutlej River flowed south-westwards from the site of Anandpur Sahib but it no longer does today as its course has changed.[3]
Forts
The Qilas (meaning "fortress"), constructed by Guru Gobind Singh at Anandpur Sahib are:[5][3]
1. Takht Kesgarh Sahib Qila at the center (now a Takhat)
2. Anandgarh Qila (fort of bliss)[3]
3. Lohgarh Qila (fort of steel)[3]
4. Holgarh Qila (fort of colour)[3]
5. Fatehgarh Qila (fort of victory)[3]
6. Taragarh Qila (fort of stars)[3]
All the Qilas were joined together with earthworks and tunnels. All Qila Situated at Anandpur Sahib. In this Qilas one Qila is now Takht of Sikhs Takht Kesgarh Sahib Qila. The fort of Anandgarh was located at a central location whilst the forts of Lohgarh, Holgarh, Fatehgarh, and Taragarh formed a circular pattern around it.[3] The original structures of the forts were destroyed by Kar Seva renovators in the 20th century and marble Gurdwaras were constructed in their former location.[3]
