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ABSTRACT
Amritsar is an important religious historic walled city located in the North West of India. The city was founded by the fourth Guru of Sikhs, Guru Ramdas in 1577 AD and has seen various ups and downs through its history. The most important period, which is also known as the 'Golden period', was the period of Sikh 'Misls 'and of Maharaja Ranjit Singh. In the colonial and post colonial period, the city underwent redevelopment that impacted the authenticity and integrity of parts of the built fabric. The case of Amritsar helps in understanding the effect of such initiatives and learning from mistakes of the past in order to develop positive approaches for the future.
INTRdDUCTIClN
Amritsar, known as the city of the Golden Temple, symbolises the spiritual heritage of the people of Punjab and is the second largest metropolis of the State. It is situated about 465 kilometres to the North West of New Delhi, close to the international border with Pakistan. The city grew on both sides of the Grand Trunk Road, currently National Highway 1, also known as Sher Shah Suri Road and is divided by this road and a broad gauge railway line into two parts: the walled city and the developments outside the walls. The population of the walled city was 222,259 persons in 1981 and has not registered any change in the last three decades. It has a total area of 340 hectares and has gross density of 653 person per hectare, as against 130 persons per hectare.
The history as well as the physical growth of the city can broadly be grouped into three phases for the clear distinction of style, materials, heritage: the pre Colonial period up to 1849 which includes the walled city, Gobindgarh Fort and Ram Bagh; the British period (1849-1947) during which development started mainly beyond the walled city, such as civil line areas, cantonment and the Post- Independence period during which rest of the developments took place and maximum damage is caused to the heritage of the walled city of Amritsar during this period.
THE PRE COLONIAL CITY: 1577-1B49
Period of Origin (1577-1628 AD)
The city was founded by the fourth Guru of Sikhs Guru Ramdas in 1577 AD as he...