The ManuscriptHall of the M.M. Central State Library holds a treasure of raremanuscripts, handwritten texts, and historic documents that showcase Punjab’srich literary and cultural heritage. Each manuscript is carefully preserved,offering a glimpse into traditional knowledge, ancient languages, and art fromdifferent eras of history.Among thehall’s special treasures are:· The Skanda Purana – one of the largest and most important texts in Hinduism,describing the universe, gods, and holy places.· The Zafarnama – written by Guru Gobind Singh Ji, expressing courage and divinefaith even in times of loss.· The Baznama – Persian manuscripts on the art and science of falconry.· Aja’ib al-Makhluqat(Wonders of Creation) – a 13th-centuryencyclopedia by Zakariya al-Qazwini, exploring the marvels of nature and theuniverse.· Shabd Ved – a rare compilation of all four Vedas: Rigveda, Yajurveda,Samaveda, and Atharvaveda.· Rare Historical Volumesand Medal Gallery – featuring exhibitsconnected to Maharaja Bhupinder Singh of Patiala, King George V&Princes of india & the Indian Empire, and rare works on India’sStruggle for IndependencThis hallstands as a living link to the wisdom of the past, preserving the words andideas that shaped civilizations.
The LendingSection of the MM Central State Library celebrates the true spirit ofpublic reading and access to knowledge.Here, anyone can borrow books and take a piece of learning home. The sectionhouses a wide range of books from history, literature, and science tobiographies, fiction, and classics. It’s especially known for its uniquecollection on India’s freedom movement and the lives of national leaders.This spacecontinues the library’s mission to make reading and knowledge available toeveryone. Every shelf here tells stories of India’s past and inspires newgenerations to think, learn, and dream.
Welcome to theReading Hall of the MM Central State Library, Patiala.This peacefulspace is the heart of the library — a place where students, researchers, andreaders from across the city come together in their pursuit of knowledge. Everyday, the hall fills quietly with young aspirants preparing for competitive andacademic examinations. Some are deeply focused on their books, while othersexchange notes and ideas, creating a shared environment of learning andcuriosity.Here, you’llfind a wide collection of reference materials — from newspapers and journals togeneral reading books that cover diverse subjects and interests.But thisReading Hall is more than just a study area — it reflects the library’s truemission: to provide an inclusive, welcoming space that encourages lifelonglearning and community growth. Within these walls, knowledge connectsgenerations and keeps alive Patiala’s proud tradition of education and culture.
EntranceWhite marble, inscribed in Hindi, English, and Gurmukhi, set into a sandstone/red brick wall. This bilingual/trilingual inscription reflects the official multilingualism of post-Independence Punjab.Bronze Emblem: A metal (bronze/copper-alloy) roundel depicting the Lion Capital of Ashoka (four lions, back-to-back) - India’s national emblem adopted in 1950.Surrounding script: The words “सत्यमेव जयते” (Satyameva Jayate - “Truth Alone Triumphs”), inscribed in Devanagari along the bottom, with additional stylized characters encircling the emblem.Marble FlooringLocated at the entrance foyer of the MM CS Library, this geometric floor design forms a striking visual centerpiece. The pattern - composed of alternating black and white stone triangles radiating from a central circle - resembles a compass rose or sunburst, symbolizing direction, knowledge, and illumination. Crafted from polished stone inlay, it reflects the design sensibilities of the early to mid-20th century, when symmetry and precision were integral to institutional architecture.Shaheed Bhagat SinghBhagat Singh (1907–1931) was a revolutionary freedom fighter who played a pivotal role in India’s struggle against British colonial rule. Remembered for his courage, intellect, and sacrifice, he became a symbol of youthful idealism and resistance.Architectural StyleMix of Art deco style and modernist architecture with an influence of neo-classical style architecture. Art Deco architecture is a design style from the 1920s and 1930s characterized by sleek lines, geometric patterns, rich ornamentation, and symmetry - this is seen in a lot of institutional buildings in India with a modern touch.It reflects a blend of Neoclassical and Modernist architectural influences in its grand facade, symmetrical layout, and columned entrance, symbolising knowledge, stability, and cultural prestige. At the same time, the building’s clean lines, functional spaces, and minimal ornamentation reveal Modernist sensibilities, emphasizing utility and openness. Together, these elements create a harmonious balance between historic grandeur and contemporary simplicity -making the library both a heritage landmark and a timeless example of architectural evolution.Thank you
Celebrate Taste. Celebrate Tradition.Patiala Foundation proudly launches Heritage Food Awards 2025(PFFHA); a celebration of tradition, taste, and timeless recipes! Come forward, showcase your culinary heritage, and be a part of this flavorful journey!We invite all the food enthusiasts to scan the QR Code and Nominate themselves and their creations under various categories and also each one of you can nominate their favourite eateries and the finger licking good food of Royal City of Patiala. We just Doubled Up the Opportunity! Join Heritage Food Awards 2025!Nomination Link:https://forms.gle/tqMexULWhZDH3BHb8
We’re thrilled to have Dr Navdeep Asija, Traffic Advisor, Government of Punjab lendhis voice to the official launch of #CHIDIYAGHAR– “Bringing Communities to House Birds” by Patiala Foundation! As a long-time champion of safer, greenerstreets, Dr Asija reminds us that road safety and environmental stewardship gohand-in-hand because healthy cities are built for both people and wildlife. Hit play to catch his inspiring messageon why every family, school, and workplace should install a nest and help ourfeathered friends return in full chorus.Want in?Fill out the Google Form to adoptyour own eco-friendly bird nestTeam up with us to sponsor acluster for your neighbourhood or institution(Link in bio & stories)Let’s make Punjab’s skies safer and louder onenest at a time. #PatialaFoundation#DrNavdeepAsija #CHIDIYAGHAR #BringingCommunitiesToHouseBirds #BirdConservation#Punjab #RoadSafetyMeetsGreenCity #SDG15 #CommunityPower #LaunchDay #28July2025Link to Adopt a CHIDIYA GHAR:https://forms.gle/chxiq49zRsKaQirL8
Sakshi Sawhney IAS – Launching CHIDIYA GHAR: Bringing Communities to House BirdsEpisode Description (show notes):In this special launch-day episode, we’re joined by Sakshi Sawhney, IAS – Deputy Commissioner, Amritsar, an ardent supporter of Patiala Foundation’s work. Sakshi ji unveils CHIDIYA GHAR, our new community-driven bird-nest initiative designed to bring the cheerful songs of sparrows, mynas, and other urban birds back to our homes, schools, and workplaces.Tune in to hear:Why safeguarding small species is vital for Amritsar’s ecological health and cultural soulHow CHIDIYA GHAR blends eco-friendly design, QR-code monitoring, and citizen science to track nest successA heartfelt invitation from Sakshi Sawhney IAS to every household, business, and institution to adopt or sponsor nestsGet involved today!Adopt a Nest – Request your own nest via our Google FormSponsor a Cluster – Fund nests for an entire neighbourhood, park, or schoolLinks to both forms are in the show notes and our social-media bio.Join us as we work together to fill the skies with birdsong—one nest at a time. Hit play, share the episode, and help CHIDIYA GHAR take flight!Link to Adopt a CHIDIYA GHAR: https://forms.gle/chxiq49zRsKaQirL8
Today marks the official launch of CHIDIYA GHAR, Patiala Foundation’s community-driven bird-nest initiative, and we’re celebrating with a one-episode launch special hosted by Ravee Singh Ahluwalia (CEO & Founder).In this short, inspiring episode you’ll learn:Why CHIDIYA GHAR matters right now—and how a simple nest can revive fading birdsong in our neighbourhoods.How you can participate immediately:Adopt a Nest for your home, school, gurdwara, or workplace.Sponsor a Cluster of nests for an entire street, park, or institution.Easy next steps: Fill out the Google Forms (for adoption or sponsorship) that go live today—links will be in the episode show notes and across all Patiala Foundation social channels right after the premiere.Tune in, share the episode, and be among the first to sign up. Let’s give every bird a safe place to thrive—starting today.
On 28 July 2025, Patiala Foundation spreads its wings with CHIDIYA GHAR – Bringing Communities Together to House Birds. In this short, heartfelt message, Founder & CEO Ravee Singh Ahluwalia unveils how a simple wooden nest, a QR code, and community spirit can restore the sparrows, mynas and owls that once filled Punjab’s skies with song.Tune in to discover:• Why urban bird populations matter for our environment and our souls• How you can pick up a free nest kit, install it in minutes and track its impact online• Ways to volunteer, donate or simply spread the word with our tagline: “Let the nests rise… let the songs return.”Whether you’re a nature lover, an educator or a curious neighbour, this episode invites you to become part of a living map of hope—one nest, one photo, one smile at a time.Join the launch: 28 July 2025, 11 a.m. IST, Patiala Foundation HQ (144 Charan Bagh) or via livestream.Learn more / sign up: www.patialafoundation.org | +91 97810 00023Listen, share, and help us fill the skies with birdsong again.
Sat Sri Akal and warm greetings to all listeners around the world. I’m Ravee Singh Ahluwalia, founder of the Patiala Foundation – an organization committed to building sustainable communities through grassroots action.On this Earth Day 2025, I invite you to reflect on a truth that is becoming impossible to ignore: Our planet doesn’t need saving. We do. What Earth needs is for us to reclaim our relationship with nature — with every tree we plant, every pond we rejuvenate, and every ounce of waste we compost.At Patiala Foundation, our efforts range from creating eco-conscious student societies, setting up Dry Leaf Composters in households and public parks, to our most recent collaboration with IIT Madras and ICCW for India’s first Clean & Safe Drinking Water Project in Ranbirpura. We use natural water purification systems like vetiver pontoons and canna indica islands to rejuvenate dying ponds — blending tradition with innovation.To all the creators out there — you have the power to inspire action. Whether you sing, speak, or shoot — create content that speaks for the soil, the water, the forests, and the future. Make sustainability your story.This Earth Day, let’s not just post about the planet. Let’s act for it. Happy Earth Day. Let’s grow together.
In this episode, we introduce the listeners to the rich history of Yadavindra Gardens, located in Pinjore, Haryana. The episode delves into the origins of the gardens, constructed in the Mughal era under Fidai Khan and how it has evolved over the centuries. The listeners are given a brief instructions of the Heritage Walk curated by the Patiala Foundation's iHERITAGE initiative in collaboration with Haryana Tourism. Tune in to understand the instructions of this beautifully designed walk, which offers detailed historical insights via scannable QR codes throughout the route.
Welcome to 'Echoes of Heritage,' the podcast where each episode unlocks the stories embedded in the stones and landscapes of India’s most treasured sites. I’m Ravee singh Ahluwalia, your guide on this journey through time and tradition. This podcast is brought to you by the Patiala Foundation, dedicated to preserving our cultural heritage and sharing it with the world through the iHERITAGE project. For More details visit www.patialafoundation.org
Greetings from Patiala Foundation! Welcome to Patiala Heritage Walk! This walk covers 6 heritage sites of Patiala starting from Shahi Samadhan and ending at Qila Mubarak. Patiala Heritage Walk is a specially curated trail designed by us to showcase the forgotten legacy of the Maharajas and the fine artisanship of Punjab to the tourists and new-generation inhabitants of the locality. Follow this e-Book to explore the location by yourself. Please remember, that to access this e-Book, an active internet connection is required Also, a Pause point is a location where the trail has to pause to explore the history of the site. It can be identified by a Brown Board, with a QR code and Patiala Foundation’s logo The instructions are as follows: Step-1: To reach the starting point i.e., Shahi Samadhan or the royal cremation ground, please click on the link provided at the bottom right corner on this page. This will take you to Google Maps Step-2: Kindly choose your starting point by clicking on “Your location” Step-3: Navigate to the starting point by clicking on “Start” Step-4: Listen to the Audio Clip of the starting point, Shahi Samadhan, provided on Page 1 of the e-book Step-5: Traverse through the outlined path, highlighted on the aerial view of Shahi Samadhan on Page-2 Step-6: Kindly refer to the audiobooks embedded in the information page of the respective pause points Step-7: Navigate yourself to the next pause point by clicking on the Map symbol located in the bottom right corner of the information page of each heritage site Step-8: After navigating to the next pause point, return back to the e-Guide. Step-9: Repeat the last three steps- step 6, 7 and 8, for the subsequent pause points, until you reach the finish point of the walk How to reach to the starting point and the connectivity from one pause point to the other is also compiled in this book. The book also contains the history of each heritage site. Hope you enjoy this walk. Kindly give us feedback in the attached links at the end of the book.
Qila Mubarak Dating from 1764, the royal fort complex occupies ten acres and comprises inner and outer precincts, each with several buildings in a synthesis of Mughal and Rajasthani styles. It was the royal family’s residence until the mid 19thcentury. The inner Qila Androon, containing the private royal chambers, is divided into nine courts, including the Sheesh Mahal, elaborately decorated by Rajasthani and Kangra artists with mirror-work and frescoes depicting themes from Hindu epics. The outer perimeter, entered through the majestic main gate, includes the Jalau Khana, Lassi Khana (kitchens), Sard Khana (cool room), Ram Baas (guest quarters) and Durbar Hall. Notable for its superb ceiling and huge chandeliers of Bohemian crystal, the Durbar Hall currently displays a collection of armour, paintings and royal treasures, including a solid silver state carriage, a jade dagger belonging to Guru Gobind Singh, and the sword of the mighty Persian emperor Nadir Shah, who invaded India in 1739.
Darshini Deori It is one of the gates outside the Qila Mubarak. Its importance lies in its strategic location because it was constructed so that people could watch the royal procession from there.
Bartan Bazaar Bartan Bazaar is one of the prominent markets around Qila Mubarak. One can see the Kalaiwala and observe the dyeing process. There are several utensils shops here. One can also find other local crafts such as Jutti, Paranda, Phulkari and traditional food items. Kalai: This traditional skill involves giving a metallic coating over brass and copper utensils so that they do not wear out with heat and retain their shine.
Chhatta Nanumal An arch-shaped structure built over the road and given the name of Diwan Nanumal, who was among the two diwans to get such a privilege. The place was used for public hearings by him. Diwan Magniram was the other person upon whom this privilege was bestowed.
Haveliwala Mohalla This area boasts of many heritage houses of prominent people from the Royal Court and later the political figures. The Mohalla includes the residences of the royal astrologer Ram Kishan ji, Deputy Lachhiram Pandhi and the ancestral house of Mr. Jagannath Kaushal who was the Union Law Minister during Mrs. Indira Gandhi’s tenure of prime ministership.