Navigating the Popular and Academic Histories: a study of Manauli fort

Abstract

Manauli Fort is a historic 18th-century monument lying in ruins in the village(Manauli) close to the ”Knowledge City” of SAS Nagar modern-day Mohali town. The fort was integral to the history of the Sikh state of 18th-century Punjab. The fort is believed to have been built during the reign of the Mughal Empire and was later taken over by the Sikh Empire. It is situated in the district of SAS Nagar and is surrounded by lush green fields and a small village. The fort has a unique architecture with a blend of Mughal and Sikh styles and is considered one of the important heritage sites in Punjab. Today, the fort is under the control of the Punjab government, and efforts are being made to preserve and promote its rich cultural and historical significance. The fort has also become a popular tourist destination, attracting visitors from all over the country and the world. My project aims to Navigate the Popular and Academic History of Manauli Fort and excavate the meanings of the monument from popular culture, the tourism industry, and the state archaeology department. It aims to restore the monument to the rightful place of historical knowledge of Punjab.