Pul Kanjri: A Bridge Through Time

Pul Kanjri, a historical village close to the Indo-Pak border, is situated 35 km from Amritsar on the Amritsar-Lahore road. Also known as Pul Moran, this heritage site was built by Maharaja Ranjit Singh, the 19th-century Sikh ruler, as a resting place while traveling with his troops. The story of Pul Kanjri revolves around Maharaja Ranjit Singh and Moran, a dancer in his court. Legend says that Moran lost her slipper while crossing a canal, leading the Maharaja to build a bridge for her. The name 'Pul Kanjri' reflects this, with 'Pul' meaning bridge. After Moran married the Maharaja, the site was also referred to as 'Pul Moran'.Pul Kanjri was also a significant trading center during Maharaja Ranjit Singh's reign, connecting Amritsar and Lahore. The complex includes a temple, gurudwara, mosque, and a bathing pool (sarovar), showcasing the Maharaja's secular beliefs. The site also served as a military outpost. During the Indo-Pak wars of 1965 and 1971, Pul Kanjri was captured by the Pakistani army and later recaptured by the Indian army. The village also has a war memorial to honor soldiers who died in the 1971 war.Today, Pul Kanjri is a tourist attraction, drawing visitors with its historical significance and architecture. The site has been renovated by the Punjab government and the Ministry of Tourism. Visitors can see fresco work on the walls and the Nanakshahi bricks used to construct the Shiv Temple.