Once a majestic abode for kings and rulers, Lodhi Fort now languishes in neglect, its former glory overshadowed by encroaching debris, vandalism, and a growing presence of anti-social elements.
Nestled in Qila Mohalla, the oldest locality of Ludhiana, the fort—built around 1480 by Sultan Sikandar Lodhi—stands as a silent witness to a rich past. Despite its historical and architectural significance, the structure is in a state of disrepair. Collapsed outer walls, dilapidated doors, and rampant overgrowth mark a stark transformation from its illustrious past, where lavish courts and bustling royal activities once thrived.
Today, the fort’s premises have become a refuge for miscreants and drug-addicts. “It was once a proud testament to our city’s heritage, but now it is barely recognized by the younger generation,” laments an elderly local shepherd who frequents the site with his goats. Residents of the area, who recall a time when the fort was a prominent landmark visible from the Jalandhar bypass, express deep sorrow at its decline, emphasizing that it could have been a symbol of Ludhiana’s identity.
Managed by the Directorate of Cultural Affairs, Museum, Government of Punjab, the fort is only minimally guarded by a single state-appointed watchman. Vinod Sahota, the 32-year-old guard responsible for the site, describes the historical treasures that lie hidden within its walls. Among these is a rumored 16-kilometer underground tunnel leading to the Phillaur police academy—a mystery that, like much of the fort’s history, remains largely unknown to modern visitors. Sahota also pointed out a once-significant horse barn, a room where the king’s wazir stored tobacco products, and an elevated spot offering a panoramic view of the sprawling city.
The fort’s current state is exacerbated by encroachments surrounding its grounds, diminishing both its historical allure and architectural integrity. A nearby garbage dump and a deteriorating access road further deter potential visitors. Even efforts from past administrations seem to have had little lasting impact; a clean-up initiative in 1989 led by then-MC administrator SP Singh removed truckloads of debris, but recent signs of neglect continue to erode the site’s potential.
Compounding the issue is the lack of informative signboards or historical guides on-site. “There isn’t a single board that tells the story of this monument,” noted Sahota, stressing that the government’s indifference has left the public unaware of the fort’s storied past. Despite sporadic international interest—recently, researchers from Egypt and Australia collected brick and soil samples—the local community remains disconnected from what was once a vibrant symbol of regional heritage.
As Ludhiana continues to expand, the fate of Lodhi Fort hangs in the balance. Without immediate intervention and a renewed commitment to cultural preservation, this historical relic may soon vanish entirely from the collective memory of a city that once took pride in its royal legacy.
