Forts, palaces and havelis scattered all over Punjab, the land of five rivers, have been witness to the reign of different rulers. Unfortunately, either due to the passage of time or expansive attitude of man, these magnificent structures face extinction today.

The Bathinda fort, which has stood since the period of Raja Deb (3rd century), one of the ancestors of Vinaipal is, an endangered structure now. The first woman ruler (1236 AD) of India, Razia Sultan, was imprisoned in this fort. It was the capital of the kingdom of Jaipal (1004). Mahmud Ghazni captured the town and laid it waste by his loot, arson and plunder. Patiala ruler Maharaja Karam Singh (1813-1834) renamed it Gobindgarh in memory of the visit of Guru Gobind Singh's to the fort. The fort is about 39 metres high and consists of 38 burjas.

Another example of a monument having deteriorated with time is that of Qila Mubarak in Patiala. When I visited the fort last year, the frescoes depicting Krishna and the 10 Sikh Gurus in Dewan-e-Khas were in a fine condition. But when I visited the fort this year in the month of January, its condition had worsened. Paintings based on Krishna's life in the Rang Mahal and mirror work in the Sheesh Mahal had been damaged. Out of the nine rooms having beautiful paintings on the theme of Radha and Krishan, only two were intact. If restorative work is not taken up, these works - which are a unique part of Punjab's rich heritage - will be lost for ever. The need of the hour is to bring awareness about these sites.