Bowled over by the bravery of the Sikh warriors, who routed the British Army during the Anglo-Sikh War, the Britishers erected a memorial to salute the heroism of the enemy. But we have failed to preserve it. Standing erect as a testimony to the Punjabi valour, the condition of the memorial is deteriorating, thanks to the government’s apathy and weather onslaught.

Around 160 years old and popularly known as the Flame of Memory, the memorial, situated on the outskirts of Gora Hoor village near Aliwal, is being used as a chaff dump by some villagers, unmindful of its importance.

Two years ago, the government had released Rs 80,000 for its upkeep but the condition of the monument speaks volumes about the “misutilisation of money” released for the purpose.

The government did its bit and declared it a protected monument in 1964 under the Punjab Ancient, Historical Monuments, Archaeological Sites and Remains Act. But like scores of other memorials, it stands abandoned for want of proper care by the state Department of Archaeology and Conservation.

While erecting the memorial in 1846, the Britishers had tried to pay respect to over 400 of its soldiers who had died fighting the Sikhs. But the memorial was also dedicated to the chivalry of the Sikhs, as per the Ludhiana gazetteer.

Villagers said the Archaeology Department had posted a guard at the site some years ago. Later, he was transferred and nobody was posted in his place.

In absence of a caretaker, the structure is crumbling at certain places. Only a notice board of the Department of Conservation put up at the entry gate of the monument hints at the historical significance of the place. The board, however, only says that the monument is protected and anyone found fiddling with it is liable to punishment with imprisonment or fine.

A small reference about the monument in the Ludhiana gazetteer throws ample light on its history. It says that after the death of Maharaja Ranjit Singh in 1839, the Sikh forces got divided. The Britishers sensing a golden chance began marching towards the erstwhile Punjab to wrest the territory and complete their dominance.

They were, however, not aware of the might of the Sikh forces, who under the spirited guidance of several generals held the territory as long as they could. One such General was Ranjodh Singh Majithia who led his forces at Baddowal to defeat the Britishers comprehensively in January, 1846.

Later, Ranjodh Singh moved to Bhundri near the Sutlej . He raised the strength of his army to 15,000. While he was gaining strength here the Britishers under the command of General Harry Smith, who had tasted defeat at the hands of the Sikhs in Baddowal, were also reinforcing.

On January 28 the Britishers moved to capture Aliwal. Held by inferior troops a spirited fight could not put up. But near Bhundri village, the Khalsa troops made a most determined stand. The most gallant part of the action was the charge by the 16th Lancers of the Sikh Infantry. Three times the Sikhs were ridden over, but they rejoined on each occasion. It was not till the whole strength of the British army was brought to fight the Sikhs that the latter were defeated.