Art historians and critics have not been much concerned about the study of the art and architecture of Akal Takht, the Golden Temple, Baba Atal Sahib and other Sikh shrines. This is the reason that many murals, frescoes and other artistic works have not been preserved while carrying out 'kar sewa' (renovation) of various Sikh shrines in Punjab and other parts of the country.

On entering the ground floor of Gurdwara Baba Atal, situated to the south of the Golden Temple, one is surprised to see the glazed tiles fixed on it. During the renovation, the invaluable murals on the 'darshani deori' and ground floor of the nine-storeyed octagonal tower disappeared. However, as one climbs to the first floor of this 40-metre high building, the frescoes on the walls of this highest building of this holy city provide an enriching experience.
Most of the devotees and artistes of Amritsar are ignorant about this great artistic treasure. The paintings on the walls depict the 'janamsakhis' of Guru Nanak Devji. Various murals show Guru Nanak Dev with his disciples.

Dr Kanwarjit Singh Kang was perhaps the first art critic to highlight the damage caused to murals at Baba Atal Sahib. Dr Kang had written, "The interior walls of the first floor are adorned with murals. Unfortunately, many of these have been obliterated beyond recognition and at present only 42 panels survive. A large series of paintings unfold, stage by stage, the life of Guru Nanak. The first painting in this series represents all the gods requesting the Almighty to send a holy person to earth to relieve it of the burden of Kalyuga".

Dr Sheharyar, a Punjabi poet and art critic, and Mr Brij Bedi, who had a chance meeting with each other, have highlighted the need of preserving this artistic treasure. Both have taken an initiative to write a book on the murals of Baba Atal Sahib and written to Mr Parkash Singh Badal, Chief Minister, and the SGPC to take necessary steps to preserve this cultural heritage.

Dr Sheharyar blames the SGPC for destroying the murals and frescoes at Akal Takht. Akal Takht was renovated after Operation Bluestar in 1984 by Baba Santa Singh. However, it was demolished on the orders of then SGPC President Gurcharan Singh Tohra and then the new building was reconstructed through 'kar sewa'. In this process, the murals and frescoes were destroyed.