The fort was renamed 'Bahadurgarh' by Maharaja Karam Singh to honor Guru Tegh Bahadur, who stayed there for three months and ten days.
The structure is surrounded by a massive dry moat that originally served as a defensive barrier against enemy sieges.
It is built using traditional Nanak Shahi bricks, a material characteristic of historic construction in the Punjab region.
The fort is currently under the jurisdiction of the Punjab Police and functions as a Command Training Centre.
It features a unique blend of Mughal-style fortifications and Sikh-era religious architecture.
Bahadurgarh Fort is a 17th-century fortification located on the Patiala-Rajpura road, originally built by Nawab Saif Khan in 1658 and later renovated by Maharaja Karam Singh of Patiala in 1837. The site spans approximately 2 kilometers in circumference and is enclosed by two high walls and a deep, wide moat. The fort grounds house a significant Sikh shrine, the Gurudwara Sahib Patshahi Nauvin, which commemorates the visit of the ninth Sikh Guru, Guru Tegh Bahadur. The architecture reflects a mix of Mughal and Rajput styles, primarily constructed using Nanak Shahi bricks. It currently serves as the base for the Punjab Armed Police (PAP) training center, which limits public access to specific zones. The fort's moat, once a defensive water feature, is now largely dry but remains a distinct geological marker of the site's original tactical design. Visitors can observe the imposing entrance gates and the outer fortification walls which remain structurally intact.
The main entrance gateway and the outer wall section facing the highway.
Coordinate your visit with local authorities as the fort serves as an active police training center.
Carry identification documents, as security personnel may require verification for entry into specific areas.
Focus on the exterior architecture and the Gurudwara, as interior military zones are restricted.
Do not attempt to enter restricted military or police training zones without explicit permission from on-site security.
Maintain a respectful demeanor as the site houses an active religious shrine; cover your head and remove footwear when entering the Gurudwara premises.
