Where Battles Come Alive

Kapoor & Associates, New Delhi, designed The Punjab State War Heroes Memorial & Museum in Amritsar to honour generations of Sikhs who have historically contributed to various war efforts for their country.

- Amita Sarwal

One of the tallest kirpans in the world – where its structure and aerodynamics were key challenges, is the iconic 45-metre stainless steel sword standing tall on the central edifice of the War Heroes Memorial and Museum. Visible from a distance of a kilometre, it attracts attention as one drives on the Amritsar’s Grand Trunk Road towards the Wagah Border.

‘The Punjab State War Heroes Memorial & Museum was built to showcase martial traditions and supreme sacrifices made by the Punjabis from the era of Sikh gurus to post-independence wars. An initial deterrent was the nonavailability of artefacts for display. The formidable task was to research and condense centuries of historical data into eight main galleries and a Motivational Hall. Despite tight deadlines, we delivered for a grand opening in October 2016. The technically advanced Museum remains powerful in its purity, simplicity and serenity,’ says Rakesh Kapoor, Principal Architect, Kapoor & Associates.

Emphasis has been laid on portraying the spirit of heroism and sacrifice, of defending one’s motherland, one’s religion, and one’s pride. In emphasising these values, the Museum evinces various tales of resilience and bravery from the Greater Punjab region, right through the times of the Indus Valley Civilization to the Kargil War in 1999.