The historic city of Panipat, known for three major battles, is set to host a grand Shaurya Memorial. Spanning 23 acres, including the existing six-acre Kala Amb Memorial, the monument will be located near Ugrakheri village along the Panipat-Sanoli-Haridwar highway.
Land Acquisition and Collaboration
The process of purchasing approximately 17 acres of additional land for the project is nearly complete. The memorial will be jointly developed by the governments of Haryana and Maharashtra. Meanwhile, the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) has decided to upgrade amenities at the Kala Amb Memorial to international standards for visitors.
Historical Significance of Panipat
Panipat witnessed three pivotal battles in Indian history. The First Battle of Panipat on April 21, 1526, saw Babur defeat Ibrahim Lodi, ending the Delhi Sultanate. The Second Battle on November 5, 1556, resulted in Akbar's victory over Hemu. The Third Battle of Panipat on January 14, 1761, was fought between the Maratha Empire under Sadashivrao Bhau and Ahmad Shah Abdali, costing over 70,000 Maratha lives.
The Kala Amb Memorial marks the spot where Sadashivrao Bhau was killed. Legend says a mango tree turned black from the bloodshed, giving the site its name. The memorial, protected by the ASI, honors Maratha sacrifices.
Visitor Numbers and Annual Events
Approximately 5,000 visitors come monthly, many from Maharashtra. The Yodha Smarak Samiti and Shaurya Smarak Committee organize an annual program on January 14 to honor fallen warriors.
Plans for the New Memorial
The Shaurya Memorial will be built adjacent to Kala Amb. During a visit on January 14 last year, Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis announced a statue of Chhatrapati Shivaji at the site. Additional Chief Secretary Vikas Kharge reviewed the project in June. The Haryana Information and Public Relations Department has purchased nearly all 17 acres of land.
Sunil Kumar, District Information and Public Relation Officer, confirmed that land acquisition is almost complete. Gaurav Narwal, ASI senior conservation assistant, stated that Kala Amb is a protected historical war memorial.
Upgraded Facilities
In addition to the memorial, a large park with CCTV surveillance has been developed. The ASI headquarters plans to provide world-class basic amenities, including potable water, toilets, and facilities for specially-abled individuals, to attract more visitors and restore the monument to its former glory.
