The Nabha Foundation

The Nabha Foundation is building on the philanthropic activities of the Khemka Family and its roots in Nabha, by taking up issues of sustainable rural development, infrastructure upgradation and heritage conservation in Nabha, Punjab. One of the prime initiatives of the foundation is to create two institutes in Nabha focused on rural entrepreneurship and management with the active engagement of the government and other stakeholders in Punjab. The institutes would be set up in the 18th century Nabha Quila (fortress) as an important example of the adaptive reuse of such a building in India. On a broader view, The Nabha Foundation is leading a process change in mainstreaming heritage in the developmental process in Punjab, as part of the foundation's strategic vision for urban regeneration in this region.

Historical Landscape Plan. Image: Tehsil office, Nabha, Punjab Gov.

Background on Nabha

Nabha is the sub-divisional headquarter of District Patiala, Punjab, located about 20 km from Patiala. The town is surrounded by agricultural land of which about 432 acres falls in the urban areas of Nabha. Within its municipal council limits, the town has a population of 62,000 (2001 census). Employment is generated from a mix of agriculture, industry and administrative offices. In addition, Nabha is known for its household handicraft industry, for its waistcords, parandis and Punjabi juttis. The town has several educational institutions that include the Punjab Public School, Ripudaman College and Government Arts and Crafts College.

Interconnected courtyard, Quila Androon, Nabha. Image: CRCI

About the Nabha Quila

The continuing association of the people of Nabha with the values of past kings, especially Maharaja Hira Singh and Maharaja Ripudaman Singh, as progressive individuals who actively contributed to the welfare of the citizens, defines the future role of the Quila complex in the public realm.

Built over a span of 150 years, predominantly by Maharaja Hira Singh (1871-1911), the Quila Complex is a unique example of fortified palace architecture in Punjab. The complex, owned by Government of Punjab, is spread over 14460 sq m of land. Quila Nabha is a near regular square (roughly 90x90 m) with a clearly defined main axis surrounded by a square outer wall (160x160 m).

Right: Nabha Quila façade

While it maintains an outwardly medieval façade, in its time the Quila incorporated a ‘state of the art’ colonial architectural vocabulary. The Quila complex is known to have been in active use by the rulers of Nabha for most of its life (till the early 20th century). It symbolizes the relationship of successive rulers with the British Empire. The socio-political climate during the lives of the various rulers is represented in the changes in the building. It is these collective features of the complex which need to be conserved.

Landscape associated with the historic Quila and the rural communities, Nabha.
Image: CRCI