Under British rule came a new vision for Amritsar. This new era featured an exertion of European cultural imperialism marked by the tragic demolition of the lost palace by British authorities and the construction of a large gothic style clock tower in its place to dominate over Darbar Sahib and the Amritsar skyline.
Construction of the clock tower started in 1862 and work on the project would continue for over a decade until eventually completed in 1874 at a heavy cost of over
Rs. 50,000. Although a clock tower traditionally has a small base, it was decided that the lost palace and all other buildings in the area would be demolished during construction to create a large open courtyard around the new clock tower.
Looking completely out of place at Darbar Sahib the clock tower was an eye sore and much hated by the Sikhs yet it would endure towering over the Amritsar complex for over 70 years.
From my personal collection is a group of images of Durbar sahib, and the Gothic clock tower.
Real picture postcard.
c1904
Rare lithographed and embossed postcard.
c1900s
Rare Original albumen photo of golden temple and clock tower.
c1870s-80s
Rare raised effect and embossed postcard.
c1902
Temple and clock tower.
Printed postcard.
c1900
Printed postcard of Durbar sahib.
c1902
Printed colour postcard of temple and clock tower.
By Moorli dur & sons.
c1900s
Printed postcard of golden temple and clock tower.
c1905
Durbar sahib and British clock tower
Real photo postcard.
c1910
Printed postcard of general view at Amritsar.
c1900s
Original Photo of the golden temple and clock tower at Amritsar.
c1900s
Birds-eye view of the temple and clock tower.
Lithographed Printed postcard.
c1900s
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