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.