Khalsa College Amritsar: A Legacy of Education and Heritage
Khalsa College Amritsar, a historic educational institution in Punjab, India, stands as a testament to the vision of Sikh scholars who sought to provide higher education to Sikhs and Punjabis. Founded in 1892 during the British Raj, the college has played a significant role in shaping the region's educational landscape and contributing to India's freedom movement. With its distinctive architecture, sprawling campus, and diverse academic programs, Khalsa College continues to uphold its motto of "Akal Sahai" ("With God's Grace") and serve as a beacon of knowledge and progress.
Historical Context and Establishment
The establishment of Khalsa College was driven by the Singh Sabha Movement and Chief Khalsa Diwan, who recognized the need for an institution that would cater to the educational aspirations of the Sikh community. Amritsar was chosen as the ideal location for the college, and efforts were made to raise funds and acquire land for its construction. Sikh Maharajas and people from various cities of Punjab, including wealthy families, contributed generously to this cause. The Khalsa College Establishment Committee, formed in 1890, played a crucial role in overseeing the project. The committee comprised prominent figures such as Colonel W. R. M. Holroyd, Director of Public Instruction, Punjab, as president, and W. Bell, Principal of Government College, Lahore, as secretary, along with native constituents like Sir Attar Singh, Gurdial Singh Maan of Nabha, Diwan Gurmukh Singh of Patiala, Bhai Kahn Singh, Professor Gurmukh Singh, and Sardar Jawahir Singh. After extensive deliberations, it was decided that the first college would be established in Amritsar, followed by another in Lahore.
Architectural Marvel and Design
The architectural design of Khalsa College is a unique blend of Indo-Sarcenic style, drawing inspiration from traditional Indian and Mughal architectural schools. The college building, completed in 1911-12, was designed by Ram Singh, a renowned architect who also contributed to the design of structures in England. Bhai Ram Singh, principal of the Mayo School of Arts, Lahore, collaborated with engineer Dharam Singh Gharjakhia in bringing the architectural vision to life. The main building is considered a gem of the Indo-Sarcenic style.
Campus and Location
The college is located about eight kilometers outside the city center on the Amritsar-Lahore highway (part of the Grand Trunk Road), adjoining Guru Nanak Dev University campus, with which Khalsa College is academically affiliated. The sprawling 300-acre campus was sited just outside the village of Kot Sayyad Mehmood, which was later renamed Kot Khalsa. Notably, this location holds historical significance as the site where Guru Hargobind won his first battle in 1634.
Contribution to India's Freedom Movement
Khalsa College has a rich history of contributing to India's freedom movement. The institution produced numerous freedom fighters, political leaders, armed forces generals, scientists, players, actors, writers, journalists, and scholars who played pivotal roles in the struggle for independence. Further insights into the college's historical significance can be found in the book "History of Khalsa College Amritsar" by Dr. Ganda Singh, former head of the Department of Sikh History at Khalsa College Amritsar. In modern times, research on Khalsa College's history, "The Temple of Study-Khalsa College Amritsar," was initiated by Jaspreet Singh Rajpoot, an alumnus of Khalsa, in 2002 with the collaboration of Khalsa College governing council and Dr.
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Academic Programs and Faculties
Khalsa College is a composite institution with four wings consisting of faculties of Humanities and Social Sciences, Commerce and Business Administration, Sciences, the College of Agriculture and the Institute of Computer Sciences. Khalsa University offers education in various areas of Science, Engineering and Arts. Apart from its existing constituent colleges, a new College of Agricultural Sciences is all set to be established. The plans are also underway to open colleges in Life Sciences, and Law, in the near future. The college boasts 86 classrooms, 10 tutorial rooms, 28 laboratories, a double-storey central library, a spacious conference hall, and a seminar room equipped with audio-visual facilities.
Affiliations and Sister Institutions
Khalsa College is academically affiliated with Guru Nanak Dev University. The Khalsa College Charitable Society, Amritsar, established in 1892 by the leaders of the Singh Sabha Movement, manages as many as 21 educational institutions, including the historic Khalsa College, Amritsar, with an enrolment of more than 35,000 students.
Other institutions under the Khalsa College Charitable Society, Amritsar, include:
- Khalsa College of Physical Education, VPO Heir, District.
- Khalsa College Sr. Sec. School (Boys), Amritsar.
- Khalsa College Sr. Sec. School (Girls), Amritsar.
- Khalsa College Public School, Amritsar.
- Khalsa College International Public School, Ranjit Avenue, Amritsar.
- Khalsa College Public School, Heir, Amritsar.
Khalsa University
Khalsa University, a multi-faculty institution, was established in 2016 under the aegis of the Khalsa College Charitable Society, Amritsar (KCCS) through Punjab Government Act No. 44/2016 under UGC Act, 1956. The mission of Khalsa University is to provide opportunities for educational, vocational, professional, social, linguistic and cultural development of the students of all abilities and backgrounds; enabling them to discover their potential and fulfil their aspirations. The Chancellor of the University (S. Satyajit Singh Majithia), the Pro-Chancellor (S. Rajinder Mohan Singh Chhina) and the Vice Chancellor (Dr.
Notable Figures
Professor Kishen Singh holds the distinction of being the first Sikh Principal of Khalsa College Amritsar. He was a professor of Maths at the College and on 30th April 1898, when Mr Vere O’Ratigan, the then Principal, left the College, Professor Kishen Singh was called to officiate as Principal, thus becoming the first Sikh Principal of the College. He again took over the reins of Principal of the College on 15th August 1899 when Dr. Colonel W. R. M. M. G. V. R. G. G. A.
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The college has produced many prominent educationists, players, bureaucrats and defence personnel. Dr. Dr. Prof V.N. Dr K.S. Dr P.S. Mr G.R. Dr. Dr R.C. Dr B.S.
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