Word Of The Day: Raam-daas-pur

ਰਾਮਦਾਸ ਪੁਰ (raam-daas pur)
Meaning: noun: Literally, the city of (Guru) Ram Das, the earlier name of Amritsar.

Quote:
ਵਸਦੀ ਸਘਨ ਅਪਾਰ   ਅਨੂਪ ਰਾਮਦਾਸ ਪੁਰ॥
vasdee saghan apaar   anoop raam-daas pur.
Very thick population dwells in the incomparably beautiful Ramdas pur.
– Guru Arjan Sahib, Guru Granth Sahib, Page 1362

Message: Historically known as Ramdas pur and colloquially as ‘Ambarsar’, Amritsar is one of the most famous cities in India. It is also one of the largest cities of the Punjab state in India. It was founded by the fourth Guru, Guru Ram Das, on land bought by him. In 1574, the Guru built his residence here and moved to this place. At that time, it was known as Guru ka chakk, and later, it came to be known as Chakk Ramdas or Ramdas pur. However, subsequently, after the name of the pool ‘Amritsar’, it came to be known as Amritsar

Prof. Sahib Singh has interpreted ‘Ramdas pur’ as the congregation or assembly of devout people (saadh sangat). However, it seems that after looking at the thick population settled at Ramdas pur, Guru Arjan Sahib has sung praises of the city in these words. It must have been the case that these areas where the Gurus built towns may not have been well populated by people before. Neither could there have been much industry nor many jobs, thus the region was backward before the coming of the Gurus. Thus Guru Arjan is praising the change and improvement in the town as well as villages around it where people became more industrious and more God loving too.

Bhai Gurdas mentions about it in one of his Vaars as follows:

ਪੂਰਨ ਤਾਲ ਖਟਾਇਆ   ਅੰਮ੍ਰਿਤਸਰ ਿਚਿ ਜੋਤ ਜਗਾਵੈ॥
Guru Ram Das has dug a perfect tank at Amritsar, and settling there, he spreads the light of wisdom.
– Bhai Gurdas, Vaar 1/47

Keen to Explore Further?
Guru Ram Das purchased the land, and after sketching a boundary line of the settlement he came up with the original plan of the new project which was chalked out by Guru Amar Das and conveyed to him for execution. Guru Ram Das was given guidelines for the location of the site and was instructed to found a town, to build houses, to dig a tank (amrit sarowar) and to develop the centre gradually into a city. Arrangements were made for money and assistance. Some intelligent, experienced and elderly Sikhs were instructed to assist him to implement the project. The project was thus executed by Guru Ram Das.

The foundation was laid by Guru Ram Das, and many groups from Patti, Kasur and Kalanaur were called to ensure regular supply of essential commodities to the settlers. A market called Guru ka bazar which still exists now was established. Some wells were dug for water supply. A number of rich bankers and traders also settled down in the town.

The amrit sarowar remained un-bricked till Guru Arjan Sahib ascended the Guru’s throne in 1581. Guru Arjan also settled in the new city with artisans and craftsmen of diverse calling and inculcated in his followers a keen interest in horse trade.
For those times, it must have grown into a very big town which attracted artisans, traders, business people so on and so forth, so much so that the town was bustling with activity and grew fast. The town must have been managed well by the Gurus and their devotees and most probably must have been clean, green and well kept.

It is sad to mention that due to poor management, Amritsar today is not one of the beautiful or clean cities – as it was ‘incomparably beautiful’ in the Gurus period.

However, despite the hustle and bustle of a very busy and crowded city, the atmosphere in the Darbar Sahib (Golden Temple), which is located in the heart of Amritsar, remains incomparably beautiful and peaceful. It is in fact, soul-stirring in contrast to the busy roads, dust and crowds around it.