110. Clock Tower of Sialkot
A clock tower was once a common feature of modern cities. In Pakistan, there are at least seven such towers. The most famous among them is the Ghanta Ghar of Faisalabad, so well-known that I once believed it to be the only clock tower in the country. It is perhaps the largest of them all.
During my recent visit to Sialkot on 24 July 2019, I had the chance to see its clock tower. It is a beautiful structure and is well maintained. However, the cloudy weather and the drab brown paint somewhat hid its charm, and the pictures I took do not do it justice. The tower is located at 32°30’58.01″N, 74°33’23.13″E.
The clock tower of Sialkot. (24.07.2019.)
Another view. (24.07.2019.)
Apparently the clock in the tower was made by Rado. (24.07.2019.)
Another view of the tower. (24.07.2019.)
The square is called Iqbal square. (24.07.2019.)
IQBAL SQUARE.
THE CLOCK TOWR
IS
ERECTED AS A TOKEN
OF
LOYALTY AND ESTEEM
TO COMMEMORATE THE
VISIT OF
HIS ROYAL HIGHNESS
EDWARD PRINCE OF WALES
OF INDIA
ANNO DOMINI 1921 – 22
BY
RAI SAHIB RAMJI DASS
SIALKOT
“FIDE ET FEDICIA”
(In Faith and Truth)
The above plaque gives us some information about the construction of this tower. It was constructed in honour of the Prince of Wales, the future King Edward VIII (1894 – 1972). The prince visited India from October 1921 to March 1922. The above description also suggests that the cost was borne by one Rai Sahib Ramji Dass, to show his loyalty towards the British Government. I could not find any information about Rai Sahib.
FOUNDATION STONE
LAID BY
GENERAL SIR W.R. BIRDWOOD BART G.C.M.C., K.C.B., K.C.S.I., C.I.ED.
William Birdwood, who laid the foundation stone of this monument, was a British military officer. He was born in Kirkee (Khadki) near Pune in 1865. He joined army in 1883 and later on saw action in Boer War and Gallipoli. At the time of the construction of this tower, he was Commander of the Northern Army of India. In 1925 he was made Field Marshall. He died in England in 1951.
Field Marshall William Birdwood. (1865 – 1951)
Bishamber Dass and Sons Furniture House. (24.07.2019.)
Another view of the building, located near the tower. (24.10.2019.)
It is a beautiful monument and adds to the beauty of the city of Sialkot. Keep it on your list of things to see in Sialkot whenever you plan to visit this city. It is now going to complete its century in the near future. I shall appreciate if you could add details about its construction and its architectural features. Especially Rai Sahib Ramji Dass, the person who constructed this monument.
Tariq Amir
October 30, 2019.
Doha – Qatar.
