Ghanta Ghar — Famous Historical Site of Peshawar
The historic Sir Cunningham Clock Tower, commonly known as Ghanta Ghar, has been a symbol of Peshawar’s past for many years. The 85 foot tall structure is hard to miss, and its iron bell used to be the way that people told time. Recently, the government has restored and rehabilitated the clock tower, allowing its 100-year-old clock and bell to continue ringing at an accurate time. It may no longer be relevant for today’s fast-paced life, but this landmark is a reminder of times gone by.
The Sir Cunningham clock tower is a historic landmark that was erected at the turn of the 20th Century to commemorate Queen Victoria’s diamond jubilee. It was built by municipal engineer James Strachan and funded by the Balmukand family in 1900, and is named after then-Governor of the North-West Frontier Province Sir George Cunningham. The Balmukand family migrated to Amritsar, India following the Partition of British India, where they now operate a food company under the brand ‘Clock Tower’. The Cunningham clock tower stands as a reminder of the rich history and culture of the region.
The Cunningham Clock Tower in Bazar-e-Kalan has a long and storied history, but in recent years it has been neglected and left to decay. In 2003, late Haroon Bilour, who was then serving as the town Nazim, ordered repair work on the tower in an effort to preserve its historical significance. However, since then the upkeep has been inconsistent and the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government has not carried out archaeological restoration on the structure due to concerns that the process could potentially damage its archaeological value. The importance of this iconic structure must not be overlooked, and more must be done to ensure its preservation for future generations.
Inside the clock tower, one can find artefacts and images from the past that tell the story of Peshawar’s history. Visitors can take a look at portraits of Sir George Cunningham and James Strachan, as well as photographs of Peshawar fire brigade’s old vehicles and other historic landmarks.
The city of Peshawar is a great source of historical richness. Its clock tower offers an incredible view of the city and its numerous historical sites like the Qila Bala Hissar, Gor Khatri archaeological complex, Qissa Khawani Bazaar, the home of Raj Kapoor, and the bustling markets of Peepal Mandi. The Kabuli Gate, one of Peshawar’s 16 historical gates, is located in close proximity to the clock tower and can be seen from its peak. Visiting the clock tower allows one to take in the sights and sounds of each of these fascinating places and it can easily be done in a day’s time.
Chowk Yadgar, formerly known as Hasting’s Memorial, is an important landmark in the old walled city of Peshawar, Pakistan. It is located west of the clock tower and is part of the first-ever Khyber Pakhtunkhwa heritage trail. The trail leads from Ghanta Ghar to the Sethian Mohallah, which houses seven palatial wooden Havelis, and finally to the Gor Khatri archaeological complex, which was used by the Italian mercenary general Paolo Avaitable as his residence during the Sikh rule of the city.
Monuments such as the Cunningham clock tower play an important role in preserving a city’s history and identity. Their presence serves as physical reminders of the past, allowing us to connect with our roots and understand the changes our city has gone through. Consequently, maintaining the tower is essential for keeping the city’s connection to its past alive. To neglect this unique landmark and other historic sites would be to do a disservice to the city’s rich history.
Cunningham clock tower (Ghanta Ghar) is strongly recommended for people who are engrossed in archaeology and history as this place has a lot to tell. So what are you waiting for? Plan your trip by clicking on the following link and fill the form.
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Top 13 Beautiful Places to Visit in Peshawar 2023
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