Situated in the northern part of India, Amritsar was founded by Guru Ram Das and houses the Golden Temple, locally known as the Harmandir Sahib. The hub of Sikhs religious, cultural and political history, the city is popularly known as a tourist destination and for its farm produce, fabrics and carpets, light engineering, service trades and handicrafts. The economics, demographics, culture and social structure of the region were greatly affected when Amritsar became the border city as the state of Punjab was divided between India and Pakistan. However the city is home to an array of tourist attractions such as Akal Takht.
Founded by Guru Hargobind, the sixth Sikh Guru, Akal Takht was initially a symbol of Sikhs political sovereignty. Literally meaning Seat/Throne of God or The Seat/Throne of the Timeless One, Akal Takht is situated in the Harmandir Sahib complex in Amritsar, Punjab. Serving as the central altar for political assemblies of Sikh, the building is the primary seat of Sikh religious authority and stands facing Sri Harmandir Sahib.
Having been destroyed during a special operation carried out by the Indian Army following divisive orders of then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi, the building once served as a base from which the temporal and spiritual concerns and apprehensions of the Sikhs could be carefully acted upon.
Considered as the best of all the Takhts, others being Keshgarh Sahib, Patna Sahib, Hazur Sahib and Damdama Sahib, the original structure of the building was created by Guru Hargobind, Baba Buddha and Bhai Gurdas. However, currently it is a modern structure with 5 stories with a gold-leafed dome and inlaid marble. A layer of lime plaster decorated with paints was uncovered during recent restoration work. This lime plaster is believed to be part of the original structure. The structure on marble pillars is semi-circular and is reminiscent of an air-house with its open view to the courtyard.
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