Ghuram

Ghuram / Kuhram / Kahram, situated at (30° 7' N and 76° 33' E) 29 miles (slightly West) of Rajpura and 6 miles South (slightly East) of Patiala, is today known as Ramgarh. It is a very ancient palace that one old tradition takes it back to the days of the Ramayana, when it was the abode of Rama’s maternal grandfather. The old ruins in its vicinity speak for its antiquity, though its early history has been long lost. During the days of Rajput Kings, Ghuram (Kuhram of the Persian Writers) was an important town with a strong fort to protect it.

During the fifties of the seventeenth century (1650s), Ghuram was held by Malhi Khan as a biswedar proprietor. He was a tyrant and was notorious for his extortions. Baba Ala Singh of Patiala had risen to eminence at that time. He was a brave soldier and a humane ruler who was looked upon by the oppressed people as a possible source of timely help and consolation. So the people of Ghuram came to Patiala and appealed to Baba Ala Singh's noble wife, Mai Fato, for deliverance.

Apparently their talk with Mai Fato had the desired effect for soon Malhi Khan was dispossessed of Ghuram and it was taken under the direct control of Patiala. Maharaja Karam Singh of Patiala built a fort here and named it Ramgarh, evidently in memory of Rama of Valmiki's Ramayana fame.