September 18, 2013
(Based on Majid Sheikh's article on 'Mai Daru de Haveli' and its owner's mystery.)
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| 2013 |
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| 2013 |
In 2013, during a photo walk, I captured a photograph of the exterior of Lal Haveli, which is also known as "Mai Daru de Haveli." It is a captivating old building constructed by Maharajah Ranbir Singh, the son of Maharajah Gulab Singh from the Dogra Jamwal Rajput clan. The haveli served as the residence of Mai Daru, a courtesan associated with Maharajah Partap Singh. It is located in Lohari Gate and was the preferred place for the Maharajah to stay when he visited Lahore.
The haveli, made of red bricks and featuring beautiful wooden 'jharokhas,' had a prime location in Lohari and Bhati Gate bazaars, making it highly sought after during the Sikh era due to its proximity to the bustling trade at Chowk Chakla.
Unfortunately, during the partition in 1947, many historic buildings were destroyed by migrating Muslim traders. This destructive trend continued as influential traders, affiliated with different political parties, took advantage of property transfers.
After the partition, numerous traders from across the border settled in Lahore and quickly occupied vacant shops and buildings in the northern areas, leading to the deterioration of the southwest areas, including the housing in Lohari Bazaar.
As a result, the ownership of Lal Haveli became unclear, especially after it endured attacks during the 1947 riots and the burning of the nearby Shahalami area. Despite facing these challenges, Lal Haveli remained standing, but neglect now poses the greatest threat as the building is falling apart. Urgent action is needed to preserve this historical site.
The ground floor of the haveli, which used to face the bazaar, has been converted into shops with crude concrete columns and slabs protecting iron shutters. The once-beautiful facade of the haveli has been damaged, and the shops are divided by rough brick walls.
Inside the building, the original layout with a central courtyard still exists. However, the balconies are empty, contributing to a melancholic atmosphere amidst the decay. Despite this, the stories associated with the haveli bring some joy.
Understanding the significance of Lal Haveli requires knowledge of Maharajah Partap Singh, the third Dogra ruler of Jammu and Kashmir. He ruled from 1885 to 1925 and would visit Lal Haveli twice a year for budget discussions. Maharajah Partap Singh was highly respected and established commendable healthcare and education institutions. Mai Daru's association with such an enlightened ruler adds to her importance.
Mai Daru, known for her poetry, played a significant role in the haveli's history. Classical music sessions were held on the rooftop when the Maharajah visited on weekends. Exploring the building reveals how the top floor transforms into an open courtyard, providing a peaceful escape from the busy bazaar.
It is crucial to unravel the mystery surrounding the ownership of Mai Daru's haveli and preserve it for public use. This effort would benefit the people and safeguard our cultural heritage. Despite the challenges, it is important to protect our past as it often lays the foundation for our dreams.
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| 2023 |
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| 2023 |
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| 2023 |
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| 2023 |
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