The Last left Haveli in Baghbanpura Bazaar 2014

 March 04, 2014 

Baghbanpura Bazaar, one of Lahore's longest markets, holds a significant historical connection to the Main family. Amidst the bustling row of shops, one building stood out in Baghbanpura Bazaar - the Mian Saheb Haveli, a residence of the esteemed Mian family. The first floor boasted an elegant arcade adorned with a series of beautiful multifoil arches. The front elevation showcased Gothic-inspired columns and other captivating elements. Sadly, the building has fallen into disrepair, with the wooden planks of the roof deteriorating and collapsing.

However, the property remains a subject of dispute, currently locked under a court order. The Mian family, hailing from the Arain tribe of the Punjab region, carries a rich lineage. Originally from Areha Jericho in modern-day Palestine, they entered the Indian Subcontinent with Umayyad Arab General Muhammad bin Qasim in 711 A.D. Over the centuries, the family has made significant contributions to the region and owned the land near Baghbanpura, which eventually became the site of the renowned Shalimar Gardens. In 1641, the family received custodianship of the Shalimar Gardens from the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan in exchange for the land.

Today, the descendants of the Mian family of Baghbanpura reside in various new localities of Lahore, carrying forward their legacy and heritage.

A PRE-PARTITION SIKH HAVELI IN EMINABAD (2020)

Relevance: Pre-Partition Haveli

Date of Visit:- 23 August 2020

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Article No. 7 on Eminabad

In Eminabad, before the partition of Hindustan, a large community of Hindus and Sikhs used to live alongside Muslims. One can still find remains of many beautiful architectures of that era present in the forms of Havelis, Gardens, Gateways, Temples, and Gurdwaras.  

In the middle of this town,  a pre-partition Haveli still stands, its construction attributed to some Sikh family before 1947. One still can see the splendor of craftmanship in this architecture, multifoil arched gateways, cut bricks arranged in lancet arches pattern around the windows, and Wooden doors with different floral arrangments. Nanak Shahi bricks are used in this building construction. 

The building is occupied by some migrant families and not much care has been given to the conversation in this building. 

A Historical Haveli in Kanjrur, Narowal (2020)

 

 Saturday, 09 August 2020 (Date of Visit)

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Last year, a friend of mine shared a picture of a pre-partition Haveli located in the small town of Kanjrur. Upon seeing the picture, I was immediately struck by its castle-like appearance.

As someone who has been deeply interested in historical architecture in Pakistan for years, I found it surprising that I had never come across this building before. Intrigued, I decided to visit the site of this magnificent Haveli the very next day.

Kanjrur is a union council in Tehsil Shakargarh, Narowal district. The town derives its name from a prominent Sufi figure known as Kanju Peer, whose tomb is located in the village.

Situated approximately 15 kilometers from Narowal city, Kanjrur is positioned on the banks of the Basantar River. The Basantar River is a tributary of the Ravi River that flows through Punjab and Himachal Pradesh. It holds historical significance as it was the site of the Battle of Basantar, a crucial battle fought during the Indo-Pakistani War of 1971 in the western sector of India (December 4–16, 1971).

The construction of this grand Haveli in Kanjrur is attributed to a wealthy Hindu landlord named Dewan Chand. It is believed that the Haveli was built in the early 19th century, making it over a hundred years old. Prior to the partition of India, a substantial number of Hindu families resided in Kanjrur, and the village was home to four Hindu temples.

According to local accounts, Dewan Chand erected this magnificent mansion for his family. The outer walls of the Haveli are heavily fortified, featuring bastions at each corner and reaching a width of 7 feet at certain points. The approximate dimensions of the Haveli are 100 x 102 feet. The Haveli consists of three stories and underground compartments, with the height of the outer facade and boundary walls measuring over 35 feet. In the middle of the outer facade, a Jharoka (balcony) was once situated, providing a view of the outside. Unfortunately, the garden and gateway in front of the Haveli have been destroyed over time.

Additionally, the Haveli contains an escape tunnel beneath the front wall, which was constructed for emergency purposes. Markings of bullets can also be observed on the front elevation, hinting at a mysterious history that begs further investigation.

It is worth noting that most parts of Kanjrur, including this Haveli, are situated atop an ancient mound, adding to the historical allure of the site.

Dewan Chand, known for his philanthropy, also established a school in the town, which still exists to this day. Dewan Chand's family migrated to India before the partition of 1947. Currently, the Haveli is inhabited by several families who have settled there after their own migrations. Unfortunately, the building suffered significant damage during the 2005 earthquake.

The Haveli of Kanjrur stands as a testament to the architectural and historical heritage of the region, drawing visitors with its imposing structure and fascinating past.

Crossing Basanter River