Wondering in the Streets of Historical Eminabad (2020)

Date of Visit:- 23 August 2020

Situated approximately 10 to 15 kilometers southeast of the bustling city of Gujranwala, Eminabad emerges as a town steeped in antiquity. Its history dates back to a time long past, believed to have been inhabited during the first century BCE under the rule of Raja Salavan of Sialkot.

Prior to the partition of Hindustan, Eminabad thrived as a vibrant melting pot, where a diverse community of Hindus, Sikhs, and Muslims coexisted harmoniously. Even in the present day, the remnants of splendid architecture that grace the landscape serve as poignant reminders of the town's rich cultural and religious heritage.

These architectural marvels include resplendent Havelis adorned with intricate designs, serene gardens that evoke a sense of tranquility, majestic gateways that once welcomed visitors with grandeur, sacred temples where devotees sought solace, and gurdwaras where Sikhs congregated to pay homage to their faith.

Exploring Eminabad provides a unique opportunity to journey through time, immersing oneself in the tapestry of history and bearing witness to the tangible echoes of the past.

DAK CHOWKI (MAIL STATION) WAZIRABAD

 32°26'34.91"N 74° 6'39.82"E

Relevance: SHER SHAH SURI

Date of Visit:- 02 JULY 2017 & 2023

(All pictures are owned, kindly respect copyrights)

Wazirabad is located on the banks of river Chenab and is nearly thirty kilometers from the District Capital Gurjanawala. 

A historical 16 th Century edifice stands in a decrepit state on the route of the old Grand Trunk road in this city. It is believed that this building was constructed in 1560 in the Sher Shah Suri era and was used as a mail station (Dakh Chowki) in his reign. 

This edifice is rectangular and constructed on a brick platform of 70 x 70 feet, which was raised nearly 03 feet above the natural ground surface. It has rough dimensions of 40 x 40 feet. On all four walls, pointed arch openings are present. The structure has squinches on all four corners to raise a circular dome. However, the dome is not present now, and it might be fallen in past. The thickness of the walls is nearly 04 feet and it is constructed of small bricks. On the external facade, cut brickwork is used. There are four small minarets also present on each corner that seems to be reconstructed. All plasterwork is disappeared; at some points on the inner side of the pointed arch sign of fresco work still can be seen. 

 

Pictures from 2023 During Restoration:-

Remains of A 'Dakh Chowki' in Eminabad (2020)

 32° 2'28.82"N 74°15'23.26"E

Relevance: Dakh Chowki, Garden

Date of Visit:- 23 August 2020

(All pictures are owned, kindly respect copyrights)

Article-No. 11 on Eminabad

Eminabad is a town located 10 to 15 kilometers southeast of Gujranwala city. The history of this town is quite ancient, it is believed that the town was inhabited during the first century BCE by Raja Salavan of Sialkot.

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.

Near the old Gateway of Eminabad an old structure is standing, local people called it 'Dakh Chowki', however, was a corner bastion of a pre-partition walled Garden. it has a staircase and rooms constructed on one side. 

Haveli of Seth Dewan Amarnath Chopra, Eminabad. (2020)

32° 2'35.56"N 74°15'38.57"E

Relevance: architecture, Haveli

Date of Visit:- 23 August 2020

(All pictures are owned, kindly respect copyrights)

Article-No. 10 on Eminabad

Haveli of Seth Dewan Amarnath, Eminabad. The Chopra family haveli in Diwan Mohalla at Eminabad co-exists with a handful of jharokha fronted Havelis of other Eminabad Diwans. They are now in the hands of those who took over after the Partition. Of the original 120-roomed four stories, two stories were taken down to prevent collapse after a huge old railing fell. It was later replaced with brick and cement. Now mostly demolished in Mohalla Dewan Wala in Eminabad. The apathy of the Pakistani archeology department is disgraceful. Treasures and heritage are being systematically destroyed.

 

My other articles on #Eminabad

https://aliusmanbaig.blogspot.com/2020/09/old-eid-gah-eminabd.html

https://aliusmanbaig.blogspot.com/2022/06/a-historical-mosque-of-lodhi-era-in.html

 https://aliusmanbaig.blogspot.com/2020/10/an-ancient-mound-of-eminabad.html

 https://aliusmanbaig.blogspot.com/2022/06/a-pre-partition-sikh-haveli-in-eminabad.html

 https://aliusmanbaig.blogspot.com/2022/06/the-five-pre-partition-hindu-temples-of.html

 https://aliusmanbaig.blogspot.com/2022/06/an-unknown-pre-partition-sikh-samadhi.html

 https://aliusmanbaig.blogspot.com/2022/06/a-dilapidated-pre-partition-shamshan.html

 https://aliusmanbaig.blogspot.com/2022/06/remains-of-crumbling-mausoleum-in.html