Samadhis of three Sikh Royal Queen's (2018)

                   Nakayain Kaur, Chand Kaur and Sahib Kaur's Samadhis

Date of Visit:- 18-08-2018

(All images copyright 2018 Mirza Ali Usman Baig, text written in this article is the author's Research and shouldn't be reproduced)

Situated within the grounds of Islamia College at Civil Lines, just southwest of the Chilla of Baba Farid Ganj Shakar, are the magnificent tombs of the royal ladies from the Sikh Empire. These tombs rest upon a sturdy 10-foot-high square platform. Originally, a staircase on the east end of the platform led up to the tomb of Maharani Nakain Kaur. Her tomb is square in structure, measuring 16 feet on each side, and crowned with a fluted dome. Though the metal finial that once adorned the dome is no longer present, doors have been installed on all four sides. Inside the tomb, at the center, there is an 18-inch-high platform measuring 3 feet by 3 feet. Resting atop this platform is the stone urn containing the ashes of Maharaja Ranjit Singh's second wife, and the mother of Kharak Singh, originally named Raj Kaur but later known as Datar Kaur. To avoid confusion with Ranjit Singh's mother, also named Raj Kaur, she changed her name. Maharaja Ranjit Singh affectionately referred to her as Mal Nakain. Datar Kaur passed away on June 20, 1838, and her tomb was constructed around the same time.

Adjacent to Nakain Kaur's tomb, to the south on the same platform, stands the tomb of Maharani Chand Kaur, wife of Kharak Singh and mother of Naunehal Singh. Like her mother-in-law's tomb, Chand Kaur's tomb is also square in shape, measuring 16 feet on each side. Small domed towers crown each of the four corners of the building, while a fluted dome similar to Nakain Kaur's adorns the center. However, unlike Nakain Kaur's tomb, this dome was never furnished with a finial, and only a metal rod could be seen protruding from the top when Kanhaiya Lal described the tombs in 1884. Chand Kaur was married Kharak Singh at the tender age of 10 in 1812. In November 1840, after the deaths of her husband and son, she claimed the throne of Lahore, holding the position for approximately two and a half months. Chand Kaur challenged Sher Singh, the second son of Maharaja Ranjit Singh, asserting that her daughter-in-law, Sahib Kaur, the widow of Kanvar Naunehal Singh, was pregnant, and she would assume regency on behalf of the unborn heir to her husband's throne. However, Sher Singh garnered support from a rival faction at the court and a section of the army, and he marched upon Lahore. In July 1841, Sahib Kaur, widow of Nau Nihal Singh, gave birth to a stillborn son, thus extinguishing Chand Kaur's hopes of realizing her claims. On June 11, 1842, Chand Kaur was assassinated by her maids, who had been appointed by Dhian Singh in collaboration with Sher Singh.

 

Between these tombs, to the west, stands a smaller tomb belonging to Sahib Kaur, the wife of Naunehal Singh. This octagonal-shaped tomb is about half the height of the other two tombs and is crowned by a simpler, smaller dome. Naunehal Singh was married to Sahib Kaur in 1837 when he was 16 years old. Sahib Kaur passed away in 1841.

Samadhi of Mahrani Chand Kaur, Saheb Kaur and Nakayian Kaur (L to R)

Samadhi of Chand Kaur

Samadhi of Nakian Kaur

Samadhi of Saheb Kaur

Gurudwara Lahura Sahib at Ghawindi, Lahore

All pictures are owned

27-03-2019

Front Elevation

Ghawindi village, located on the Lahore-Ghawindi road, holds a significant place in Sikh history. Situated just two kilometers from the village is the revered shrine known as Lahura Sahib, dedicated to Jagat Guru. This shrine derives its name from an event involving Guru Nanak, who arrived in Ghawindi after his visit to "Jahman" and sought shelter under the shade of a Lahura tree. The Lahura tree, also known as Rahura or Rahira, is known for its saffron-colored flowers that bloom in spring. Additionally, the wood of this tree is used in the crafting of musical instruments such as the sarangi.

During Guru Nanak's visit to Ghawindi, there was a settlement of Gypsies in the area. It was during this time that a boy was born in one of the Gypsy families, leading to great celebrations. However, Bhai Mardana, Guru Nanak's companion, had been hungry for the past two days and requested permission to go to the village and find food. Guru Nanak granted him permission but advised him not to beg for food. When Mardana went to the Gypsy family's house, they were so engrossed in their festivities that they paid no attention to his hunger.

According to the divine will, it is said that the newborn baby boy passed away, plunging the family into mourning. In response, Guru Nanak urged them to surrender to the divine will and composed a shabd (a sacred hymn) in Shri Rag, titled "Pere."

Over time, a Gurdwara was built at the site where the Sikhs of the Guru had gathered. For centuries, the Guru Granth Sahib, the holy scripture of Sikhism, was present in the Gurdwara. However, the Gurdwara's current condition is a far cry from its former glory. The main gate has fallen, and the Prakashasthan (the place of enlightenment) has disappeared. Only two rooms remain, housing the offices of the Union Council. Nevertheless, the Gurdwara still possesses 20 bighas of attached land.

The Gurdwara at Lahura Sahib serves as a poignant reminder of the spiritual significance and historical events associated with Guru Nanak's visit to Ghawindi. Despite its present state, the site continues to hold reverence for followers of Sikhism, who cherish the memory of Guru Nanak and the divine teachings he imparted during his time in the village.

Another View

Inside view

Remnants of Water Pond

2nd Visit ‎Saturday, ‎17 ‎December ‎2022

Gurdwara at Model Town Lahore with Unknown History

03-08-2018

31°29'27.87"N,  74°19'56.50"E

Somebody had conceived the idea in 1925 of acquiring a big tract of jungle wasteland, a few miles out of Lahore and develop a Town, dividing it up into plots, and constituting it as The Model Town Co-operative Society. Everyone who bought a plot became a member with a vote in the Society. The plan of the town was completely geometrical. It had a series of concentric circular roads, crossed by four main roads at right angles, and smaller roads in between, all beginning from the inner circle and dividing the area into equal segments. The roads had no name, but the blocks were alphabetically numbered. Along, with mosque and temple a Gurdwara complex was also constructed near to B Block market.

I tried to find authentic references from which I could able to trace the historical background of this Gurdwara but not much is available on internet. The Sikhiwiki website has lists of all Gurdwara’s constructed in Lahore.  According to Sikhiwikhi there were 36 Gurdwara’s present in Lahore before 1947 partition, however, interestingly the name of this Gurdwara’s is missing in that list.

Recently, I visited the site of this Gurdwara construction; and found that the architecture of this Gurdwara is quite modern, kiln bricks were used in column beams construction. In roof wooden girders were placed to support brick reinforced slab. We are not allowed to visit or photographed the abounded Gurdwara building from inside as migrant families are living in it. They have already changed the architecture according to modern requirement of living, Lime plaster removed with cement. Arched windows fallen with time.

Gurudwara Chhevin Patshahi, Mozang Lahore

07-05-18

In 1619 AD, Guru Hargobind Ji arrived in Lahore accompanied by Diwan Chandu. During his time in Lahore, an incident took place where he asked Bibi Kaulan, a devoted follower, to ride his horse. The shrine commemorating this event is located on Temple Road in Mozang.

Originally, the sacred place was established by Maharaja Ranjit Singh, but it was later relocated to its current building in 1926 AD with the help of the late Sardar Mehar Singh. The maintenance of the shrine was entrusted to the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee from 1927 to 1947. Presently, it is under the custodianship of the Waqf Board.

The Gurdwara Sahib is adorned with nine shops that have been endowed to support its upkeep. A significant event celebrated at this shrine is the Akhand Path, which involves the uninterrupted recitation of the Guru Granth Sahib, the holy scripture of Sikhism. This special recitation is conducted annually on the birth anniversary of Guru Hargobind Ji.

The doors of the Gurdwara Sahib are open to the Sangat (congregation) at all times, welcoming devotees and visitors alike. The daily congregational prayers are held there, fostering a sense of spiritual unity and devotion among the Sikh community.

This shrine holds historical and religious significance, commemorating the presence of Guru Hargobind Ji in Lahore and the interactions he had with his devoted followers. It continues to serve as a place of worship, reflection, and community for Sikhs, honoring the teachings and legacy of Guru Hargobind Ji.

The Forgotten Mahan Singh Garden and his Samadhi in Lahore

22-04-2018

Samadhi

One of the cherished memories from my childhood is the sight of an old structure standing proudly between Naz Cinema and St. John Church as I crossed Mission Road in Lahore. During that time, some of our relatives resided near Civil Lines College in Lahore, and whenever we visited them, we would hire a Tonga from Lahore Railway Station. The usual route would take us through Lakshami Chowk, and occasionally Tonga would turn from Mission Road into Bansaanwala Bazaar, Shah Alam, until finally reaching our last stop, Daata Sahib. It was during these journeys, approximately thirty years ago, that I first became acquainted with this intriguing edifice.

As a child, I couldn't discern the difference between a 'Samadhi' and a 'Mandir.' Whenever I inquired about this particular structure from my father, he would always refer to it as a 'Mandir' and explain that this area was once inhabited by a thriving Hindu community before the Partition of 1947.

Recently, I had the opportunity to visit this edifice. I discovered that it is, in fact, a 'Samadhi' dedicated to Mahan Singh. Situated within the housing quarters of St. John Church, the area encompassing St. John Church and Naz Cinema is also known as "Mahan Singh ka Bagh" (Mahan Singh's Garden).

Although not much historical information is available about Mahan Singh, it is believed that he was an esteemed courtier during the reign of Maharaja Ranjeet Singh. The Maharaja granted him this land as a token of appreciation. When examining historical records, the only name that matches that of Mahan Singh during Maharaja Ranjeet Singh's era is that of Sardar Raja Mahan Singh Mirpuri (d. 1844). Sardar Raja Mahan Singh Mirpuri was a renowned general in the Sikh Khalsa Army and served as the second-in-command to General Sardar Hari Singh Nalwa. He earned the title of Raja from Maharaja Ranjit Singh for his conquests in Haripur, Nowshehra, and Peshawar. The town of Mansehra derives its name from him. During a hunting expedition of Maharaja Ranjit Singh in Lahore, Mahan Singh, who was in search of employment at the time, caught the Maharaja's attention by single-handedly slaying a leopard with his sword. Impressed by his bravery, the Maharaja enlisted him into the army under the renowned General Hari Singh Nalwa.

Mahan Singh played a pivotal role in the battles of Peshawar and Kashmir. He also showed remarkable courage during the siege of Multan in 1818, where he was seriously wounded on two occasions. Eventually, he rose to become the second-in-command to Hari Singh Nalwa. In April 1837, he valiantly defended the Jamrud Fort against Afghan invaders, even concealing the news of Hari Singh Nalwa's demise until reinforcements arrived from Lahore.

Following the death of Hari Singh Nalwa, Mai Desan, his widow adopted Mahan Singh as her son and arranged his marriage into a Mohan family from Gujranwala, following Muhiyal traditions. Tragically, Sardar Raja Mahan Singh met his untimely demise in 1844 when mutiny erupted within the Sikh Khalsa Army, and he was murdered by his own soldiers.

Regrettably, the Samadhi is currently in a state of disrepair and is being used for storage purposes. Nonetheless, traces of fresco artwork can still be observed within the premises. The approximate coordinates of this site are 31°34'4.62"N, 74°19'13.55"E

Another view of Samadhi

Inside View of Samadhi

Inside View of Samadhi

Inside Roof 

 Another View of Samadhi

This place  was used to be Mahan Singh Garden

 This place used to be Mahan Singh Garden

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