Unveiling
the Forgotten Haveli of Sardar Jawala Singh Padhania
Having lived in Lahore all my life, I confess that I had never heard of Padhana village until today. It is situated on the outskirts, at the very end of Barki Road. Venturing to this lesser-known destination, I discovered the intriguing Sardar Charan Singh Haveli, which had later been converted to Islam and renamed Sardar Sana Ullah.
This haveli holds great historical significance as it belonged to Sardar Jawala Singh Padhania, a prominent figure in Punjab. The Padhania family, belonging to the Sandhu Jatt community, held a prominent position as one of the oldest Sardars in Punjab. In fact, Rani Jind Kaur, the Empress of Punjab, had an elder sister who was married to Sardar Jawala Singh of Padhana. During the reign of Maharaja Ranjit Singh, they wielded significant power and influence over the village of Padhana, spanning the 18th, 19th, and early 20th centuries, until the partition of 1947.
Padhana boasted a large number of Sikh Sardars during the 18th to 20th centuries, and the haveli in the picture served as their ancestral home.
Jawala Singh Padhania, also known as Lakhdata, was a renowned military commander and a member of the Sandhu Jatt community from Padhana village in Lahore district. His father, Mit Singh, had served under Mahari Singh Sukkarchakkia and continued his service under Maharaja Ranjit Singh, participating in numerous military campaigns. According to Sohan Lal Suri, the official Lahore diarist, Javala Singh was listed among the principal Sardars of the Maharaja. Following in his father's footsteps, Jawala Singh actively took part in the Maharaja's Malva campaign in 1807, as well as expeditions to Multan (1818), Kashmir (1819), and Mankera (1821). He was entrusted with the responsibility of guarding the fortress of Attock, which he successfully defended against Afghan attacks with a small contingent of troops.
In 1829, Jawala Singh suffered a paralytic stroke and retired from active service. Known for his bravery, he was also a man of great generosity. Tales of his benevolence toward faqirs, Brahmans, and the impoverished are still recounted. One remarkable incident involved his rescue of Diwan Baisakha Singh, a kardar under Karivar Sher Singh, by paying his hefty fine of over one lakh of rupees. It was after this incident that he earned the moniker "Lakhdata" or "dispenser of lakhs/millions."
Jawala Singh, who was married to Maharani Jind Kaur's elder sister, established an expansive garden between Lahore and Badami Bagh, which became a favored retreat for the Maharaja. He frequently held court there and welcomed foreign dignitaries. Jawala Singh passed away in 1835, leaving behind a legacy of valor and compassion.
The
forgotten haveli of Sardar Jawala Singh Padhania stands as a testament to the
remarkable history and heritage of our land. It serves as a reminder of the
influential figures who played a significant role in shaping Punjab's past. It
is essential that we recognize and preserve such historical sites, as they
encapsulate the richness of our cultural legacy for future generations to
appreciate and admire.
