The Haveli Mian Sultan, situated across from the Dina Nath Haveli, stands proudly on the main royal trail within the Delhi Gate of Lahore's Walled City. Its entrance can be found on Gali Mian Sultan, a street named after the remarkable individual himself.
This magnificent Haveli is a three-storey structure, with a distinct smaller structure that appears as a fourth floor. Upon entering, one is greeted by numerous rooms that fill the haveli. However, the true gem lies atop the building—a stunning Sheesh Mahal (Palace of Mirrors) reminiscent of the one found within the Lahore Fort.
Originally hailing from Kashmir and engaged in the soap manufacturing trade, Mian Sultan's life took an unexpected turn during the Sikh era. Endowed with exceptional wrestling skills, he ascended from humble beginnings to become a wealthy contractor for Public Works during British rule. His services involved supplying bricks for the construction of cantonments and other city structures. It was during this prosperous period that he acquired the name Muhammad Sultan, the contractor.
Regrettably, Muhammad Sultan's path to success involved the destruction of numerous old mosques and mausoleums, utilizing the bricks from these historical treasures to erect new edifices. Noteworthy among his demolitions were the palaces of Pari Mahal and Rang Mahal, as well as the magnificent Sitara Begum Mosque.
In the later years of his life, Muhammad Sultan's health declined, and his wealth dissipated. He found himself burdened with a debt of approximately 700,000 rupees, ultimately mortgaging all his properties to the Maharaja of Jammu in order to repay his creditors. Sadly, a few years later, he passed away, and many Muslims of the time believed his misfortune was a consequence of his destructive actions.
Muhammad Sultan's life represents a tale of resilience and transformation. Born as an orphan in Kashmir, he arrived in Lahore with his mother and faced numerous challenges while working various menial jobs. Nevertheless, he persevered and became Lahore's first soap manufacturer. Through his wrestling prowess and connections, he transitioned into contracting work, ultimately attaining a level of wealth and status befitting a true Sultan of Lahore. A testament to his prosperity was the extravagant four lakh rupees spent on his step-brother's wedding, a celebration reminiscent of the grandeur of Prince Nau Nehal Singh's past nuptials.
Notably, Muhammad Sultan organized a remarkable reception for the Prince of Wales, Albert Edward, on January 18, 1876 AD. He adorned all the shops in his Landa Bazaar with intricately carved wooden 'chajas,' earning him great admiration. Additionally, he constructed a beautiful water well within his serai, known as 'Thanda koh,' which provided drinking water to the common people and further solidified his reputation as a benefactor of the community.
