The SS Jain Hall Lahore (2013)

 Date of Visit April 7, 2013

View of Jain Hall Building from Street now occupied by migrant families 

In 1940, the foundation stone of the SS Jain Hall was laid by Shrimiti Sukh Devi Jain. This significant event took place during a period when the total population of the Municipality of Lahore was 671,659. At that time, Muslims comprised the majority with 64.50 percent, while Hindus and Sikhs, along with a small Christian community and individuals from other minority groups, made up the remaining 36 percent.

Jainism, also known as Jaina dharma, is an ancient Indian religion that advocates non-violence towards all living beings. It is one of the oldest religions in the world, with its roots deeply embedded in ancient India. According to tradition, Jainism was preached by twenty-four propagators of faith known as Tirthankaras. The core principles of Jainism revolve around spiritual independence and equality among all forms of life. Practitioners of this religion believe that non-violence and self-control are essential for attaining liberation from the cycle of reincarnation.

The SS Jain Hall is situated within the premises of Tehsil Bazaar, in the historic Lahori Gate area of Lahore. This hall served as a gathering place for Jains to conduct their religious activities. The hall features a lofty roof, reaching a height of at least 20 feet. On the center of the rear wall, a wooden symbol of Jainism is prominently displayed. During its prime, the building also contained a mandap, which was used for performing marriage ceremonies. The walls of the hall bear inscriptions in Hindi script.

Unfortunately, the current state of the structure is in extreme disrepair. The ground floor has been occupied and converted into residential houses. Only a middle portion of the building remains standing, covered in dust and neglect. Despite its dilapidated condition, the SS Jain Hall holds historical and cultural significance, reflecting the presence of the Jain community in Lahore and their religious practices.

The Entrance Door 

T

Translated list of Donar with the help of Indian friend

Another Foundation Stone 

Main prayer Hall

Haveli Alif Shah Walled City of Lahore (2016)

Visited on November 12, 2016

One of the oldest Havelis inside Kucha charakhgran inside Dehli gate. Alif Shah migrated from Iran

It is known for its religious importance and association with the procession on the 9th and10th of Muharram.

Battle of Bhasin (1800 AD), and Samadhi of Bhangi Chieftain Sardar Gulab Singh

03rd July 2022

Bhasin is an old village, located some 10 Kilometers from Batapur in the east direction. Bhasin is located on an old mound and has also been destroyed in past twice by floods. During our visit elders shared a myth regarding Bhasin that when in the old days Lahore city used to destroy by the flood waters of Ravi it was only then water entered Bhasin due to its higher ground level than Lahore.  Before the partition of 1947, here in Bhasin, a large community of Sikhs used to live, one still can find the remains of magnificent Havelis and Samadis. 

Bhasin is also famous because of the ' Battle of Bhasin' that happened in 1800 AD. Bhangi chiefs of Lahore, Nizam-ud-Din, Nawab of Kasur, Sahib Singh of Gujarat, and the Ramgarhia Sardars felt jealous of the growing power of Ranjit Singh and formed a coalition against him. They met at Bhasin where they hatched a conspiracy to invite Ranjit Singh and murder him there

Ranjit Singh encamped in the plains of village Bhasin near Lahore. Ranjit Singh also got prepared for the contest. For two months, armies of both sides remained arrayed against each other. A few skirmishes took place but the confederates against Ranjit Singh did not risk full-scale war. During this period of procrastination, Bhangi Chief Gulab Singh, one day drank himself to death and his troopers left Bhasin, following which other allied forces also melted away and Ranjit Singh emerged victorious. 

Samadhi of Bhangi Chieftain Sardar Gulab Singh

Samadhi of Bhangi Chieftain Sardar Gulab Singh

Samadhi of Bhangi Chieftain Sardar Gulab Singh

Samadhi of Bhangi Chieftain Sardar Gulab Singh

Samadhi of Bhangi Chieftain Sardar Gulab Singh

Samadhi of Bhangi Chieftain Sardar Gulab Singh

Samadhi of Bhangi Chieftain Sardar Gulab Singh

Samadhi of Bhangi Chieftain Sardar Gulab Singh

Samadhi of Bhangi Chieftain Sardar Gulab Singh

A Dilapidated Sikh Samadhi in village Wahgrain Lahore (2022)

31°37'51.65"N,  74°30'1.09"E

03rd July 2022

The future of almost all Sikh heritage buildings which lie between Lahore and the Kasur border belt is in a quandary. Once the area famous for magnificent Havelis, Gurdwaras, and Samadhis. But no conversation and restoration work has been done to protect this great Sikh legacy and historical architecture. An authority similar to the walled city Lahore could do wonders in this area. 

One such edifice standing amidst in border village of Wahgrain, the structure is a Sikh Samadhi, not much is known about the history of the place. However, less than a kilometer historical village of Bhasin is located famous for 'the Battle of Bhasin', which took place between Maharaja Ranjit Singh and Gulab Singh Bhangi in the year 1800 AD.