Sikh Era Fresco Painitngs in Bedi Mahal Kallar Syedain

May 19, 2016

One of the most magnificent Havelis in the region is the residence of Khem Singh Bedi. Nestled in Kallar Syedan, this haveli stands as a testament to timeless beauty, undeterred by the passage of years.

Originally, the haveli served as a school for boys after the year 1947. Although it ceased to function as a school approximately a decade ago, the staff and students had taken great care to preserve its historical significance. As a result, the haveli remains unblemished, allowing visitors to marvel at its heritage.

Exploring the grand halls of this haveli, one will discover captivating paintings depicting Sikh Gurus and Hindu deities. Among these artworks is a portrayal of Baba Sri Chand, the eldest son of Guru Nanak, reverently depicted on the walls. Every room within Khem Singh Bedi's haveli is adorned with exquisite paintings. Some of them depict Sikh women adorned with jewelry, gazing into mirrors, or holding arrows, while others showcase the vibrant beauty of the Golden Temple in Amritsar. For those unfamiliar, the Golden Temple holds immense religious significance for Sikhs, making this painting particularly meaningful.

Khem Singh Bedi himself was a prominent figure of his time and played a pivotal role in the Singh Sabha movement during the late 19th century. His legacy lives on within the walls of this haveli, preserving the history and cultural heritage that he and his contemporaries worked tirelessly to protect.

Visiting Khem Singh Bedi's haveli is an experience that transports one to a bygone era. The tranquillity and majesty of this remarkable structure, adorned with captivating paintings, offer a glimpse into the rich cultural tapestry of the region. It stands as a symbol of resilience and serves as a reminder of the contributions made by visionary leaders like Khem Singh Bedi in shaping the social and cultural landscape of their time.

Some AI enhanced  photos 

Gurdwara Chowa Sahib Rohtas 2018

November 9, 2018

Gurdwara Chowa Sahib, an awe-inspiring and trending sacred site of immense significance, proudly stands outside the Talaqi Darwaza (gate) of Rohtas Fort, situated on the banks of the majestic River Ghan. The historical account takes us back to the arrival of the revered spiritual leader, Jagat Guru Nanak Dev Ji, who embarked on a momentous journey from Tila Jogian to this previously uninhabited location. Upon his arrival, Guru Nanak Dev Ji astounded everyone by performing a miraculous act, causing water to gush forth from a spring using his humble staff. This extraordinary spring came to be known as "Chowa," bestowing upon the place its revered name, Chowa Sahib.

In later years, the visionary Slier Shah recognized the sanctity and untapped potential of this location, leading him to construct a magnificent fort in close proximity. This development resulted in Chowa Sahib being situated just outside the Kabuli Gate. Even in the present day, the residents of the fort continue to benefit from and cherish the water derived from the sacred spring.

In 1834, at the command of the illustrious Maharaja Ranjit Singh, the present-day structure of Gurdwara Chowa Sahib was erected, showcasing a splendid architectural marvel. This breathtaking building is perfectly positioned between the gentle flow of the River Ghan on one side and the formidable fort on the other, enveloped by a verdant forest on the remaining sides. Access to this hallowed shrine is granted through the interior of the fort, heightening the sense of exclusivity and intrigue.

The shrine itself is a feast for the senses, nestled amidst awe-inspiring natural beauty. The graceful River Ghan meanders alongside, while the majestic fort stands tall, providing an iconic backdrop. The surrounding landscape is adorned with majestic trees and lush underbrush, creating an atmosphere of serenity and tranquility. Fort Rohtas, a renowned historical landmark in the Jehlum district, adds to the allure of Gurdwara Chowa Sahib, further enhancing its significance.

To embark on a pilgrimage to this extraordinary site, visitors embark on a journey aboard buses repurposed from army trucks, exemplifying the fusion of tradition and modernity. The fort is conveniently located approximately 6 kilometers from Dina, a bustling town that boasts a railway station on the Lahore-Peshawar railway line. Dina also serves as a prominent bus stop along the famed Grand Trunk Road, ensuring easy access for pilgrims and travelers alike.

Recognizing the immeasurable value and importance of Gurdwara Chowa Sahib, Maharaja Ranjit Singh exhibited his magnanimity by endowing 27 ghumaon of land and a substantial amount of Rs 260 for the purpose of supporting its maintenance and facilitating various activities.

A prominent and eagerly anticipated event that takes place at the Gurdwara is the annual fair, held on the 15th of Kattak Suddi. This vibrant gathering draws together devotees and pilgrims from far and wide, as they come together to celebrate and pay homage to the revered Guru Nanak Dev Ji. The fair creates an atmosphere of profound spiritual devotion, fostering a sense of communal harmony and unity.

Gurdwara Chowa Sahib not only serves as a sanctuary for religious worship but also stands as a testament to the rich historical and cultural heritage of the region. Its captivating surroundings and storied past make it an enchanting destination for those in search of spiritual solace and a deeper connection with the remarkable legacy left behind by Guru Nanak Dev Ji.

The Sikh Era Fresco Paintings in Sheikhupura Fort

 

Saturday, 11 February 2017

Nur-ud-Din Muhammad Salim, known by his imperial name Jahangir, was the fourth Mughal Emperor, who ruled from 1605 until his death in 1627. On his instruction, a fort was constructed in the year 1607 at the present city of Sheikhpura on a high mound area. 

The two centuries that followed were mostly uneventful for the Fort. Neither a seat of government nor a target for invaders, it remained but a halt for imperial entourages heading on pleasure trips to Kashmir in the north, or towards Kabul in the west.

The Fort’s political importance did not emerge until the establishment of the Sikh Empire at the end of the 18th century.

A veteran historian and archeologist, Ihsan H. Nadiem, tells us that immediately before the consolidation of Punjab under the Sikhs, the Fort served as a convenient place for robbers looting the countryside.

The Durrani king, Shah Zaman, during his invasion of Lahore in 1797, briefly besieged the Fort, but only to purge it of the robbers. Soon after his departure, the Fort was once again occupied by the highwaymen.

Shortly thereafter, Lehna Singh Majithia (who also served as the Governor of Lahore. The son of General Lehna Singh, Sardar Dyal Singh, was perhaps the most significant Punjabi of the late 19th century in British Punjab. He was the main force behind the founding of Punjab University), an ally of Ranjit Singh, who invaded the fort and took occupation. After him, its ownership was passed on to Bhai Singh, followed by Sahib Singh and Sahai Singh in 1808, at which point Ranjit Singh marched upon it and caused its surrender.

Besides showcasing Mughul architecture, the fort also houses prime examples of Sikh fresco work in Punjab. This region has few examples that display such a distinctive array of fresco work reflecting the era’s craftsmanship and portraying folk stories depicting the time’s secular beliefs.