MONASTERY OF LAL JAS RAJ DEPALPUR

Situated in the northeastern part of the historic city of Depalpur, lies a hidden gem known as the monastery of Lal Jas Raj. This architectural marvel showcases a fusion of exquisite elements, including intricately decorated doors with latches, elegant jharokhas, captivating bay windows, and masterfully crafted cut brickwork. However, the most captivating aspect of this ancient site is the spiritual significance it holds for the local people, who venerate Lal Jas Raj as a revered guru.

Interestingly, our visit to this monastery was not originally part of our itinerary. In fact, we were completely unaware of its existence until our friend Adnan Tariq, a knowledgeable local resident of Depalpur, enlightened us about this remarkable place. Little did we know that we were about to discover a hidden treasure of historical and cultural significance.

The origins of Depalpur itself are shrouded in mystery and various theories surround its foundation. One account attributes its establishment to Raja Deva Pala, a figure about whom historical records provide scant information. Nevertheless, the antiquity of Depalpur is beyond doubt, as the ground level on which the present-day houses stand aligns seamlessly with the ramparts of the city's fort. The abundance of ancient coins found in this area further attests to Depalpur's existence as far back as the time of the Indo-Scythians. Historical records trace the mention of Depalpur to the military campaign of Muhammad bin Qasim in 714 AD when he advanced toward Kashmir after capturing Multan. However, the discovery of ancient coins suggests that the city had already thrived for centuries prior to this event.

According to an alternative source, Raja Dipa Chand, the founder of Depalpur, played a pivotal role in the establishment of the city. Lal Jas Raj, the monastery's namesake, was the beloved son of Raja Dipa Chand. Tragically, Lal Jas Raj met a fateful end, being swallowed by the earth due to a curse inflicted upon him by his stepmother, Rani Dholran. Overwhelmed by grief and in remembrance of his beloved son, Raja Dipa Chand erected this monastery as a testament to their bond. Today, the chamber within the monastery has fallen into disrepair, with jammed doors and a stairway repurposed for storage. The structure itself stands as a poignant symbol of the passage of time, its once-grand stature now succumbing to the ravages of nature.

Local residents fondly recall the grand annual "mela" (fair) that used to take place within the monastery's grounds. This festive gathering brought people together, fostering a sense of community and celebration. Additionally, the monastery served as a sacred site for Hindu devotees to perform the Sardukahr, a religious ceremony. However, since the partition, the influx of visitors has dwindled, and the monastery now stands in solitude, longing for the days when its halls echoed with laughter and devotion.

These captivating details and historical accounts are sourced from the esteemed Archaeological Survey of India, specifically from the 1872-73 report authored by Alexander Cunningham, the Director General of the organization. Through diligent research and exploration, these accounts shed light on the rich heritage and cultural significance that the monastery of Lal Jas Raj possesses.

Depalpur the Fort City

In the past, Dipalpur was surrounded by a fortified wall, rising to the height of 25 feet and strengthened by a deep trench. When and by whom this wall was constructed is not known, but it was renovated, repaired and improved during the rule of Firoz Shah Tughluq and later by Abdur Rahim Khan-e-Khanan, who was the governor during the time of Akbar. Firoz Shah Tughluq constructed a grand mosque and palaces. He also excavated a canal from the river Sutlej to irrigate gardens around the town.

Wide and airy tunnels linked the royal residential quarters inside the fort to the adjoining gardens outside. There were 24 burgs (musketry holes) on the fortification wall, 24 mosques, 24 bavlis (ponds) and 24 wells at the town's peak. The trench, ponds and tunnels have been filled in, but in some places the location of the trench can still be defined. Most of the wall has been razed. Two of the four massive gateways with pointed arches also exist though they are badly damaged and their wooden doors have vanished. Later coats of cement have marred the original architecture of the gateways

A Pre-Partition Hindu Sarai in Old Depalpur city

Sunday, 4 December 2016

In the past, Dipalpur had a strong wall around it that was 25 feet tall and had a deep trench. We don't know who built it or when exactly, but it was repaired and improved by Firoz Shah Tughluq and Abdur Rahim Khan-e-Khanan during Akbar's time. Firoz Shah Tughluq also built a big mosque and palaces in Dipalpur. He even made a canal from the nearby Sutlej River to water the gardens around the town.

As time went on and more people came to live there, Dipalpur grew outside the walls. When I visited, I saw an old building called 'Serai,' which had many similar living quarters. Each room had a plaque with the name of the person who donated it. There are two theories about these quarters. Some people think they were built for poor Hindu families, while others believe they provided housing for devotees and the poor who came to visit the nearby Lal Jas Raj Montessori and Hindu temple. Nowadays, migrant and local families live in these quarters, and the Lal Jas Raj Montessori is in bad condition.

Before the partition in 1947, Dipalpur was known for its diverse community, where people of different religions lived together peacefully. Although the city has changed a lot, you can still find remains of beautiful old Hindu buildings from before the partition. But now, most of these buildings are occupied by families who moved to Dipalpur after the partition. These remnants are a reminder of Dipalpur's rich cultural heritage and its vibrant past.