Ali Usman Baig

Kot Ramdas, the Ruin of Gurdwara & Grave of Muslim Saint in Sikh Smadi

Visited the place: 02-07-2017

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Kot Ramdas is a small village, which is situated some three miles South of Nandipur.

Outside of this village, in green fields, a two-story, square, British-era building is standing. At first glance, the building does not give you any impression that this was an old Gurdwara. Locals told before the 1947 Partition, KOT Ramdas was a Sikh populated Village. After, Pakistan came into being; no Sikh family left in Kot Ramdas as they migrated to India. From then, it was converted and used as a girl’s school. A few years back the top roof which was resting on wooden beams has been collapsed and also it created cracks on walls. The building is in no use now and in extremely critical condition and can be fallen down at any time.

Nobody knows the exact history and year of construction of this Gurdwara. However, the building structural member’s configuration and construction material usage give a rough idea that it must have been constructed in the early years of the Nineteenth Century.

The most interesting element of fascination in the front elevation is the multifold arch entrance. Also, the arrangement of square windows and closed brick masonry arches in the front elevation wall was magnificently designed.

In front of Gurdwara, we found the remnant of a brick masonry wall, which was used as a Sarovar in past. Sarovar/sacred pools are considered to have curative properties because of the continual prayers of Sikh scripture recited in the vicinity.

On the backside, of this Gurdwara three well-constructed Smadi’s are present. Unfortunately, the inner walls which once painted with fresco artwork are whitewashed. However, the outer walls' paintwork is still in original colors up to some extent. On top of Smadi’s roof domes are present with equal partitioned lining and artwork.

Well, constructed Smadi’s is a sign that Sikhs living in KOT Ramdas village before the 1947 partition must be wealthy and rich. There is also a fourth Smadi’s which is located at some distance from Gurdwara.

In one Smadi, you will find a grave, which is told to be of a Muslim Saint. This Smadi was tried to be converted into a Tomb. However, Locals told that it was an illegal failed attempt to occupy the Gurdwara’s land.

In past, there was also a well in the vicinity, which was filled with time.

One more interesting thing is the carved painting of a peacock on the backside boundary wall.

There is no research and writing specifically done on this Gurdwara. My purpose in visiting this place was to document this place before it got vanished from my eyes forever.

One last thing, which hurts me after visiting this place, was that this building was used as a school for more than five decades. When I visit this place, there were children playing in the vicinity of this gurdwara, most of them telling proudly their parents got an education in this building in past. Now the building taking its last breath, this building was their first institute of schooling, which is now turned into ruins.

Everybody has childhood memories, specifically associated with their schools. I don’t know how the old alumnus of this school feels, as their childhood memories turned into ruins and debris.

I wished they at least have taken some steps to preserve their school if not doing this for a Gurdwara building.

(ELEVATION)

(SMADI)

The Smadi Converted into Shrine

(Three Smadi's)

(Fersco Art Work)

(ELEVATION)

Gurdawara and Smadi's in Background

Ruins

Elevation

Smadi's

The carved Peacock Painting on Boundary Wall

Krishna Painting

Elevation

Smadis

The Muslim Grave in Smadi

Smadi

(Author)

(Smadi)

(another View)

(04th Smadi)

02 November 2017

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A few years ago, a friend of mine, Dr. Muzamil, shared a picture of an extraordinary tomb with me, sparking my curiosity. The intricate cut-brick decoration adorning the walls of this structure left me awe-struck. Never before had I witnessed such unique architecture in Pakistan. I initially believed it to be a one-of-a-kind masterpiece, but as it turned out, I was mistaken.

This tomb is believed to have been constructed during the Khiljis dynasty, which followed the Muslim Tughlaq, Ghorids, and Slave dynasties from 1320 to 1413.

The tomb of Muhammad Harun, an Arab governor of Makran in the early 8th century A.D., is considered to be the oldest Muslim tomb in Pakistan. This square brick structure features a chamber covered by a low dome. The second specimen in this series is the so-called tomb of Khalid Walid, located in the village of Khattichaur near Kabirwala.

The final example in this series is the tomb of Sheikh Sadan Shaheed, situated near the village of Jalaran, along the Muzaffargarh-Jhang road. This brick tomb stands on a raised platform, approximately two meters above the surrounding ground. The intricate cut-brick decoration distinguishes this tomb, placing it in a unique position among the early funerary buildings in Pakistan. Its design reflects the influence and continuation of Hindu-Buddhist architectural elements, a feature rarely found in early Muslim structures in the country. Inside the square chamber, the use of corner squinches creates an octagonal shape through corbelled brick courses.

I had the opportunity to visit this tomb last year in early November, on a Thursday. To my amazement, there was a large gathering of followers, who had arrived with their families on tractor trolleys from nearby villages to pay their respects and offer tribute. Adjacent to the tomb, there was a small mosque where people recited the Quran and some tied ribbons of hope at the entrance. Several stalls were set up, offering pastries, bangles, sweets, and shawls adorned with Quranic verses.

The tomb is located approximately 2.5 kilometers from the Chenab River. Local legends are associated with this sacred site. One story suggests that when Sheikh Sadan Shaheed passed away, the locals buried him on nearby sand dunes and constructed the tomb there. The initial location differed from the current site. It is said that Sheikh Sadan Shaheed was a follower of Taunsa Sahib, and the first shrine was intended to be built at a higher elevation than the Taunsa Sahib Shrine. Over time, as a token of gratitude from his followers, the shrine gradually descended from the top of the nearby sand dunes.

The second myth associated with this tomb is that no roof can be constructed atop it.

Although the authenticity of these legends and stories remains uncertain, one undeniable truth about this tomb is that it symbolizes the rich civilization and heritage of our land. The intricate cut-brickwork is a testament to the skilled craftsmanship of the past. Efforts must be made to preserve this national heritage and ensure its survival for future generations to appreciate and admire.