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Before 1947, Lahore was a bustling city where Hindus were integral to its social fabric. They made up the second-largest population and dotted the city with numerous temples. Lahore hadn't sprawled much beyond the walled city, and these temples stood as symbols of religious diversity and cultural richness.
Inside the walls of Lahore, Muslims, Sikhs, and Hindus co-existed in harmony. Historian Khanya Lal's book, 'Tareekh Lahore', vividly chronicled the presence of various Hindu temples within the Walled City. It was a testament to the city's diverse and inclusive past.
However, when British India was divided in 1947, Lahore witnessed a drastic change. Hindu families bid farewell to their homes in the walled city, leaving behind their sacred temples. These places of worship were then occupied by families who migrated from India. Unfortunately, no efforts were made to preserve these religious sites, and their condition worsened even more after the Babri Mosque demolition in India in 1992.
During my exploration of the Walled City's Wachowali Bazaar, I stumbled upon a stone inscription. It spoke of an ashram built in 1926 by Rai Zada Amir Chand, dedicated to Ram Nath and Choith Ram. This ashram once stood tall as a temple until it was demolished in 1992. Presently, a small spire temple remains hidden within residential quarters. Families who migrated occupy it and are wary of photography. The surrounding rooms are in a sorry state, mostly dilapidated and ruined.
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| Stone Inscription |
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| Spire of Temple |
Despite the Lahore Walled City authority being operational for almost a decade now, it's disheartening that no Hindu religious building has been restored or rehabilitated. The temples that once echoed with devotion now stand forgotten, bearing the weight of neglect and time.
It's crucial to recognize the significance of preserving these cultural treasures. They are not just bricks and stones but symbols of a shared past and communal harmony. By restoring these temples, we could honor Lahore's diverse history and ensure that future generations can embrace and appreciate the city's rich heritage
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| Staircase |
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| Main Temple Remains |
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