The forgotten Haveli of Kharak Singh in Lahori Gate

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In the era preceding Sikh rule in Lahore, the red-light area confines its place within the Lahori Gate. This area thrived as a cultural hub, hosting renowned dancers who resided in houses distinguished by their prominent wooden balconies. Among these, Poori Bai and Mai Daru Haveli stood as elegant architectures within Lahori Gates, both owned by accomplished dancing girls, and remnants of their presence still exist in some form today.

Born on February 9, 1801, Kharak Singh, the eldest son of Maharaja Ranjit Singh, grew up steeped in the Sikh martial tradition, actively participating in various military expeditions. Following his father's demise in June 1839, Kharak Singh ascended the throne.

During Ranjit Singh's reign, several structures, including the Kharak Singh mansion, were added to the Lahore Fort. This mansion still stands as a testament to the historical legacy of the fort.

The 1882 publication of 'Tareekh e Lahore' by Kanhya Laal shed light on another magnificent Haveli in Lahori Gate owned by Kharak Singh. The Haveli was known for hosting dance and drinking parties, with its sheer size accommodating even Maharaja's elephants and horses. After the British takeover of Lahore in 1857, the Haveli fell into disrepair, its bricks pilfered by locals. British administrators eventually sold the land to Lala Nihal Chand, a contractor for the colonial government. He transformed the site into an elegant Hindu temple with a curvilinear spire adorned with intricately designed Rathas.

Following the partition of British India, the temple also faced a dilapidated fate. Interestingly, Kharak Singh's only son, Maharaja Nau Nihal Singh, had a magnificent Haveli located just 350 meters away. Fortunately, this Haveli was repurposed into Victoria School and stands as one of the elegant architectures in the walled city of Lahore to this day.

Unhappy with the influence wielded by Chet Singh Bajwa, who served as Kharak Singh's tutor, Raja Dhian Singh Dogra spread rumors concerning a covert scheme to surrender Punjab to the British, disband the Sikh army, and divert a significant portion of state revenue. These baseless allegations led to the estrangement of the court and Nau Nihal Singh from Kharak Singh. Chet Singh met his demise in the Maharaja's residence on October 9, 1839, followed by the poisoning of Kharak Singh. Within six months, he found himself confined to his sickbed, eventually succumbing to the poison on November 5, 1840. 

On October 8, 1839, Dhian Singh instigated the dethronement of Kharak Singh, clearing the way for Nau Nihal Singh to assume the role of de facto ruler.