A pre-partition Hindu house in old Depalpur city.

Sunday, 4 December 2016

In Depalpur city, numerous pre-partition houses, dating back to the period before the 1947 partition, quietly narrate a story of how people from diverse backgrounds once coexisted harmoniously.

As one explores present-day Depalpur, the weathered facades of these Hindu buildings provide a glimpse into an era when the city thrived on a vibrant mix of cultures. However, the narrative has evolved, and the homes that once hosted a diverse population have undergone a transformation.

Today, these historic structures house new residents – families who sought refuge in Depalpur post-partition. Although the occupants have changed, the essence of these buildings endures, with each brick and archway preserving the legacy of a city that once celebrated diversity.

An Old mound in Depalpur

06th March 2018

Historically, Punjab has been geographically divided into various regions based on its prominent rivers, as the name "Punjab" itself signifies the presence of five main rivers. The Bari Doab region encompasses the areas situated between the Ravi, Beas, and Sutlej Rivers.

The Beas Doab region has consistently thrived due to its abundant crops, ample water resources, and favorable weather conditions. These advantageous factors have attracted human settlements to this region since ancient times. Even today, remnants of human civilizations from different eras can be observed in the form of mounds within the Beas Doab area.

One such old mound, located outside Depalpur city, houses a graveyard. The graves are constructed using remnants of old bricks and pottery items, serving as tangible evidence of the region's historical past.

Shahi Masjid Depalpur

27-11-2016

The Shahi Masjid Depalpur is a very old mosque, almost six hundred years old. It was built during the reign of Sultan Firuz Shah Tughlaq, who ruled over the Sultanate of Delhi from 1351 to 1388. Sultan Firuz Shah Tughlaq was a Turkish Muslim ruler from the Tughlaq Dynasty. He was the son of a Rajput Hindu princess from Dipalpur, and his father's name was Rajab (the younger brother of Ghazi Malik) who had the title Sipahsalar.

The Shahi Masjid Depalpur is a significant symbol of the glorious period when Muslim rulers held power in Depalpur. Unfortunately, during the Sikh era, the mosque suffered severe damage and was even turned into a stable for horses. However, in 1950, efforts were made to repair and expand the mosque's courtyard.

During the construction of a new floor inside the mosque, excavations went six feet deep, and interestingly, they uncovered alcohol refineries from the Sikh era. 

The walls of the mosque were constructed using a special mixture made from black lentils, jaggery (a type of sweetener), and gajni (a type of plaster). According to the accounts of older individuals, this unique mortar was believed to gain strength over a hundred years, showcasing the skill and durability of the builders.

There is a tomb in courtyard of mosque, it is said that this grave is of religious man who came in depalpur for preaching Islam in era of Sikh reign.

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