Showing posts with label history of khanqah dogran. Show all posts
Showing posts with label history of khanqah dogran. Show all posts

Monday, 4 May 2020

A forgotten 15th-century mosque in outskirts of Khanqah Dogran (2018)


Following the foot steps of Alexander Cunningham 

Date of Visit: - March, 08, 2018
All Pictures are owned





Asarur near Khangah Dogran (also known as Masrur), was the capital of a kingdom stretching from the Indus to the Beas. Huen Tsang calls the town he visited as Tse-kia, and describes it as the capital of a kingdom embracing the whole of the plains of the Punjab from the Indus to the Beas, and from the foot of the mountains to the junction of the five rivers below Multan. The site of this town, with a near approach to certainty, is identified by Genral Cunningham with a mound in this district near the modern village of Asarur. Popular tradition is si lent as to the history of Asarur. The people merely state that it was originally called Udamnagar or Uda Nagari and that it was deserted for many centuries until Akbar's time when Ugah Shah a Dogar, built the mosque which still exists on the top of the mound. In construction of this mosque bricks extracted from the mound have been used. The mosque is in dilapidated state and roof beam has fallen at many places. Also, currently it is not used for offering prayers. 


The antiquity claimed for the place is further confirmed by the unusually large size of the bricks 18" x 10" x 3", which are found all over the ruins, and also by the Indo-Scythian coins which until the recent past used to be found in great numbers after rains. Its history, therefore, certainly reaches back to the first century before the Christian era.














Monday, 23 September 2019

KHANQAH DOGRAN AND TOMB OF HAJI DEWAN NIAMATULLAH (RA) (2018)


Date of Visit 08-03-2018

Embarking on a quest to find an old Mughal-era mosque, I set foot in the captivating city of Khanqah Dogran, nestled within the Sheikhupura District of Pakistan's Punjab province. Though my search for the mosque proved unsuccessful, fate had other plans in store for me. As disappointment threatened to overshadow my visit, the town unveiled a tapestry of historical wonders that delighted my curious spirit.
Once a part of the Gujranwala District until 1922, Khanqah Dogran has now found its place within the Safdarabad Tehsil of Sheikhupura District. Situated along the Sargodha to Sheikhupura Road, this enchanting city lies fifteen miles west of Farooqabad. When Nankana Sahib was established as a district, both Khanqah Dogran and Safdarabad earned the privilege of being included as cities within this newly formed administrative region known as Nankana Sahib.
The roots of Khanqah Dogran run deep, tracing back an impressive five centuries to its alleged founder, Haji Dewan Niamatullah Soharwardi (RA). In ancient records, the town was known by the name Cha Masroor, but with the arrival of Haji Dewan Niametullah (RA), a new chapter began, and the town adopted the name "Khita Dogran," meaning the land of Dogar. However, upon the passing of Dewan Saheb, the town underwent yet another transformation, becoming the Khanqah Dogran we know today. The name carries an intriguing literary meaning, referring to the 'graveyard of Dogar's.' Within the city, a peaceful graveyard stands as a testament to its storied past, housing the tomb of Haji Dewan Niamtullah Soharwardi, the esteemed founder, alongside the resting places of four other family members. Khanqah Dogran has also earned its reputation as a city of saints, with revered figures like Hazrat Pir Masoom Shah and Mahdas Abdalvi Hazrat Abdul Karim Chisti Rizvi dedicating their lives to the teachings of Islam. Their final resting places, marked by tombs, become sacred sites that add to the city's spiritual tapestry.
As I explored further, I discovered the architectural remnants of a bygone era—pre-partition houses that bear witness to the city's multicultural heritage. Constructed by Hindu families, these houses serve as poignant reminders of the harmonious coexistence that once thrived within Khanqah Dogran's walls. Amidst this historical charm, the remnants of a Hindu Temple still stand, echoing the echoes of devotion and religious diversity that were once celebrated here. And let's not forget the vibrant heartbeat of the city—the Farmer's Market. This bustling hub of activity brings together locals and traders, immersing visitors in a vibrant tapestry of colors, scents, and flavors.
Venturing to the south of Khanqah Dogran, I stumbled upon the remains of an ancient mound—a precious relic from the past. These remnants tell a tale of a Buddhist town called Usrur, which once flourished in this very location. To uncover the intricate details of this remarkable discovery, I invite you to delve into another blog that reveals the fascinating history behind this mound and its significance to the region.
Though my original purpose may not have been fulfilled, my journey through Khanqah Dogran proved to be an extraordinary experience. As I bid farewell to this captivating city, I carry with me cherished memories of its rich history, spiritual legacy, and vibrant cultural tapestry.


Tomb of Haji Dewan Niamat 









Mela at Khanqah Dogran

Hindu Temple at Khanqah Dogran


Pre-Partition houses