𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐒𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐲 𝐨𝐟 𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐢𝐭 𝐑𝐚𝐦 𝐰𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐞𝐝 𝐜𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐋𝐚𝐡𝐨𝐫𝐞

09th April, 2023

 (All pictures and writeup text used in this blog, are author's property, kindly respect copyrights)

Let's explore the story of Chait Ram in the streets of Lahore's Walled City. The Taxali Gate, now a distant memory, was once named after a mint established by Shah Jehan and served as the exclusive western entrance to the city. However, our journey through time focuses on the intricate lanes branching off Taxali Gate.

Chait Ram Road unfolds just beyond Taxali Gate, where the home of Ustaad Daman, a revered Punjabi poet, stands as a cultural landmark. The road then divides into 'Nicha Chait Ram Road' and 'Uncha Chait Ram Road.'

Chait Ram, a devout monk who once resided in Taxali Gate during the Sikh era, transcended conventional religious boundaries by embracing diverse spiritual practices. His religious affiliation remains a mystery, as local beliefs suggest that he may have been a Hindu who converted to Islam before his passing, as documented in historical accounts.

In Nicha Chait Ram, a small enclosure still houses Chait Ram's grave, reinforcing the local belief that he embraced Islam.

During my visit last year, I sensed a profound gratitude in this small area adorned with incense sticks and oil lamps. Chait Ram's grave stood there, a reflective symbol. The roads bear his name, and locals continue to regard him as a spiritual figure with mystical powers.

Chet Ram Road, on the other hand, gained fame for its mastery of crafting musical instruments. The twin Chet Ram Streets and adjacent thoroughfares form the nucleus of one of the Subcontinent's most recognized red-light districts. With historical roots in the Mughal and Sikh eras, this district has served as a cultural hub for centuries, known for its association with classical music, dance, and traditional performing arts. The structures along these historic streets, standing as silent witnesses to bygone eras, weave together tales of the past, contributing to the rich social and cultural fabric of Lahore.

Haveli Mian Khan (RANGMAHAL SCHOOL) (2022)

 Govt. Rang Mahal High School, Lahore

11th July 2022

Haveli Mian Khan was located between Rang Mahal and Mochi Gate.

Its construction was begun by Nawab Saadullah Khan of Chiniot, who was the Prime Minister of Emperor Shah Jahan, but it was completed after his death by Nawab Mian Khan, his son.

This haveli consisted of three parts - Mahal Sarai, Rang Mahal and Kalai Khana.

Rang Mahal was later converted into Rang Mahal Mission School in the days of the British Raj.

The size of the haveli can be gauged by the fact that 10 wells supplied water to it.

The Foreman Christain college was initially based in this building, which was leased by Dr. Charles with the support from foreign missions. In 1889, it was shifted to Napier Road and was inaugurated by Henry Petty-Fitzmaurice, 5th Marquess of Lansdowne. Again, in 1940, the college was moved to its present campus on the banks of the Lahore Canal.

The Ghost streets of Walled City Lahore

Eighty percent, of families living in walled city Lahore for generations has left the place and settled in other areas of city. I always saddened with this huge migration. 

My grandfather was born in adjacent streets of wazir khan mosque some ninety years back, he got matriculation from shera wala gate school. I have inborn love for this area. All of his brothers and sister left the place decades ago.

In Childhood, whenever my Nani (grandmother) has to do shopping for marriages, she used to bring me along to walled city. Rang mahal, Kahsmiri bazaar, Dabbi bazaar and suha bazaar, i have earliest memories of these places. There was Dahi bhala shop near footsteps of Sunheri mosque, which still exists. My nani who used to wear burqa at that time, we both sit on steps of shunheri mosque and enjoy Dahi Bhala of that spot. i also remmebered my nani used to ask that shopkeeper Betcha (Child) ki plate should be less spicy. 

Also one of my best friend and his parents used to live near Azam cloth market. I, was visiting his place from early 2000. The area never sleep and always crowded with peoples around. They left the place some ten year back. His family is very hospitable,we have great memories at his place.

Recently, i got the chance to visit  walled city o again at  evening time; surprised to see the street, in which my friend used to live was totally surrounded with silence; when, i further went inside the street noticed that every house was locked from outside. We also did not see any single person in his street.

Later my friend told me that all old resident of the street have left long ago, some houses were converted in godowns and some could not able to  sell as the streets widths is very narrow and not suitable for godowns.

Efforts have done to save the outlook of streets, elevation of houses, wooden balconies and  door's by walled city authorities Lahore. But the people who were the real custodian of  the culture and tradition of this place has left the area and living in other party city long ago. The hub of culture  destroyed the historical values are only stories now which will be also buried soon under the new turned godown town.