Visiting Maharaja Ranjit Singh’s haveli in Gujranwala

The area around Gujranwala boasts many Hindu and Sikh monuments, worship places, and historical residences. The one building which has great historical value is the haveli of Maharaja Ranjit Singh.

The founder

The founder and king of the Sikh rule (1801-39), in Punjab, was born in Buddukhan or as it is known Gujranwala. Sher-e-Punjab Maharaja Ranjit Singh was born in this house on 13 November 1780. This historical haveli holds great significance for Sikhs around the world.

The mention is a long Rectangular shape, facing the urban city of Gujranwala.

This heritage property was built by Mahan Singh, Ranjit Singh’s father, and reflected the opulence and wealth.

The architecture

It is a red brick building. The remaining part of the haveli has a courtyard, column, and a few doorless rooms. The haveli which might have been a much alive place full of laughter and voices of its residents is much quieter now.

In the 18th century it might have been surrounded by open green places but today it is surrounded by crowded vendors and makeshift shops. It is facing the fish market which has contributed much to its deterioration.

Protected architectural heritage

The building has been declared as a protected cultural heritage by the Archaeology Department yet it is being neglected very ruthlessly. No official pays a visit to it.

Its care and keys have been handed over to its neighbors. Its care, cleanliness, and maintenance can be handled by a single man. The cemented walls have been cracked, and roofs are being used for throwing garbage by the neighbors.

The encroachment mafia has taken over much of its part. Its front door is not accessible due to the construction of shops. It can only be approached on foot or a bike because its adjoining roads are too crowded and it has encroachments.

Restoration and maintenance

The government of Punjab has allocated funds for its restoration and maintenance several times but they have never been utilised. This building is quickly turning into a ruin. It has become a victim of carelessness and neglect which is our national attitude towards our precious historical monuments.

If this haveli is taken care of and restored to its past glory it can generate a huge amount of revenue for the govt as Sikhs around the world come every year to Pakistan to visit the historical and religious sites of their ancestors.

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