Ayesha Ahmad1*, Faiqa Khilat2
1Graduate, Department of Architecture, University of Management and Technology, Lahore
2Assistant Professor, Department of Architecture, University of Management and Technology, Lahore
* Corresponding Author: [email protected]
The historical record of preserved heritage of the Sikh community has long been associated with political dynasties. Hence, heritage is like the legacy of the past, a memoir of history, pride, and inspiration, which is cherished and then passed generationally. It elucidates the glory and value of architectural significance, continuity, and identity, which define the subsequent Sikh identity. However, the preservation and transmission of heritage, despite its significance has never been assured and handed to the next generation to maintain its cultural legacy a result many glories of the Sikh heritage community are obscured beneath oblivion and forsaken veils of time. These heritage structures are severely dilapidated with structural distress and vandalized due to encroachments. Therefore, the current study emphasized the need to maintain and revive the elapsed and neglected heritage building of the Sikh community; situated in Gujranwala, Pakistan. This research is an effort to ensure making these historical sites accessible for exploration and admiration by the general public. . For this purpose, a qualitative research methodology was adopted to document the heritage structure, using both primary and secondary resources including photographic surveys, interviews, detailed site inspection, and reviewing previous literature.
Keywords: deterioration, Haveli Ranjit Singh, revival, Sikh heritage, tourism
Gujranwala located in the northeast of Punjab got prominence under Sikh rule in the later part of the 18th century. The city was founded and established by Charat Singh and Mahan Singh, heads of the Sikh community (Naz & Zaidi, 2013). Charat Singh, grandfather of Maharaja Ranjit Singh established his stronghold in 1763, Ranjit Singh himself was born in Gujranwala and the founder of Sikh rule in Punjab (Chaudary, 2000) and became a powerful of all Sikh rulers (Chattha, 2011). The city holds significant architectural heritage of Sikh legacy, which includes Haveli of Charat Singh (recently demolished) Samadhi of Mahan Singh, Samadhi of Charat Singh, The Lion Garden, Haveli of Hari Singh, Sikh Gurdwara, and most imperatively birthplace of Ranjit Singh known as Haveli Ranjit Singh.
Maharaja Ranjit Singh was the first Indian in a millennium to turn the tide of invasion back into the homelands of the traditional conquerors of India, the Pashtuns (Afghans), and he thus became known as the Lion of the Punjab. At their height, his domains extended from the Khyber Pass in the northwest to the Sutlej River in the east and from the Kashmir region at the northern limit of the Indian subcontinent southward to the Thar (Great Indian) Desert (Ali, 2017). He is remembered as a great Punjab ruler, born in a haveli located in the walled city of Gujranwala. Charat Singh laid the foundation of the existing old city of Gujranwala in 1765. A wall surrounding the city was built under his direction; the walled city had eleven gates. However, among these eleven gates, only two survived.
Sikh art and architecture is a blend of Mughal and Rajput styles of design and architecture (Singh, 2020). The Haveli of Ranjit Singh is one of the significant examples of Sikh architecture in the city of Gujranwala, Punjab, encompasses architectural, historical, heritage, and political value for being associated with one of the great native rulers of Punjab and having significant architectural features and elements. It also reflects the affluence and eminence of Mahan Singh's authority and position being the ruler of Gujranwala. It was an example of the earliest Sikh architecture, though less ostentatious than many later examples of Sikh monumental buildings including the Haveli of Nau Nihal Singh in Lahore, Omar Hayat Mahal in Chiniot, and many other examples, but still a prestigious monument of heritage value. Conservation of Sikh heritage monuments can potentially attract religious tourism in Pakistan (Khilat, 2022). The objective of the research is to document this haveli, explore causes of neglect and deterioration and how to address it, in the later stage, how to enhance its value to open it for both national and international tourism.
The current study deployed a qualitative research methodology to address the research problem. The study focused on two types of approaches considering the theoretical part, based on the review of the literature including books, scholarly articles, thesis reports, and newspapers. Field research was done through reconnaissance surveys and observation at the site. A number of visits were conducted for documentation and examination of the building, which helped to conduct the analysis of the building representing lost Sikh heritage and legacy.
Ranjit Singh, born on 13 November 1780 in Gujranwala, belonged to a Sikh Jatt family known for their significant role as warriors in Sikh history (Ashraf, 2001). He gained admiration for his tolerance and respect towards Muslim religious practices, festivals, and various impressive constructions. Under his rule, Sikh traditions were revived, emphasizing unity, and he also commanded the formidable Sikh army, which is evident in the architectural achievements of his era (Crafts of Gujranwala, 2017). The flourishing of Sikh architecture during Ranjit Singh's regime was primarily influenced by Mughal and Safavid architectural styles (Elgemaiey, 2021). This fusion of architectural influences resulted in the creation of unique structures that showcased the syncretic nature of Sikh architecture (Bhalla, 2018). The architectural marvels of this period, such as the Golden Temple in Amritsar, demonstrate the blend of Mughal and Sikh architectural elements (Singh, 2020). Furthermore, the Hindu style of art and design also played a role in shaping Sikh architecture during Ranjit Singh's reign. Elements such as decorative motifs, intricate carvings, and vibrant colors drawn from Hindu artistic traditions can be seen in several Sikh architectural masterpieces (Ahmed, 2017). This integration of diverse artistic influences not only reflected the cultural richness of the region but also served as a visual representation of the inclusive ethos promoted by Ranjit Singh.
Haveli of Ranjit Singh is an almost 200 years old residential complex that was not only used for residential purposes, but it also entailed social, political, and religious significance. The Haveli has rich and captivating architecture and art, the architectural style of Haveli is a fusion of Sikh, Mughal, and Hindu architecture. The Haveli is remarkable for its fascinating intricate brickwork, cusped arches, pairs of fluted columns, and shallow niches. The internal and external surfaces have been systematically divided into panels with the use of spanning columns, multifold arches, cornices, and rhythmic patterns of shallow niches. The harmonious combination of architectural elements has created an eye-captivating image of the haveli (Singh, 2016).
The Haveli of Maharaja Ranjit Singh is located in the fish market, near Shairanwala Bagh (a garden where Ranjit Singh kept his lions), in the walled city of Gujranwala. Haveli is connected to the Grand Trunk road accessible through a narrow road, encroached by different shops and stalls. (Fig. 1)
Figure 1
The Location of Haveli
Note. (a) Gujranwala map, source: survey of Pakistan (1990), (b) Map of Gujranwala, source: Rahman, A. (1997), (c) Location of haveli, source: author
The front area of haveli is occupied by shops which has originally empty ground (kucha of haveli, one of significant features of Sikh havelis). The façade of haveli is partially hidden by shop fronts and hawker stalls, behind this, a rusty door is situated which leads to the haveli building. (Figure 2,3,4,5).
Figure 2
The Front Space of Haveli Converted into Shops
Figure 3
The Kucha of Haveli Encroached by The Venders
Figure 4
Arial View of the Kucha Occupied by Temporary -Structures
Figure 5
Encroachments Hiding the Facade of Haveli
Table 1
Significant Heritage buildings located within proximity of haveli Ranjit Singh
|
Heritage Buildings |
Description |
Illustration |
||
|
Shairanwala Bagh |
Located on grand trunk road, constructed by Mahan Singh along with the Baradari situated in the garden. |
|||
|
Heritage Buildings |
Description |
Illustration |
||
|
Samadhi of Mahan Singh |
Located adjacent to Shera Wala Bagh. Building of same time period. |
|||
|
Eimenabadi Gate |
It was located to the south of Shera Wala Bagh, have been demolished. Lohari and Sialkoti gates are gates of same era. |
One of the walled city gate leads to the haveli through a wider road of the inner city, which is almost 15 wide, accessible by vehicles. There were significant heritage buildings, situated on the road, Shairanwala Bagh, Babraywala Mandir, and a few reaming heritage buildings of the same era. Most of the heritage buildings were demolished and reconstructed, however, the area is still in the same phase of reconstruction and repair, which has lost the original identity of the area. Shairanwala Bagh is the most significant heritage among all, which has been through different phases of reconstruction, Adjacent to it stands the Samadhi (memorial) of Mahan Singh.
The Haveli is accessed through narrow streets, barely known by any locals. The Kucha of haveli or square, an integral part of most Sikh havelis had been encroached on by fish vendors and covered with tent structures and metaled sheets, on the façade of haveli shops had been built. The facade of haveli behind encroachments was hard to explore. At the entrance of the building, there was an open drain and a filthy smell of garbage and fish which repelled the tourists.
Figure 6
Hierarchy Map of Haveli’s Route
Figure7
Context of the Haveli
A symbol of the glorious past of Sikhs has been totally forgotten by the locals and authorities. Locals are unaware of its existence and authorities left it in ruins. The haveli was not only bearing worse wear and tear but also full of debris and garbage, with no cleanliness or regular maintenance found.The ground floor area beneath the face, which was a porch was converted to shops in around 2012-2013. This construction led to the destruction of the entryway staircase located in front. (Qureshi, 2016)
Qualitative research method employed to mitigate the research problem. The study focused on two types of approaches considering the theoretical part, based on the review of literature including books, scholarly articles, thesis reports and newspapers. Field research was done through reconnaissance surveys and observation at site. A number of visits were conducted for documentation and examination of the building, which helped further the analysis of the building.
Spatial Organization of Haveli
It is a single-story structure, elevated eight feet above the ground on a platform, (there were tunnels under the haveli; reported by the locals). The Haveli is accessed through narrow staircases, located on both sides of the elevated platform. These staircases led to the main entrance of the haveli where the main front hall of the building opens. The Haveli has a rectangular plan with a courtyard in the center surrounded by verandahs like other traditional havelis of the subcontinent.
The Haveli has a long rectangular plan with a northeast orientation and the design seems to be a consideration of the prevailing wind direction of Gujranwala's urban fabric. In the late 18th century, green areas and open areas surrounded this haveli, but now it is in a bustling atmosphere by illegally built conquerors.
The main facade of the haveli has a south facing and is constructed with brick and plaster and inset with wood. Like buildings from the Mughal era, the surface is arranged as a symmetrical series of rectangular panels, separated from each other with ornamented and decorated pilasters spanned with multifold aches. On the upper ground floor, shallow niches were designed below all of the arches. The large bay over the main entrance includes the profile of several smoothly curving Bangala-style roofs (Ali, 2017).
The first room in the building is larger, with a double reception room with full width. Today it is poorly integrated and empty; it is easy to imagine this area by the authority of Mahan Singh, luxurious furniture, colorful wall paintings, and smooth fire. (Ranjit Singh Birthplace, n.d.)
Figure 8
Upper Ground Floor Plan
Figure 9
First Floor Plan
Figure 10
Façade of Haveli
Note. Source: (Krushnapaksha, 2013)
Figure 11
Encroachments Covering the Façade of Haveli
Figure 12
The Central Courtyard Surrounded by Verandas
Figure 13
Intricate Detail Work of Arches and Columns
Figure 14
The Inner/Private Courtyard Leading to Different Rooms
Figure 15
Niches and Rich Masonry Work
Hence, the loss of originality in haveli structures has become a concerning issue, often resulting from inadequate conservation efforts, which have concealed their inherent charm and historical value. Deterioration not only in terms of its structure but also in terms of its caretaking, which was filthy as never cleaned or maintained and an abandoned structure utilized by drug edicts for unethical usage. The building has been facing worse wear and tear and neglect by the authorities and local citizens. However, recently local authorities have planned to conserve it considering its historical significance (District Gujranwala, 2023).
Figure 16
Existing Condition of the Haveli
All types of decay could be seen in haveli and an exemplary inappropriate conservation can be witnessed. All elements of havelis building were deteriorating; floor is settled down and broken, and ceiling have lost its paint. The roof has been repaired in the near past. Instead of an old wooden roof as it must have been in its original condition, pre-cast concrete slabs have been installed for restoration. (Figure 16)
Figure 17
Decay Due to The Growth of The Vegetation in Various Parts of The Haveli
The walls and floor have been damaged in many places. The roof of the staircase had been ruined. There was leakage of water through open air vents in rooms, as a result, the walls have been exposed to water during rains. Vegetation has been grown on floors, walls and roof at many places, some of these are small plants; which were easily removable. But there is a huge tree grown on the front wall that has reached to the top of the building having deep down roots that are vulnerable to the building structure. On the whole, all the building elements have been in wear and tear condition. The building’s originality and character have been buried under inappropriate conservation through ages. (Figure 17) The exterior and interior of masonry walls have been cemented many times and further coated with local low-cost whitewash. Hence there were no traces of any decorative work found in the interiors.
Major causes of decay are:
These major causes lead to other causes. The haveli was severely deteriorated by all means. All the elements of the haveli are under decay. Floors were smashed, walls were cracked, columns were worn & torn, and holes were in the ceiling.
There is vegetation growing all over the haveli where an apparent large rubber plant has grown, reaching the top roof of the building. Which was never removed which let it to turn into a huge tree.
While inappropriate conservation included cementing of walls and brick structure, finished with local low-cost paints. Roofs replaced or reconstructed with precast R.C.C. slabs. Walls had been whitewashed which had been peeling off.
The whole structure, including walls, roof, floor, and doors have been passed through different phases of conservation, one element doesn't match with the other.
Floors have been finished roughly with cement pilaster, somewhere terrazzo finishes, somewhere brick finishes, and somewhere totally broken in the form of debris. (Figure 18)
Figure 18
Floor Deterioration at Different Parts in the Haveli
The ceiling has been reconstructed at many places differently; mostly precast R.C.C slabs have been used for reconstruction and repairs. The ceiling differs from space to space. The oldest ceiling found in Haveli was of the staircase which was constructed in timber and brick rest all are precast R.C.C slabs. The most recently added roof reconstruction was done in a verandah. (Figure 19)
Figure 19
Ceiling Condition of Different Areas
Figure 20
Surface Deterioration on Exterior and Interior Walls
Figure 21
Inappropriate Repair Work
The current research on Haveli Ranjit Singh Gujranwala, Pakistan deduced that the heritage structure has faced years of wear and tear. It still possesses a prodigious potential for having cultural, emotional, religious, architectural, and archeological value and significance. Being the birthplace of Sikh's most influential leader, Ranjit Singh, this site holds immense historical significance for the city and boasts architectural value derived from its unique form and intricate design elements. The proximity of Haveli also consists of other heritage monuments, The Sikh heritage monument holds particular significance in this historic city, considering it was predominantly constructed by the Sikh community. This fact suggested that the region ought to be made accessible for tourism.
The haveli, along with the surrounding areas on both sides of the grand trunk, is adorned with numerous significant heritage and architectural monuments. The conservation of these monuments and publicity can boost not only national but also international tourism in Pakistan. A huge number of Sikh tourists visit Lahore and now after the opening of the Kartarpur Corridor, large number of visitors has increased significantly increasing the tourism. The geographical location of Gujranwala situated on the route of Lahore to Sialkot recommend that it can be another tourist point.
For this purpose, the route should be cleared leading to the haveli by removing the encroachments and making it accessible, as well as the building needs immediate repairs and conservation. The first stage or the rapid action plan requires regular cleanliness and maintenance to avoid debris and vegetation grown on walls, floors, and roofs, which should be removed. In the long run, all the building elements should be conserved and repaired to maintain its originality. In the second stage, it should be utilized to give life back to the structure, for the purpose it could be converted into a museum displaying the history of the city and its developments. It could be preserved as a residence of Maharaja Ranjit Singh by decorating it with the artifacts of his belongings or replicas. Encroachments should be removed from the Kucha of the haveli and it could be converted to open and green space with food kiosks for visitors or tourists.
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