Recently, the Punjab Assembly Speaker pledged support to the preservation and restoration of Jahaz Haveli in Fatehgarh Sahib, the residence of Diwan Todar Mal.
Jahaz Haveli and Its Historical Significance
- Structure and Architecture:
- Jahaz Haveli, resembling a ship, is a 17th-century architectural marvel built using Nanakshahi bricks, known for their durability and cultural value.
- Its design reflects the architectural heritage of the Mughal era in Punjab.
- Diwan Todar Mal:
- A wealthy merchant and revenue officer under Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan, Todar Mal was later removed from his position by Aurangzeb.
- Todar Mal was in Sirhind when the two younger sons of Guru Gobind Singh—Sahibzada Fateh Singh (9) and Sahibzada Zorawar Singh (7)—were bricked alive on the orders of Wazir Khan, the Mughal governor of Sirhind, on December 13, 1704.
- Todar Mal cremated the bodies of the Sahibzadas and Mata Gujri with full honours and buried their ashes in an urn on the purchased land.
- Transformation of Sirhind to Fatehgarh Sahib:
- The district was renamed Fatehgarh Sahib by Maharaja Karam Singh of Patiala in honor of the Sahibzadas and the principal gurdwara, Gurdwara Fatehgarh Sahib, built at the cremation site.
Challenges in Preservation
- Neglect and Deterioration:
- Jahaz Haveli has suffered years of neglect, with limited and ineffective preservation efforts.
- The structure’s deterioration underscores the need for urgent restoration to preserve its architectural and historical integrity.
- Management by SGPC:
- The Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) took over the haveli in 2009 but has faced criticism for inadequate conservation efforts.
