There are a number of historical landmarks in the Rawalpindi city but most of them shock people who are interested in the subject of history.

The double storey building of Gurdwara Nirankari which is now being used as Govt Simla Islamia High School, Namak Mandi, Rawalpindi.

Among other religions, the city was also home to Nirankaris. Nirankari was a reformist movement which was started during the period of Maharaja Ranjit Singh. In the middle of Raja Bazaar, in Namak Mandi, there stands an important landmark which is considered as the birthplace of the Nirankari movement. According to historian Iqbal Qaiser, “This is one of the most important places of the Sikh religion in Rawalpindi. This Gurdwara was established in early 1830s by Baba Dayal Singh who was the founder of the Nirankari movement.”

The front view of the main prayer room.

Dayal Singh used to recite the word ‘Narankar’ and opposed idol worship. Later, this place became the home for Nirankaris. “This was the place where the first Sikh marriage was held

An old room of the Gurdwara, which was the Samadh of Baba Dayal Singh, is also located inside this room.

according to the Sikh rituals between Bhai Bhola Singh and Bibi Nihal Kaur in 1885. Later, an offshoot group, Sant Nirankari Mission, emerged in 1929, which was led by Boota Singh in Murree,” he said. The bazaar next to Gurdwara is known as Nirankari bazaar due to the same movement.

Mr. Sanaullah, the head master of the school sits at his office which was once the main prayer room.

The Gurdwara, also referred to as Baba Dayal Singh Gurdwara, was not only a worship place but also used to provide shelter to the travelers. In 1958, this place was converted into an educational institute for boys, which is now known as the Government Simla Islamia High School for Boys.

The roof of a room in Gurdwara Nirankari in desperate need of repair.

Sanaullah, the headmaster of the school, says: “Several parts of the building need restoration work and we hope that it will be done keeping in view the fact that this place is still sacred for the believers of Sikh religion.” “We are not in favour of changing the original shape and architecture of the building.”

A marble plaque carries a list of people who donated money for the construction of the Gurdwara. Among the donors are Baba Hara Singh, Sunder Singh, Bhai Dita, Thaan Singh, Gulab Singh and Hera Singh.

A few years ago, some new rooms were also constructed on one side of the courtyard in the school to accommodate students. The old building is still in its original shape but with the passage of time has been losing its beauty due to lack of maintenance.

Published in Dawn, September 14th , 2014