This is with reference to the article ‘Debate over the enigma of age of Ichhra’ by Majid Sheikh (May 20). It is difficult to say anything in this matter. I offer a possible explanation of the word ‘Ichhra’ and its etymology on linguistic grounds as well as on the basis of a popular Punjabi folklore.

The name of the mother of legendary character Puran Bhagat was Queen Ichhran (alternately spelt as Ichhiran). Now, it cannot be supposed that this was the name of only one female in the whole history of the land. It can safely be stated that it was the proper noun given to the family members of the ancient Punjabi culture. It must have, therefore, some meaning.

In my opinion, Ichhran is the slightly distorted form of Ishwariya, which is the name of goddess Kali; also called Durga and Parvati. She is the wife of the Hindu diety Shiva. As pointed out by the writer, the area of present day Ichhra houses several temples of Shiva.

In all probability, there might have been built in ancient times a temple on the mound devoted to the worship of goddess Kaali or Durga, locally called Ishwariya, which took the shape of Ichhra through the centuries of popular usage (in Hindi and Sanskrit the sound sh and chh are interchangeable as in the case of Luxman and Lachhman, etc). The reported presence in the said area of those who practise kala ilm also suggests that this practice might be the continuation of some age old tradition, having something to do with the worship of Kali mai, i.e., Ishwariya.

As to the Hundi of Akbar’s era, bearing the inscription, ‘Lahore near Ichhra’ it might have meant that the recipient of the Hundi lived in that part of Lahore which was near the area known as Ichhra.

The hypothetical temple of Ishwariya might have been destroyed by natural forces or demolished by invading zealots. In this connection, going from Harappa to Haryana, as the writer has suggested, may not help much.

M. Aslam Ansari

Multan

Published in Dawn, May 23rd, 2018