GUJAR KHAN: The gurdwara of Daultala is crumbling in the face of neglect from the archaeology department and Auqaf authorities and is in need of rehabilitation.

Once the commercial hub of Gujar Khan tehsil, Daultala was predominantly a Hindu and Sikh area before partition. Surrounding villages, such as Narrali, Kauntrila, Sukho, Harnaal, Jatli and Dehra Bakhshian (now called Dehra Muslim) were also populated mostly by Sikhs and Hindus.

The town was named Daulatala, or Daulatwala, after its wealthy and influential residents, and the gurdwara built in the town over a century ago still bears some signs of this history.

Two decades ago the gurdwara was being used as an extension for the Daultala Government High School, after which it was occupied by some town residents.

Its maintenance and upkeep has not received attention from any organisation or authority, and its building has fallen into disrepair.

The two-storey building still holds signs of grandeur, such as its columns and galleries.

Its marble floors are interspersed with plaques bearing the names of donors from surrounding villages and towns all the way to Delhi, and the small platform – now in ruins – is still bordered by colourful china tiles.

The gurdwara’s balconies and galleries are also dilapidated, and its wooden doors carved with Khalsa symbols are broken.

Published in Dawn, February 22nd, 2019