The palace of Khem Singh Bedi, commonly known as Bedi Mahal, in Kallar Syedan has finally caught the attention of the Punjab Archaeology Department, as a team of conservators from Lahore reached the site to assess the damage to the historic structure.

Khem Singh Bedi, a prominent Sikh leader of the pre-Partition era, was an influential figure of his time. Being in the good books of the British rulers, he was also appointed an honorary magistrate. He owned vast tracts of land in the Bahawalpur area and had founded his own faction within the Sikh religion.

The three-storey palace, constructed in 1860 using stone bricks and blocks, features thick walls and a square lawn bordered by verandas. The walls, arches and pillars still bear spectacular fresco paintings depicting deities, monarchs, queens, princes and princesses, resembling Mughal-era art.

Faded impressions of fresco work are still visible on the walls of some rooms, including the master bedroom of Khem Singh Bedi, which features intricate wood carvings and engravings. Almost all rooms, once resembling art galleries, have been ravaged due to decades of neglect and apathy.

Mohammad Irfan, archaeology SDO and head of the conservation team, said the worst damage had been caused by the unchecked growth of banyan trees and other vegetation, whose roots penetrated and cracked the walls.

Another SDO, Asif Ali, pointed out that the fresco paintings and stucco tracery work were remarkable. He said the doors, painted planks and battens made of deodar wood reflected the wealth and architectural taste of the landlord.

He further explained that tree roots had damaged large portions of the building, including the wooden roof, while also penetrating almost all sides of the structure, harming plaster and fresco painting work. He said that prompt coverage in Dawn had attracted the attention of higher authorities, following which directions were issued to prepare estimates, evaluate areas for repair and restore the building to its original state.

Efforts were underway to include the project in the annual development plan for the next financial year.

Director General of the Punjab Archaeology Department Zaheer Abbas told Dawn that a prompt initiative for the restoration, repair and maintenance of heritage sites in Punjab was being undertaken under the directives of the Chief Minister. He said that Khookha Bawli, the dock bungalows of Tibbi Syedan, and Missa Kaswal in Jhelum and Gujar Khan, previously highlighted in Dawn features, were already being conserved and restored to their original condition at a cost of millions of rupees.

The DG said these monuments are chronicles of the subcontinent’s history, and all-out efforts were underway to preserve them.

Published in Dawn, February 9th, 2026