In the zigzag lanes of Bhabra Bazaar, one can find Sujan Singh Haveli, a building inspired by Mughal architecture, having wooden balconies or Jharokas – the main part of Mughal and Turkish structures.

The 134-year-old majestic Haveli constructed by Sikh political figure Sardar Sujan Singh is located in the narrow streets of Bhabra Bazaar.

After three attempts to restore the Haveli in the last three years failed, the district administration is making another attempt.

The four-storey building constructed in 1890 is a fine specimen of brick masonry, facing the street with a front veranda and a central entrance at the centre. It has English tiles and Kashmiri wood carving in all its 45 massive rooms.

The building, which has two portions, was the residence of two Sikh brothers. One portion served as the main apartment, which was under the use of men while women’s chambers and courtyards were located in the backyard.

On the second floor of the Haveli, a dancing hall was located where once music was played during night parties but now an eerie silence prevails.

Today, the building presents a picture of utter neglect.

The women’s chamber was situated on the ground floor which was attached with washrooms and courtyards as well as small rooms for servants. The main building was connected with the other building with a wooden balcony crossing the street.

Many people say the narrow streets once had lawns.

From the rooftop of the building, one can see the whole old city. Seven Hindu and Jain temples and Bagh Sadaran Gurdwara are also visible from the site. Bagh Sardaran was also part of the property of Sujan Singh family.

“People say that in the past the building spreadover a large area but with the passage of time its space reduced. According to the record available with the government, the total area of the Haveli is four kanals,” said Assistant Commissioner City Hakim Khan while talking to Dawn.

“Sujan Singh Haveli is a historic building which has been neglected over the year, but the district administration will not only restore it but also plans to establish a café and museum there,” Mr Khan said.

He said the restoration work on Sujan Singh Haveli would be carried out under the supervision of the Walled City of Lahore Authority which would secure the old cedar doors and iron work to secure its structure. Similar materials would be used in the restoration work.

He said Sujan Singh’s mansion, despite its dilapidated condition, was a tourist attraction and after its restoration the number of tourists would increase manifold.

On the other hand, the then deputy commissioner, Sajid Zafar Dall, had floated the idea of establishing a café and museum in Sujan Singh Haveli in 2015. Later, former commissioner Mohammad Mehmood allocated Rs120 million for the restoration of the Haveli and seven temples besides converting Bhabra Bazaar into a food street.

Last year, former commissioner Liaquat Ali Chattha also started work but failed to launch the project. Now, the local administration has decided to start work on the project.

Published in Dawn, July 29th, 2024