S
ituated at the heart of the majestic Royal Fort of Lahore, the Kharak Singh Haveli graces the southeast corner of Jahangir’s Quadrangle, a poignant symbol of the Mughal era meticulously crafted by Jahangir and his illustrious father, Akbar.
During the Sikh rule, embellishments were woven into the fabric of the fort, and among them, Kharak Singh’s Haveli found its place within this historical quadrangle. Originally designated as Kharak Singh’s residence, the Haveli underwent a transformation during the British Raj, evolving into the distinguished Commander’s Quarters, while the ground floor assumed the dual role of a godown and servant quarters.
Until recently, the first floor of the haveli served as the Archaeology Department’s office for the Archaeological Survey, while the ground floor housed the Archaeology Library comprising 15,000 books, some of inestimable value. But its access had been limited to a very few.
The once bustling southern periphery of the quadrangle, akin to the porticoes adorning its eastern and western boundaries, hints at a bygone era. Today, only the surviving red stone sehdara, with its three entrances, stands as a testament to the haveli’s ancient lineage. Although the structural integrity of the haveli remains, restoration and conservation efforts are imperative.
Inside the haveli, numerous rooms bear witness to the passage of time, displaying ancient fresco work on the walls and ceilings. The interior architecture follows the distinctive Sikh style, characterised by elegant arches. While some rooms remain sealed, others are occupied by staff, adding a dynamic touch to this historic abode.
In the not-too-distant past, the Haveli Kharak Singh found itself entrusted to the capable custodianship of the Walled City Lahore Authority. This custodial endeavour has unfurled the meticulous tapestry of restoration, an artistic process aimed at breathing new life into this historical gem. The grand vision, now taking shape, envisions a transformation of this haveli into nothing short of a marvel — a state-of-the-art library and archive centre.
In a seamless partnership with the Archive department of the Institute of Global Studies at the GC University Lahore, a monumental trove of archival treasures has been unearthed. The concerted effort to resurrect, categorise, and meticulously catalog this reservoir of historical wealth is currently in full swing, a testament to the commitment to preserve and disseminate the rich tapestry of our cultural heritage.
The Walled City Lahore Authority, in pursuit of excellence, has not only harnessed its internal expertise but has cast its net wide, seeking professional guidance from luminaries in the field. Among these guiding lights is none other than Dr. Kevin Greenbank, a distinguished expert in archives and library services from the University of Cambridge.
Dr. Greenbank, having visited the historic site, has lent his expertise to the cause, presenting a comprehensive proposal that stands as a testament to the collaborative spirit infusing this ambitious restoration project.
Now, let’s delve into the persona of Kharak Singh. Kharak Singh, the eldest progeny of Maharaja Ranjit Singh, the Sikh sovereign of Punjab and the expansive Sikh empire, entered the world in Lahore in 1801, his mother being Raj Kaur. As the ruler’s first legitimate offspring, he bore the name Kharak, signifying the “Wielder of the Sword,” a moniker bestowed upon him by his father, inspired by the indomitable warrior mentioned in Dasam Granth.
At the tender age of 11 in 1812, he entered matrimony with Chand Kaur, the daughter of Sardar Jaimal Singh, the chief of the Kanhaiya Misl, marking the commencement of four marriages. His initial foray into fatherhood welcomed Nau Nihal Singh in 1821.
Despite the prevalent portrayal of Kharak Singh in folklore as an eccentric figure, this characterisation proves somewhat misleading. Contrary to the whimsical verse suggesting his erratic behaviour, such as Kharak Singh kay kharraknay say kharrakti hain kharkian (When Kharak Singh rings, so do his windows), the claim of him possessing below-average intelligence is categorically unfounded.
From an early age, Kharak Singh found himself immersed in his father’s military exploits. Commissioned with minor command at the age of six for the Sheikhupura expedition in 1807, he assumed responsibility for the Kanhaiya estates in 1811. In 1812, he was dispatched to quell the defiant chiefs of Bhimbar and Rajauri.
Collaborating with Misr Diwan Chand in 1818, Kharak Singh led a triumphant campaign against Nawab Muzaffar Khan, the Afghan ruler of Multan, achieving a decisive victory at the battle of Multan. His military prowess extended to campaigns for the conquest of Peshawar and against the Mazaris of Shikarpur, as orchestrated by Maharaja Ranjit Singh.
A significant turn of events occurred three months before his demise when Ranjit Singh bequeathed Kashmir to Kharak Singh, strategically curbing the ambitions of Gulab Singh. While popular belief leans towards Kharak Singh’s penchant for alcohol, this facet of his life is somewhat exaggerated, with opium sharing a place in his indulgences akin to his father’s preferences.
Numerous narratives depict Kharak Singh as a virtual pawn under the influence of his tutor, Chet Singh Bajwa. The Prime Minister, Raja Dhian Singh Dogra, perceived in him a potential rival, sowing the seeds of subsequent turmoil that would reshape the course of Sikh history. Upon the demise of Ranjit Singh, Kharak Singh ascended to the position of Maharajah on June 28, 1839, marking the onset of a tumultuous era.
A sinister undercurrent unfolded as court conspirators commenced poisoning the new Maharajah’s sustenance. Raja Dhian Singh, orchestrating a Machiavellian strategy, poisoned the mind of Prince Nau Nihal Singh, aligning forces to elevate him to power.
The grim climax unfolded on October 9, 1839, when Prime Minister Dogra personally assassinated Chet Singh Bajwa within Kharak Singh’s haveli. Subsequently, an audacious move ensued as Dogra sought to eliminate the Maharajah himself. Following the murder, Kharak Singh was discreetly relocated to Haveli Nau Nihal Singh under the guise of medical treatment for a fatal ailment, only to be eventually returned to his original residence within the fort.
The account of Austrian Physician, Dr. Martin Honigberger, sheds light on a disturbing reality — the constant drugging and poisoning of Kharak Singh. It is within this period that the poignant poem depicting the incarcerated Maharajah likely emerged. His demise on November 5, 1840, shrouded in mystery, marked the removal of both Kharak Singh and his astute advisor, Chet Singh Bajwa.
With the stage thus cleared, adhering to royal protocol, the pathway was paved for the succession of Prince Nau Nihal Singh, “the eldest son of the eldest son” of Maharajah Ranjit Singh. The tumultuous events surrounding Kharak Singh’s rule left an indelible mark on Sikh history, unraveling a tragic narrative of deceit, betrayal, and political machinations.
Kharak Singh, who assumed the throne in June 1839, faced a tumultuous reign marked by political intrigue and betrayal. Dhian Singh Dogra, his powerful minister, harboured jealousy from the outset. Dogras orchestrated a deceptive campaign, spreading rumours that Kharak Singh planned to hand over Punjab to the British and disband the Sikh army.
Fictitious letters were fabricated and Gulab Singh Dogra poisoned Kharak Singh’s son Nau Nihal Singh against his father, further straining their relationship.
In October 1839, Chet Singh Bajwa, Kharak Singh’s favoured minister, was assassinated in the Lahore Fort, witnessed by the Maharaja himself. Subsequently, Kharak Singh was isolated and held captive by Dhian Singh, while Nau Nihal Singh, taking charge, fell victim to political intrigues orchestrated by the Dogras. The father-son relationship deteriorated amid manipulation and misunderstandings.
Historians suggest that Kharak Singh was subjected to slow poisoning with white lead and mercury. Bedridden within six months, he succumbed to the mysterious illness on November 5, 1840 in Lahore. While rumours pointed to Dhian Singh’s involvement, it was officially declared a mysterious illness. At his funeral, three wives and eleven slave girls committed sati. A monument near Gurdwara Dera Sahib in Lahore commemorates Maharaja Kharak Singh’s tumultuous and tragic reign.
The writer is a professor in the Faculty of Liberal Arts at the Beaconhouse National University, Lahore
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