GUJAR KHAN: A spacious Sikh holy site on the banks of Jhelum River in Jhelum is undergoing renovations for the restoration of its grandeur of the past, as the building stands in a dilapidated condition ravaged by floods and negligence over the years.

Gurdwara Bahi Karam Singh constructed in the 19th century, boasts a majestic façade, intricate woodwork, and distinctive black-and-white marble floor tiles. The building, with its grand hall, elevated marble platform, and carved wooden galleries, has the names of the donors inscribed on marble plaques.

During the visit to the site, the supervisor of conservation work, Shahbaz Hussain, who hails from Muzaffargarh, told this reporter that the gurdwara was in shambles due to decades of neglect, and his team of skilled masons was working tirelessly to restore the building.

He said that they were using traditional materials like lime, ‘Kasuri clay’, raw sugar (gur) solution, white cement, and ground jute fibres on walls for a smooth finish. Mr Shahbaz added that the damaged wooden roofs were being replaced with high-quality wood, and polish extracted from walnut bark and flaxseed was being used for a natural tint and protection from termites. He said that the windows of the building had coloured glass imported from Belgium, adding that it would be installed again to bring an ‘original look’ to the gurdwara.

Spacious religious site stands in dilapidated condition due to floods, negligence

While talking to Dawn, the Lahore-based contractor of the project, Abdul Moeez, said that he had vast experience working on the renovation of Dehli Gate, Bhati Gate, Moti Masjid, British Jail, and a tunnel in Lahore Fort with maximum similitude to their originality, and the same team of experts was also engaged here.

He explained that some building details had been lost to time, but they were being replicated from the remaining parts. “Renovating a single arch design to its original shape, engraved with Gurmukhi transcript, took over two weeks.”

According to Mr Moeez, the gurdwara is a three-storey building with multiple rooms, a large compound, and prayer halls. Mr Kamran Lashari, the director general of the Walled City of Lahore Authority (WCLA), said that the restoration was being funded by the Evacuee Trust Property Board (ETPB).

While talking to Dawn, Mr Lashari said that the renovation of the religious site kicked off in May 2024 and is expected to be completed within 24 months. He added that the restoration project aimed to improve the location by adding a park, cafeteria, and a residential area. A gallery will be set up to showcase the Sikh history, providing both visitors and students with an opportunity to learn more about the region’s cultural heritage, he said.

According to Mr Lashari, this gurdwara also attracted pilgrims from across the world, including India, Canada, the US, Singapore, Australia, and the UK.

“WCLA plans to extend the gurdwara…connecting it to Jhelum River to create a tourist connection for a riverside experience,” he said, adding that lodges would be constructed mirroring historical context for tourists. He maintained that the rehabilitation of Gurdwara Bhai Karam Singh was part of a broader effort to restore historical sites in the region, ensuring that these cultural treasures were protected for future generations.

Published in Dawn, December 16th, 2024