Thursday, July 2, 2009

Revisiting the Good that Ranjit Singh Did

ikh history has largely been associated with loot and plunder but many fail to notice Ranjit Singh's contributions to Lahore in terms of architecture and history

By Noveen Abid

Ranjit Singh is notorious for stripping Lahore's glorious monuments of almost all the gilded ornaments and jewels and having them transferred to Amritsar. It is said that the most affected monument was Sheesh Mahal -- its mirrors were removed and later used to decorate the Golden Temple. Hence, Sikh history with regard to Lahore has largely been associated with loot and plunder. Many fail to notice Ranjit Singh's contributions to Lahore in terms of architecture and history.

Lahore, being the most sought after city at the time, was coveted by Ranjit Singh not only for its political importance but also because it was the birthplace of the fourth Guru Ram Das. After realising that he could not get the city in return for the favour to Zaman Shah, he proceeded to capture Lahore by force.

Apart from destroying a large part of the historical buildings that the Mughals left behind, Ranjit Singh has also built many structures around the city that are worth mentioning. Few people know that the white marble baradari standing in Hazoori Bagh in the passage between Badshahi Mosque and Lahore Fort was part of Jehangir's Tomb. After constructing a garden in 1813 to celebrate his capture of the famous Kohinoor Diamond, Ranjit Singh realised that some form of edifice was needed to complete it.

According to Iqbal Qaiser, a known expert on Sikh architecture, "Ranjit Singh wanted it to be made on the lines of Mughal architecture so it would not seem out of place. As it was relatively impossible to do this, Ranjit Singh ordered the top floor of Jehangir's tomb to be demolished and brought down after numbering each marble brick by hand. The structure was then re-constructed by fitting the original pieces like a puzzle. One can see the numbers on the bricks up to this day. This structure is now referred to as the Hazoori Bagh Baradari."

Iqbal Qaiser also pointed out that "not only did Ranjit Singh build his own Samadhi, he also built a Gurdwara honouring Guru Arjun Singh which is located opposite the Lahore Fort as well as a mandir near Shama Cinema on the request of his wife. Interestingly, Ranjit Singh had Gul Begum Mosque and garden (located in Samanabad) constructed in honour of his deceased wife – Gul Begum – who was a Muslim. The first Quran Gallery was also made in this time period. Ranjit Singh's Muslim daughter-in-law aided in the collection and display of the holy texts – the Quran Gallery was opened for the public near Data Darbar."

Iqbal Qaiser details that another structure was also built inside Shalimar Gardens and a Sikh Art Gallery was opened in Lahore Fort at the time. Even the building in front of the Sheesh Mahal is said to have been built by Ranjit Singh. It is true that Ranjit Singh was responsible for looting the city's valued historical buildings but it seems that he was bent on leaving his mark on Lahore by adding and beautifying some of the existing ones.

Fakir Aijazuddin mentions that as a region, "the level of security in the areas surrounding Lahore improved, particularly during the reign of the Sikh Maharaja Ranjit Singh who ruled from 1799 to 1839." This signifies that Ranjit Singh can be held responsible for strengthening the city politically.

It is indeed a shame to see these monuments, marking the period of Sikh rule in Lahore decaying with time, taking with them an important part of Lahore's history. Yasmin Cheema adds that "people have usually thought of Ranjit Singh as a "destroyer of Lahore." In retrospect, the British have also played a large part in destroying Mughal architecture through loot and plunder. Structures added to Lahore Fort in both eras signify continuation." She pointed out that Punjab was actually developed in Sikh rule – Lahore was changed from being the provincial capital to the capital of the Sikh kingdom. "Now, even though the Punjab Government has the necessary funds, they have failed to conserve the Sikh buildings. It is ironic that Ranjit Singh destroyed parts of Lahore but Muslims are destroying Sikh architecture even now. Mosques have been re-built but Gurdwaras haven't been conserved."

Yasmeen Cheema also notes that "It is Muslims who have been appointed to take care of the functioning Sikh Gurdwaras and not only do these people eat up funds, they fail to conserve the existing structures."

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