MP Satnam Sandhu appeals Union Govt to take up preservation, restoration work of historic Diwan Todar Mal’s Jahaj Haveli in Sirhind
Diwan Todar Mal’s Jahaz Haveli is a symbol of Hindu-Sikh Unity says MP Satnam Singh Sandhu
Babushahi Bureau
New Delhi, February 8, 2025: Citing the dilapidated condition of Todar Mal Haveli – popularly known as Jahaz Haveli at Sirhind in Punjab, Member of Parliament (MP) Rajya Sabha, Satnam Singh Sandhu raised the issue of preservation and restoration of more than 300 years old (built in 17th Century) historic structure through ‘Special Mention’ during the on-going Budget Session of Parliament on Friday.
Notably, Jahaz Haveli assumes significance as a historic structure that symbolize Sikh-Hindu brotherhood as Diwan Todar Mal who was a Jain Hindu Merchant and Revenue Official played a pivotal role in apparently acquiring world’s most expensive land for the cremation of the Chote Sahibzade – the younger sons of Guru Gobind Singh – Zorawar Singh and Fateh Singh and their grandmother, Mata Gujri ji at Fatehgarh Sahib in Sirhind in the 17th century.
As per the information, Diwan Todar Mal paid Gold coins to the Mughal empire to buy land for the cremation of Chote Sahibzade and Mata Gujri after their martyrdom.
Raising the issue during the budget session, Sandhu said, “Diwan Todar Mal, a Jain Hindu was not only a Sikh devout but became the biggest example of Hindu-Sikh brotherhood in the entire history of Punjab.
In 1704 when a Sikh Subedar of Sirhind Wazir Khan, unjustly bricked alive the two younger sons of Guru Gobind Singh Ji; Sahibzade Zorawar Singh and Fateh Singh but when the walls fell down, he ordered beheading of the two upon which they both were martyred. Sahibzadas displayed immense courage both chose martyrdom over renouncing their faith.”
Sandhu added, “Upon denied cremation to the martyred souls, Diwan Todar Mal was left deeply moved by these tragic events and as demanded by the Wazir Khan, he agreed to purchase a small chunk of land with gold coins. Todar Mal’s invaluable contribution extends beyond material acquisition and showcase his utmost devotion to Sikh values of selfless service, compassion and unity. Since then, Sikhs hold Diwan Todar Mal in high regard for his selfless act of securing land for the cremation of the Chote Sahibzade and their grandmother.”
Sandhu added, “It is utterly unfortunate that we could not preserve and restore the Todar Mal’s haveli. This haveli of one of greatest philanthropist in the history of mankind has been crumbling and lie in disrepair for centuries.”
It is pertinent to mention here that Prime Minister Narendra Modi when he was Chief Minister of Gujarat undertook the restoration work of Gurdwara Lakhpat Sahib in Kutch which was destroyed during the massive earthquake in the year 2001. After the restoration process undertaken by the Gujarat government, Gurdwara Lakhpat Sahib was awarded by UNESCO with Asia-Pacific Heritage Award in 2004. MP Sandhu demanded that preservation and restoration of the historic Todar Mal’s Jahaj Haveli be carried out on the same lines.
“I strongly urge the Government of India to take necessary steps for the preservation and restoration of the Todar Mal Haveli in Sirhind. The historic haveli lies is dilapidated condition for centuries so it is my humble plea before the government that Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) to take immediate steps to preserve this centuries-old heritage structure that symbolize Hindu-Sikh unity so that it can be restored to its ancient glory and future generations can remember and get inspired by this great historical heritage,” added Sandhu.
Built in the 17th century on 2 kanals and 17 marlas (1442 Sq meters) land, Jahaj haveli is located in Harnam Nagar, 1 km from Fatehgarh Sahib near the Sirhind-Ropar railway line.