Haveli Sujan Singh is a magnificent architechtural marvel situated in the Shah Chan Chirag area of Rawalpindi, holds historical significance. This splendid heritage structure was constructed by the prominent figure Sardar Rai Bahadur Sujan Singh between 1880-1890.
Rai Bahadur Sujan Singh was a renowned individual in Rawalpindi and held numerous Jagirs granted to him by the British Raj. According to the book "The Punjab Chiefs" by Charles Francis Massy, Rai Bahadur Sujan Singh hailed from the esteemed family of Sardar Milkha Singh Thepuria, who played a pivotal role in founding Rawalpindi in 1766 and had a prominent status among its inhabitants. Sardar Sujan Singh was born in Rawalpindi in 1841. His father, Sardar Nand Singh, and his grandfather, Budha Singh, who served as the superintendent of revenue collections under Maharaja Ranjit Singh, inspired him to follow in their footsteps.
Sardar Sujan Singh undertook important roles, including managing vital contracts for supplying grain, fodder, and fuel for the Afghan campaign in 1880. He even financed the construction of an impressive public market in Rawalpindi cantonment. In recognition of his contributions, the title of Sardar was bestowed upon him by the viceroy in 1888. He also served as Tehsildar of Rawalpindi before resigning in 1868. Additionally, he held positions as a member of the municipal committee and an honorary magistrate for several years and was honored with the title of Rai Bahadur in 1889 for his outstanding achievements.
The Haveli Sujan Singh, a cultural heritage site dating back 130 years, is currently in a state of disrepair due to a lack of maintenance and upkeep. This historical structure was originally constructed by the renowned Punjab Chief of Rawalpindi, Sardar Rai Bahadur Sujan Singh, a wealthy merchant, 131 years ago. The foundation stone was laid in 1890, and the construction was completed in just three years. This impressive building covers 24,000 square feet, comprising four storeys and 45 rooms, with four of its spacious halls featuring Victorian-style furniture. Unfortunately, due to inadequate maintenance, this significant cultural treasure is now on the brink of collapse.
A restoration plan was conceived with the idea of establishing a library on the ground floor and a cafe on the top floor, where tourists could learn about the mansion's history. The plan also involved restoring electricity poles, telephones, and other wires in the vicinity of the Haveli, and creating a museum on the second floor to house antiquities from both the British and Sikh periods.
Haveli Sujan Singh originally belonged to a Sikh family that migrated to India after partition. Their other property, a royal palace on Mall Road, now houses the Fatima Jinnah Women's University. There were previous considerations to turn another Sikh family property, the Badshahi Mahal on Mall Road, into a campus for the university, but this plan did not come to fruition.
This magnificent mansion showcases the architectural splendor of the British era and serves as a remarkable sight. The objective of opening this mansion to tourists was not only to preserve its cultural heritage and introduce it to future generations but also to promote the Pothohar culture.
Despite the project's approval, the Rawalpindi administration has faced challenges in obtaining the necessary funds to commence the work. In 2020, the former Rawalpindi commissioner secured approval from the Punjab government for a restoration project costing Rs400 million, but the approved funds were not released.
The British-era architecture of the mansion is truly remarkable, with wooden arches and doors adorning its balconies. My visit to this stunning haveli left me in awe of its architecture and beauty, but I couldn't help but feel disappointed by its deteriorating condition. It is now imperative to initiate the renovation and restoration of this invaluable heritage gem.
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