Archeological Dept endorses Khadur Sahib’s old ‘Barandari’ and ‘Khoohi’ constructed by Guru Angad Dev

Sabhraon –March10, 2015

NRIpress-Club

 Khadur Sahib - Throughout the world, increasing populations and modern developments are leading to the destruction of old buildings, priceless heritage and many archaeological sites. Archaeologists have taken the lead to protect these sites, by supporting the creation of protection laws and conducting archaeological research in advance of site destruction.

 Likewise, Khadur Sahib township in Punjab is a historical place sanctified by the visit of eight Sikh Gurus. The second Sikh Guru Sri Guru Angad Dev Ji preached Gurbani, modified and developed the Gurmukhi alphabet, Gurmukhi primer, establish first of its kind school,  established Mal Akhara (sports arena), got the Janam Sakhi of Guru Nanak Dev Ji written by Bhai Perra Mokha ji and served mankind for nearly 13 years during His Guruship period. His devoted wife, Mata Khiwi, enforced the practice of “Langar” (free community kitchen) at Khadur Sahib.

 Description of this sacred town can also be found in Sri Guru Granth Sahib and Bani of Bhai Gurdas Ji.

 The historical town has cluster of many heritage buildings which could not get formal recognition and identification of having heritage status. Old ‘Baran-dari’ (the building having 12 doors) and ‘Khoohi’ (well) situated in the complex of Gurdwara Tapiana Sahib and Mata Khivi Langar fall in the category of heritage buildings. 

 Demand of research, substantiation and verification of these historical buildings was raised by me during my longtime volunteering service at Khadur Sahib. In particular, Baba Sewa Singh Kar Sewa and Principal Bhagwant Singh Khehra also made persistent efforts to support me in this direction. About 13 years back, I started writing to the archaeological department of the government of India to identify whether the existing old buildings were constructed during the period of Guru Angad Dev Ji. But the central agency showed little interest in this respect. Consequently, the task remained undone for long. Thereafter, I took up the matter with Punjab’s archaeological department urging it to make proper research of the buildings so that proper care is taken of the old heritage buildings. The departmental director took keen interest in detailing  Archaeological officer Rajinder Singh Bath for the job. Mr Bath along with his team members examined the architecture of the buildings and material used in it. 

 According to the research report of the experts, there was a garden where Gurdwara Tapiana Sahib is situated now. Due to the place being lonely, Guru Angad Dev ji did meditation there. History and hearsay stories about these buildings confirm the same saga.

 On the bank of Gurdwara’s sacred Sarovar (pond), there stands the building of an old ‘Barandari. Architecture, arcs, unique design of ceilings and small ‘Lakhauri’ bricks used in constructing the building qualify that such kind of buildings were constructed in the beginning of 16th century coinciding with Guruship period of Guru Angad Dev ji.

The assessment of the archaeology experts suggests that Guru Angad Dev Ji used to address his followers and preach Gurmat in this building.

 In addition, there is an old ‘Khoohi’ (well) in basement of the modern Mata Khivi Langar Hall. This ‘Khoohi’ has also been constructed with the same bricks and material as that of ‘Barandari’.

The departmental team verified that the ‘Khoohi’ was also built during the same period thereby belonging to the same period of Guru Angad Dev Ji. It is well known historical sequence that Mata Khivi Ji might have used water of this well for preparing food in community kitchen. As per the latest research of the heritage department, the water of this ‘Khoohi’ was used by Mata Khivi ji for ‘Langar’ purposes.

 In nut shell, Archaeological department’s team has concluded that research suggests that old ‘Baran-Dari’ was constructed by Guru Angad Dev Ji and the water from the “Khoohi”(close to the today Langar Hall) was used by Mata Khivi Ji in Langar.

 Cheering over the research report, Baba Sewa Singh has assured that archaeological remains, signs, ruins, and the existing buildings related to Guru  Sahib would be preserved with due respect as per suggestions of the experts and archaeologists. In my view, such precious buildings are our proud heritage and have the ability to inspire our younger generations not to abandon their inheritance values in the times to come. Thus it is pertinent upon the progeny to preserve its heritage, legacy, culture and proud history to serve the entire humanity in a truthful way for the times to come.

Dr. Raghbir Singh Bains

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