In early 19th century the British made Rawalpindi the central seat of military power as they aimed towards Afghanistan. This was in line with their strategic approach towards the Russian Empire in order to enjoy and retain complete control over central Asia, otherwise known as “The Great Game,” according to a report by Shiraz Ahmed of The World Talks Here.
After the partition in 1947 the city continued to be the General Headquarters of Pakistan Army. But this city has a lot more to tell than just being the army headquarters.
Historically Rawalpindi has been rich in its heritage and culture; with a multi-religious population this city had a lifestyle of its own. Even today, more than 60 years after partition, one can still trace within this city, the remains of the multi-religious culture of Pakistan.
Roaming around the old areas of city one can see the places of worship of various religious faiths; Sikh Gurudwaras, Hindu and Jain Temples Hindus and old Mosques.
However, with Partition, a lot changed. Almost all Hindu and Sikh families from Rawalpindi migrated to India, only leaving the remnants of their heritage behind.
Various areas of Rawalpindi like Krishanpura, Akaal Garh, Mohanpura, Amarpura, Kartarpura, Bagh Sardaraan, Angatpura tell you about the glorious past of this historic city.
There are about ten Temples and Gurudwaras in Rawalpindi, whose architecture exist but they are no longer functional and in a very bad shape.
Incidentally or fortunately, one of the Hindu temples located at Kohati bazaar is in good condition. Its premises are used as a government school for disabled children. Another beautiful Gurdwara known as Bagh Sardaraan is owned by the Punjab police and the building is currently used as their main office.
But alas! Rest of the Temples and Gurudwaras are not in good shape and need renovation. These structures are desperate for empathy and attention by the government and other relevant departments.
The premise of the Hindu temple located at Govt. Asghar Mall College is used as a scrap yard today. A temple dedicated to Hindu god Shiva at Gunjmandi now houses storerooms or shops. There are a few more abandoned temples scattered around College road, Bohar Bazaar, Purana Qilla, Bagh Sardaraan and outskirts of Rawalpindi which are on the verge of crumbling.
According to a media report, in the old area of Lunda bazaar of the city, there used to be three temples, a Gurdwara, a Khalsa School and many Havelis of Hindus and Sikhs. Of the three temples, only two survive. The third, a Temple of goddess Kali, which was situated in the main bazaar, no longer exists.
It has been converted into living quarters and extensions have been made, thus changing the original structure entirely.
In Lunda bazaar area one can see the tall structure of a temple, known as Mohan temple. This temple is believed to have been built by two Hindu Hakims whose names were Hakim Asa Anand and Hakim Moti Ram in 1930.
The fact is that there are several abandoned temples in Rawalpindi and Islamabad and yet there is not a single place for the Hindus living in the twin city to celebrate their religious festivals like Diwali, Shivratri or Holi.
This is sad but true. A majority of Hindus in the twin cities cannot participate in their religious functions due to a complete absence of a common place for worship.
There are more than 25,000 Hindus living in Rawalpindi and Islamabad including the locals living here for long and those who have arrived in the federal capital from other parts of the country, mainly Sindh.
Recently, following a request from Ramesh Lal, a Hindu parliamentarian of the ruling Pakistan People’s Party, the Prime Minister of Pakistan Raja Pervez issued a directive (to the Chairman of the Capital Development Authority) to identify a suitable land and build a new temple for the Hindu community.
It is no doubt a good gesture by the government of Pakistan but on the other hand it is also necessary to restore and preserve the old heritage of the city. Lot needs to be done in this regard through government initiatives and the people of Rawalpindi.