In the shadows: Shahpur City’s historic temples in ruins

SARGODHA: For centuries, Shahpur City in Sargodha has served as a religious centre for a large number of communities.

The city still consists of several sites that were developed by Hindus and Sikhs before partition. However, some temples and Dharamshala that depict the city’s multi-religious character and pluralistic past, lie in shambles.

Built in 18th century, these temples and Dharamshala have been neglected by the government and efforts were not taken to restore them to their past glory.

The buildings, exposed to torrential rains and harsh weather conditions, have a battered and weathered look.

Years of neglect have allowed certain portions of the structures to crumble.

But despite facing harsh weather conditions and withstanding damage during different battles during British era, these worship sites still stand tall and are considered as benchmarks in Sargodha.

Eloquent calligraphy and graffiti remain intact in the centuries-old sites to some extent. A great amount of artwork also adorns the holy places.

The inner part of domes of these temples is decorated with elegant paintings, mesmerising everyone, including art critics.

Much of the detail put into the construction and the carved frescos has faded with the passage of time, but it still provides a fascinating subject for artists and students of history.



The temples and the Dharamshala are governed under the Ministry of Culture, National Heritage and Integration.

However, the authorities concerned have never given adequate attention to the magnificent cultural heritage. The sites have been used as makeshift homes by several families. The real inhabitants of these places left the country at the time of partition.

Hindu and Sikh pilgrims, who have been visiting the heritage site, have repeatedly shown disapproval for the poor maintenance of their cultural shrines.

In subsequent years, the responsibility for a large number of temples has been transferred to the department of education.

For instance, Shahpur’s Elementary Girls School has been established in a premises that earlier provided space for a temple. The temple, restricted to one side of the premise, still speaks volumes of its cultural and historic glory.

Schoolchildren remain amused with the temples and excite themselves playing around them.

While speaking to Express News, members of minority communities demanded the government restore these historic sites.

They said proper maintenance and renovation work on these sites can bring a large amount of foreign exchange from visiting tourists.

Published in The Express Tribune, May 3^rd, 2018.