Chittian Hattian keeps interfaith legacy alive

The historic neighbourhood of Mohalla Qutabuddin, popularly known as "Chittian Hattian," embodies over 150 years of history, distinguished by the remarkable coexistence of a temple, mosque and gurdwara once standing side by side.

The area's centuries-old structures, noted for their robust and elegant architecture, continue to stand firm, retaining their original grandeur and presence. Prior to the Partition of India, the locality was a vibrant hub of Hindus, Muslims and Sikhs, who lived together in harmony, sharing in each other's joys and sorrows.

This spirit of coexistence was exemplified by the adjacent presence of the Madni Mosque, a temple and a gurdwara.

While the gurdwara collapsed around four decades ago and now survives only in traces, the mosque and temple remain intact, serving as enduring symbols of the area's interfaith past.

Chittian Hattian, in fact, derives its name from Mohalla Qutabuddin, named after Mian Qutabuddin, a prominent and affluent Muslim figure known for his integrity. Upon the birth of his long-awaited son, he distributed sweets across the locality and, in celebration, had the small market—comprising five to six dilapidated shops—painted white.

The word "hatti" in Punjabi and Hindi means "shop," and the freshly whitewashed market came to be known as "Chittian Hattian" (the white shops), a name that gradually extended to the entire neighbourhood.

The area also hosts a historic "Landa Bazaar" dating back to the Hindu era, which continues to operate to this day. Chittian Hattian comprises six narrow streets and is home to several notable landmarks, including an imambargah and the century-old "Kelay Wali" mosque.

The locality, once known as Kocha Nihal Singh, was a place where members of all three faiths worshipped side by side and participated collectively in festivals and communal events. Haider Jafri, whose grandfather migrated from Delhi and settled in the area, recounted that after the creation of Pakistan, the Sikh family that owned the gurdwara briefly returned to retrieve valuable fittings such as windows and locks, with the consent of local residents who knew them well. The structure later fell into disrepair and eventually collapsed.

The neighbourhood was also home to a Brahmin family known as the Bakhshis. One of its elders, Wahid Bakhshi, served as a jail superintendent in Rawalpindi during the British era. His son, Mohan Wahid Bakhshi, had a child in 1930 named Anand Bakshi.

Educated up to ninth grade at Cambridge School in Rawalpindi, Anand later joined the navy. Following the partition, the family migrated to Delhi. Possessing a deep passion for poetry and music, Anand Bakshi went on to achieve great acclaim in the Indian film industry as a celebrated lyricist.

Today, Chittian Hattian remains largely intact, though many of its older residents have passed on. Its buildings, reflecting classical Mughal architectural influences, are regarded as notable heritage assets. Despite being a residential locality, it is now considered one of Rawalpindi's most expensive and secure commercial areas, preserving both its historical identity and contemporary significance.