013. Suman Burj - Residence Of Maharaja Ranjit Singh (Wazirabad)

Suman Burj is a large housing complex located in the northern part of Wazirabad city, at 32°27'00" N, 74°06'54" E. It covers an area of about 10 acres and contains nearly two dozen homes. I was told that it once served as a residence of Maharaja Ranjit Singh. Inside the complex is a beautiful garden, and several striking havelis showcasing traditional architecture.

I wish I had more time to explore this remarkable place. Its beauty is truly captivating. The complex contains architectural masterpieces in the old, traditional style and is an ideal site for students of art, history, and culture. If officials were to pay even a little attention (just kidding!), it could become a significant cultural heritage site. Since the buildings are still in relatively good condition, restoration and preservation would not require extensive costs.

I'm not certain who the current occupants are or how they came to possess the properties. My friend, Syed Hassan Abbas of Jamalpur Syedan (near Gujrat), shared an interesting piece of information: reportedly, the property is still officially registered under Ranjit Singh's name or belongs to the government, which prevents the current occupants from selling it.

Gate of the Suman Burj complex. Now closed. (26.03.2009.)

Inside the Suman Burj complex. (26.03.2009.)

View of the main gate from the inside. (26.03.2009.)

A haveli inside the Suman Burj Complex. (26.03.2009.)

A wooden door of a house. (26.03.2009.)

A well-preserved house in Suman Burj. (26.03.2009.)

Probably a guest house in Suman Burj. (26.03.2009.)

Another building in Suman Burj. (26.03.2009.)

A beautiful garden in Suman Burj. (26.03.2009.)

 A Hindu temple.  (26.03.2009.)

The above Hindu temple is located just north of Wazirabad city and probably served as a cremation ground for the Hindu community before the partition of 1947. 

A closer view of the temple. (26.03.2009.)

Gurdwara, Guru da Kotha. (26.03.2025.)

Gurdwara Guru Kotha Sahib marks the historic site where Sixth Sikh Guru, Guru Hargobind Ji, stayed at the home of his devotee Bhai Khem Chand Ji on his return from Kashmir, around 1620 . The original house was converted into a gurdwara to commemorate the visit. The gurdwara is located at  32°26'45.09"N, 74° 7'10.27"E. This is religiously and historically a very important gurdwra. But unfortunately is encroached upon from all sides and occupied by refugee families. It it sad to see it in a state of total neglect and disrepair.  

Another view of this wonderful gurdwara. (26.03.2009.)

A beautiful traditional house in Wazirabad. (26.03.2009.)

Another view of the traditional house in Wazirabad. (26.03.2009.) 

The purpose of this post is not only to share information about this beautiful and historically rich place, but also to learn more about it. I would truly appreciate it if anyone could contribute additional details.

I welcome your comments on the post above. Similarly, I would be grateful for any suggestions to improve it, or for any further information on the subject, which I will gladly include with full credit.

Tariq Amir

May 21, 2014.

Doha - Qatar 

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