022. Dipalpur: A historical city lost in time and Gurdwara Chota Nanakiana

Dipalpur is a small city in District Okara, but it boasts an ancient history dating back to the Vedic period of the early Indo-Aryan civilization. During the era of the Delhi Sultanate, particularly in the 13th century, it rose to significant prominence. Dipalpur was not only the seat of the governor of Punjab, but also served as a frontline defense against the persistent invasions of the Mongols.The city is historically notable as the place where Khan Shaheed, the most beloved son of Ghiyas-ud-Din Balban, was martyred in 1285 while fighting valiantly against the Mongols. At that time, Dipalpur was considered more important than Lahore, both in terms of strategic significance and population. However, during the Mughal period, Dipalpur gradually lost its prominence and fell into decline.

Once a large fortified city, Dipalpur was surrounded by a defensive wall and had several gates. Today, only a few remnants of the old wall remain. Two of the gates have been recently repaired, although not in their original architectural form.

Basirpur Gate now Quaid-e-Azam Gate. 30° 39' 56.95" N, 73° 39' 22.50" E. (21.03.2011.)

 Lahore Gate. 30° 40' 02" N, 73° 39' 06" E. (21.03.2011.)

Wooden door of the Lahore Gate. (21.03.2011.)

As I mentioned above ruins of the old city wall can be seen at some places. Here are a few pictures of the remnants of the city wall:

 A portion of the old wall. It was probably made of mud and bricks. (21.03.2011.)

Apparently, the city was built on higher ground, as can be seen here from the remnants of the city wall and the ruins of old houses. (21.03.2011.)

Another ruined bastion of the city wall. (21.03.2011.)

This ancient city which was founded by Raja Dipa Chand, has many old houses a big old mosque and an ancient Hindu temple of Lal Jas Raj.  It also houses an old Sarai, Inn. Which I could not visit due to lack of information and time constraints. Here are some pictures. 

An old house just inside the Basirpur Gate. (21.03.2011.)

An old near Lahore Gate. (21.03.2011.) 

 A street inside the walled city. (21.03.2011.)

A good example of mid twentieth century architecture. (21.03.2011.)

Many kings, including Muhammad Tughlaq and Emperor Akbar, visited this historic city. The founder of the Sikh religion, Baba Guru Nanak Dev Ji, also visited Dipalpur. A beautiful gurdwara still stands at the place where he is believed to have stayed.

Unfortunately, the gurdwara is in urgent need of repair. It has been divided among several families, and parts of it are now being used as private residences. During my visit, I entered one of these homes. Although the lady of the house was alone, she kindly allowed me inside, and I managed to take a few photographs of the gurdwara from the outside.

With some concerted effort and by arranging alternate housing for the current occupants, this gurdwara could be restored to its former glory—preserving an important piece of spiritual and historical heritage. It is located at 30°39'43.85"N, 73°39'19.67"E.

Beautiful building of the gurdwara Chota Nanakiana. (21.03.2011.)

The gurdwara and the courtyard are divided among many families. (21.03.2011.)

ਸੇਵਾ ਕਰਤ ਹੋਇ ਨਿਹ ਕਾਮੀ

ਤਿਸੁ ਕਉ ਹੋਤ ਪਰਾਪਤਿ ਸੁਆਮੀ

Whoever serves selflessly without desire,
He obtains the Lord as his Master.

ਅਪਨਾ ਖੇਲੋ ਆਪਿ ਕਰਨੈਹਾਰੁ 

ਦੂਸਰ ਕਊਨੂ ਕਹੈ ਬੀਚਾਰੁ

He Himself is the play, and He Himself is the actor.

Who else can speak or deliberate upon this?

ਸਚੁ ਸਭਨਾ ਹੋਇ ਦਾਰੂ ਪਾਪ ਕਢ ਧੋਇ ॥

ਨਾਨਕੁ ਵਖਾਣੈ ਬੇਨਤੀ ਜਿਨ ਸਚੁ ਪਲੇਹੋਇ ॥

"Truth becomes the universal remedy—it eradicates and cleanses away our sins.
Nanak appeals and prays to those in whose heart the Truth abides."

ਬਿਨ ਸੇਵਾ ਧਿਰਗਰਥ ਪਰਹੇ ਗਿਨਰ

ਫਲ ਕਰਨੀ

“Without service, without the foundation of the Guru’s word in your heart, and with only empty talk—one gains no spiritual fruit.”

ਜਿਤੁ ਸੇਵਿਅੈ ਸੁਖੁ ਪਾਈਐਸੈਵਿਆਈ           ਸੋ ਸਾਹਿਬੁ  ਸਦਾ ਸਸਾਲੀਅੈ

Serving Him, peace is obtained; meditate and dwell upon that Lod and Master forever. 

While reading the above inscription, Ms. Parminder Kaur, a resident of Amritsar, assisted me. She also provided translations of these verses from the Holy Book, the Guru Granth Sahib. I am very grateful to her. I am confident that, had I had greater access to the gurdwara, I would have discovered some plaques containing useful information.

Note: I did this translation and updated it, on July 12, 2025.

Dipalpur is, quite literally, a lost city, neglected by the government in terms of preserving its historical monuments and promoting it as a tourist destination. Needless to say, a significant effort is required to bring its rich heritage to light. However, given our current priorities, I am not optimistic.

Tariq Amir 

June  09, 2014.

Doha – Qatar 

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