Since the partition of India and Pakistan in 1947, the Gurdwara Sahib has been largely abandoned, though the structure remains relatively intact.
Rohtas, a town in the Jhelum district of West Punjab, Pakistan, is well-known for the historic Rohtas Fort, which was built by Sher Shah Suri in the 16th century. Situated about 200 kilometers from Lahore, Rohtas is accessible via the M2 motorway heading towards Rawalpindi. Many people are unaware that Rohtas also houses an important historical site: a Gurdwara Sahib that marks the visit of Guru Nanak during one of his Udasi, or preaching tours.
History
The Gurdwara Sahib is positioned to the north of Rohtas Fort, close to the Talaqi Gate, and was established by Maharaja Ranjit Singh. According to Bhai Kahn Singh Nabha in his Mahan Kosh, Maharaja Ranjit Singh allocated 27 Gumaoo of land and an annual grant of 260 rupees for the maintenance of the Gurdwara Sahib. The Gurdwara was overseen by the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee until 1947, and a major religious festival, known as Jorr Mela, was held every year in the month of Katak to celebrate the Gurpurab of Guru Nanak.
Dr. Harbans Singh, in the Sikh Encyclopedia, notes that during dry periods, the nearest water source for the local community was a spring at Tilla Jogian, approximately 14 kilometers to the west. At the request of the residents, Guru Ji caused a new fresh water spring to emerge. In Persian, a spring or stream is called 'Choha,' and thus, the spring was named 'Choha Sahib' or holy stream. When the Gurdwara Sahib was constructed, this spring was enclosed to create a sarovar, or sacred tank.
Present Status
Since the partition of India and Pakistan in 1947, the Gurdwara Sahib has been largely abandoned, though the structure remains relatively intact. Shahid Shabbir from the Pakistan Heritage Club, based in Islamabad, is leading efforts to preserve heritage sites, including Sikh sites in Pakistan. He has made a video documenting the Gurdwara Sahib’s condition.
Mirza Safdar Baig, a resident of Jhelum and a friend of Shabbir, has shared that his elders recall a significant Mela, or fair, that used to be held at the Gurdwara Sahib before the partition. The Sikh community has requested that the authorities allow Kar Seva, or volunteer service, to restore the Gurdwara Sahib and install Guru Granth Sahib Ji, ensuring regular Prakash, or reading, can take place.
While Sikh Jathas from India, who visit Pakistan on a fixed schedule, are currently unable to include this Gurdwara Sahib in their itinerary, Sikh communities from the USA, UK, Canada, Australia, and other countries who have unrestricted access to Pakistan are encouraged to visit this important site.
* Based on an article by Inderjeet Singh, Shahid Shabbir & Mirza Baig, published on 14th September 2016