Lahore’s Sanatani Origins and Forgotten Heritage
Lahore, a city with deep-rooted Sanatani origins, seems to have lost touch with its heritage. Political agendas have overshadowed the legacy of its folk heroes, such as Shaheed Bhagat Singh and Sir Ganga Ram, who are now largely forgotten. The Pakistani government has failed to acknowledge the importance of preserving their memory, even though one of South Asia’s most prominent cities was founded by a non-Muslim individual, whose contributions are integral to the region’s history.
Shaheed Bhagat Singh, a revered freedom fighter, and Sir Ganga Ram, a distinguished civil engineer and philanthropist, both played crucial roles in shaping Lahore’s identity. Sir Ganga Ram, in particular, is remembered for his monumental contributions to the city’s development, including the renowned Ganga Ram Hospital, which remains a testament to his vision and dedication.
It is imperative to recognize and honor these figures, not only for their contributions to Lahore but also for their broader impact on the Indian subcontinent. Preserving their memory is essential to maintaining a balanced and inclusive historical narrative, one that transcends religious and political boundaries.
Sir Ganga Ram’s Influence on Lahore’s Architecture
Lahore is a city steeped in history and culture, bearing the marks of great men from the past in its streets and architecture. One such influential figure was Sir Ganga Ram, who played a pivotal role in transforming the city into a modern urban center. His contributions led to a new era of architectural development in Lahore, despite facing numerous challenges. As an engineer and philanthropist, Sir Ganga Ram dedicated a significant portion of his life to the city. He oversaw the construction of iconic landmarks such as the Lahore High Court, the Cathedral, and the prestigious Aitchison College. Additionally, he implemented new water works and numerous other buildings, although some have since been lost. His twelve-year tenure as the executive engineer of Lahore is often referred to as the “Ganga Ram period of Architecture.”
Manto’s “Garland” and Its Fascinating Twist of Fate
Time has a way of concealing countless tales. Stories of love and heartbreak, beauty and responsibility, and of course, those odd twists of fate. If it weren’t for Saadat Hasan Manto’s Garland, this particular story, showcasing a fascinating twist of fate, might have been lost forever beneath the sands of time. Garland is inspired by a real event, depicting mob violence during the Partition in Lahore. The mob targeted the statue of Sir Ganga Ram, a well-known Hindu philanthropist in Lahore who had passed away long before. When the police fired at the mob, they accidentally injured a man attempting to place a garland of shoes on the statue. The mob then ironically suggested taking him to Sir Ganga Ram Hospital, forgetting that they were defacing the memory of the very man who had established the life-saving hospital for the people of Lahore. Manto, a skilled storyteller, beautifully captured the irony of the situation in his exquisite Urdu prose.
Ganga Ram was not only a strict disciplinarian but also a compassionate individual. His impact was felt across various domains such as architecture, engineering, agriculture, and women’s rights. He dedicated himself to improving the lives of widows, showcasing his kindness and empathy. The book “Harvest from the Desert” by Baba Pyare Lal Bedi in 1940 sheds light on his remarkable life and achievements.
Early Life and Background of Ganga Ram
Rai Bahadur Sir Ganga Ram, originally named Ganga Ram Agarwal, was a prominent British Indian civil engineer and architect whose significant impact on the urban development of Lahore, which was part of colonial India and is now situated in contemporary Pakistan, led Khaled Ahmed to refer to him as “The Father of Modern Lahore.”
The enduring legacy of the renowned engineer and philanthropist, Sir Ganga Ram, is evident in the hospitals established in his honor in Delhi and Lahore. Despite the partition of India in 1947, his family relocated to Delhi, where they continued to preserve his memory through their contributions to healthcare.
A Legacy Across Borders
There are a limited number of individuals in India and Pakistan whose legacies have endured significantly on both sides of the border. Sir Ganga Ram was born on April 13, 1851, in Mangtanwala, a village in the Nankana Sahib district of Punjab, now located in Pakistan.
Family and Cultural Heritage
He was born into a Punjabi Hindu family of the Khatri clan, a community known for trade and commerce. His parents, Daulat Ram Agrawal and Smt. Rup Kaur, originally from Uttar Pradesh, moved to Mangtanwala where his father worked as a junior police sub-inspector. Sir Ganga Ram’s birth coincided with Baishakhi day, which marks the Punjabi New Year and the start of the wheat harvesting season for farmers in Punjab. This day is also significant for Sikhs, as it commemorates the initiation of the Sikh faith by Guru Govind Singh in 1699.
Educational Excellence
Sir Ganga Ram’s educational path was characterized by excellence and commitment. He received a scholarship to pursue studies at the esteemed Government College in Lahore in 1869, where he demonstrated outstanding performance. Subsequently, in 1871, he was awarded another scholarship to enroll at the Thompson Engineering College in Roorkee, India. By 1873, Sir Ganga Ram had successfully obtained his civil engineering degree, accompanied by a gold medal in recognition of his exceptional academic achievements.
Foundation of a Distinguished Career
His educational background, coupled with his fervor for engineering and philanthropy, served as the cornerstone for his illustrious career as a civil engineer and humanitarian. Sir Ganga Ram began his education at a local school in Mangtanwala, where he received his primary education. He then continued his studies in Lahore, completing his middle education at a school there. After that, he attended Government College in Lahore for his high school education. In 1873, he traveled to England to pursue a degree in civil engineering at Thomason College of Engineering. Following his degree, he underwent professional training in England, gaining valuable experience in the construction industry. Throughout his career, Sir Ganga Ram made a point to stay up-to-date with the latest developments in civil engineering, attending conferences, reading industry publications, and collaborating with other experts in the field to learn new techniques and best practices.
Transition to Practical Farming
In 1873, after a short stint in the Punjab P.W.D, Sir Ganga Ram dedicated himself to practical farming. He leased 50,000 acres of barren land in Montgomery District from the government and transformed it into lush fields within three years.
Philanthropic Endeavors
Sir Ganga Ram amassed a fortune, most of which he generously donated to charitable causes.
Superintendent of Works for the Imperial Durbar
In 1900, Lord Curzon appointed Ganga Ram as the superintendent of works for the Imperial Durbar during the accession of King Edward VII. Despite facing numerous challenges, he successfully completed the project. He retired prematurely in 1903.
Honors and Recognitions
For his contributions, Ganga Ram was honored with the title of Rai Bahadur in 1903 and appointed as a Companion of the Order of the Indian Empire (CIE) in June 1903. He was further recognized as a Member Fourth Class of the Royal Victorian Order (MVO) in December 1911 and knighted in the 1922 Birthday Honours list. King-Emperor George V personally bestowed the honor upon him at Buckingham Palace on 8 July.
Architectural Contributions in Lahore
He was responsible for the design and construction of various significant structures in Lahore, such as the General Post Office, Lahore Museum, Aitchison College, Mayo School of Arts (now the National College of Arts), Ganga Ram Hospital, Lady Mclagan Girls High School, the chemistry department of the Government College University, the Albert Victor wing of Mayo Hospital, Sir Ganga Ram High School (now Lahore College for Women), the Hailey College of Commerce (now Hailey College of Banking & Finance), Ravi Road House for the Disabled, the Ganga Ram Trust Building on “The Mall,” and Lady Maynard Industrial School.
Development of Model Town and Gulberg Town
Additionally, he oversaw the development of Model Town and Gulberg town, which were considered the best localities in Lahore.
Engineering Projects
He was also responsible for the construction of the powerhouse at Renala Khurd and the railway track between Pathankot and Amritsar.
Ganga Ram Hospital, New Delhi
Following the partition of India and Pakistan, Sir Ganga Ram Hospital, New Delhi was established in 1951 as a tribute to his legacy.
Contributions to Canal Systems and Irrigation Networks
Sir Ganga Ram played a significant role in the design and construction of various canal systems and irrigation networks in India, which greatly enhanced the availability of water resources in the country. Among his notable achievements was the completion of the Western Yamuna Canal in 1913, which continues to serve as a vital water source for the region even today.
Superintending Engineer in Patiala State
Ganga Ram served as the Superintending Engineer in Patiala State, overseeing the reconstruction project of the capital after his retirement in 1927 CE. His notable works included the construction of the Moti Bagh Palace, Secretariat Building, New Delhi, Victoria Girls School, as well as the law courts and police station.
The Unique Ghoda Train
In Tehsil Jaranwala of district Lyallpur, Ganga Ram was responsible for the construction of the unique Ghoda Train, a horse-pulled train that operated on a railway line from Buchiana Railway station to the village of Gangapur. Although the Ghoda Train fell into disrepair in the 1980s, it was later restored and recognized as a cultural heritage site by the Faisalabad District Authorities in 2010.
Philanthropic Endeavors
Sir Ganga Ram devoted his life to the service of the Indian populace, making significant contributions to various philanthropic endeavors, which included the founding of hospitals, educational institutions, and places of worship. His enduring legacy continues to motivate countless individuals in India who seek to effectuate positive change in their communities.
Hydropower Project in Renala Khurd
Among his most ambitious undertakings was the hydropower project in Renala Khurd, which utilized five turbines to convert previously barren land into productive agricultural fields.
Ganga Ram’s Vision for Rural Punjab
Ganga Ram, a visionary urban architect in Lahore, never forgot his rural roots in Punjab. After retiring from his government job in 1903, he was awarded land in Chenab Colony, where he established Gangapur, a model village with innovative irrigation and farming techniques. He even developed a unique transportation system from the Buchiana railway station to Gangapur. Ganga Ram’s ambition didn’t stop there—he also worked on large-scale projects like the hydel power project in Renala Khurd, Punjab.
Connection to Rural Punjab
Despite his achievements in urban architecture, Sir Ganga Ram remained deeply connected to his rural origins in Punjab. Following his retirement from public service, he initiated the development of Gangapur, a model village that featured innovative irrigation and agricultural practices. Additionally, he implemented a distinctive transportation system to facilitate travel between the railway station and Gangapur.
Final Philanthropic Endeavor: Hindu Apahaj Ashram
One of Sir Ganga Ram’s final philanthropic endeavors was the creation of the Hindu Apahaj Ashram, a sanctuary for the elderly, disabled, and ailing individuals. Following his passing in 1927, a portion of his remains were interred in Lahore next to the ashram, in accordance with his wishes. Today, his tomb, the Ganga Ram Samadhi, remains as a testament to his altruistic spirit and unwavering commitment to serving humanity.
Advocacy for Widows
Sir Ganga Ram not only excelled in engineering and architecture but also advocated for widows in traditional Hindu society. He founded the Widows’ Marriage Association and generously contributed his own funds to support it. Additionally, he established a Hindu Widows’ Home to empower women with skills for self-sufficiency. This institution provided education, accommodation, and training for widows to pass exams and become teachers of crafts.The legacy of Sir Ganga Ram lives on through the Sir Ganga Ram Trust, which played a pivotal role in establishing the Sir Ganga Ram Free Hospital and Dispensary in Lahore. Over time, this medical facility expanded to include advanced surgical and medical departments
Establishing the Widows’ Marriage Association
In 1917, Ganga Ram attempted to introduce a resolution on widow re-marriage at a religious Hindu conference in Ambala city. Despite the resolution failing, he took matters into his own hands and established the Widows’ Marriage Association. He generously donated 2,000 rupees from his personal funds to support the cause. Through the association, Ganga Ram sought to raise awareness about the challenges widows faced in society. He soon realized that while some widows were too advanced in age to remarry, many others simply chose not to enter into another marriage.
Sir Ganga Ram not only excelled in engineering and architecture but also advocated for widows in traditional Hindu society. He founded the Widows’ Marriage Association and generously contributed his own funds to support it. Additionally, he established a Hindu Widows’ Home to empower women with skills for self-sufficiency. This institution provided education, accommodation, and training for widows to pass exams and become teachers of crafts.The legacy of Sir Ganga Ram lives on through the Sir Ganga Ram Trust, which played a pivotal role in establishing the Sir Ganga Ram Free Hospital and Dispensary in Lahore. Over time, this medical facility expanded to include advanced surgical and medical departments
Hindu Widows’ Home and Education Initiatives
Ganga Ram received the government’s authorization to construct a Hindu Widows’ Home in 1921, with a budget of 250,000 rupees, in order to provide training for these women to become self-sufficient. The home eventually expanded to include two schools and a hostel, assisting widows in passing exams and preparing them to teach handicrafts. Additionally, Ganga Ram supported the founding of the Lady Maynard Industrial School for Hindu and Sikh women experiencing financial hardships.
Establishment of the Sir Ganga Ram Trust
The Sir Ganga Ram Trust was established in 1923 in honor of the engineer. The following year, the Sir Ganga Ram Free Hospital and Dispensary was founded in Lahore. Over time, it evolved into a comprehensive hospital with advanced surgical and medical facilities, as mentioned in Bedi’s books. According to the book, the hospital was the second largest in the Punjab province, after Mayo Hospital, which is the oldest and largest hospital in the region.
The trust also founded a Hindu Student Careers Society in 1924 to assist Hindu students in securing employment, as well as the Sir Ganga Ram Business Bureau and Library.
Legacy Remembered by Khawaja Hassan Nizami
Khawaja Hassan Nizami, a noted Urdu writer, wrote about Sir Ganga Ram’s death, expressing a desire to have extended his own life to allow Sir Ganga Ram to continue serving the distressed women of India for a longer period.
Sir Ganga Ram’s final act of philanthropy was the creation of the Hindu Apahaj Ashram, a residence for the elderly, disabled, and sick. Following his passing in 1927, a portion of his remains were returned to Lahore and interred beside the ashram in accordance with his desires. The Ganga Ram Samadhi, his mausoleum, remains intact to this day. The altruistic efforts and unwavering commitment of Sir Ganga Ram to helping those in need serve as a timeless source of inspiration for individuals globally.
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