Haveli of Maharaja Ranjit Singh

Birthplace of the founder of the Sikh Empire

A large brick and stucco haveli in the old city, traditionally identified as the birthplace of Maharaja Ranjit Singh, founder of the Sikh Empire. The building has been added to and altered repeatedly, and parts of it have served as a school and a government office in the past century. The frontage and courtyard preserve elements of the original early 19th-century plan; the upper rooms have ornamental woodwork worth a quick look.

The haveli is currently under partial restoration. Access can be variable — visitors sometimes simply walk in, sometimes are asked to wait at a side gate. Ask locally before turning up.

things to do sight architecture historic house
A story
Ranjit Singh was born in this haveli in November 1780, the son of the Sukerchakia chieftain Mahan Singh. He went on to forge the Sikh Empire that stretched from the Khyber Pass to Tibet — and Gujranwala, where he spent his childhood, remained one of his favoured cities until his death in 1839.