Haveli Nau Nihal: the finest preserved Sikh architecture in Punjab.

ISLAMABAD -- Pakistan in general and Punjab in particular has a rich history of cultural heritage - the footprints of arts and architectures of Mughals, British and Sikhs are still visible in most parts of the province narrating tales of the bygone days.

The walled city of Lahore speaks for almost every era expressing their presence and time in different regimes. Almost everyone had an emotional attachment and love with the rich artifacts of the city.

Mughals and British took care of the architectural heritage and used it as it is. But during the Sikh period which started with the emergence of Maharaja Ranjeet Singh had changed the monumental structures in one way or the other leaving their footprints on history.

Buildings and monuments of the Mughal Dynasty were either destroyed, changed or used to make residential areas and courts (darbars) to have an impact of Sikhs over Punjab which can be seen even today narrating some good and some worst stories of the time.

Along with Haveli Kharak Singh and Samadhi Ranjeet Singh, is a notable structure of Haveli Nau Nihal Singh, also known as Victoria School or Government School for Girls, Lahore. From the Sikh era of the mid-19th century, the Haveli is considered as one of the finest examples of Sikh architecture in Lahore. And this is the only Sikh-era Haveli that preserves its original ornamentation and architecture.

Talking to reporter, Haji Ayatullah said that the Haveli Nau Nihal Singh was still somehow in its original position because it was taken over as a social community center. Later on, it was given to educational department which has kept and maintained it as the finest preserved building of that era.

The Haveli is located near the Mori Gate, Bhatti Gate and Lohari Gate in the southern half of the walled city. It was built around 1830 or 1840 for Nau Nihal Singh, by his grandfather and founder of the Sikh Empire, Maharaja Ranjeet Singh.

The mansion was intended to be a personal residence for Nau Nihal Singh. However, it has been used since the British era to house the Victoria Girls High School.

The base of the Haveli is rectangular in shape with its entrance on the western side. The facade is divided into two sections: with the portion housing the Haveli's entryway profusely decorated with...