Forts, havelis and palaces have been a part of India’s rich history. They have exhibited some of the true forms of India’s culture and heritage, with exquisite architectural features and attention to detail. The grand interiors showcase the legacy of the princely states, reminding the world today of the life the royals and people associated with them lived. The magnificent taste for art, music, dance and food contributed to the legacy formation of the royal heritage in India.
Importance of Royal Heritage:
India, with its rich history, has witnessed the reigns of various dynasties. Each dynasty displayed its culture and left a part of its culture as a heritage. The Palaces, Havelis and Forts have been a mark of history, resilience, culture, and devotion and have served the society with various proposes.
The establishment of the heritage properties served the public and strategically positioned them to protect society and cater to the needs of the royals. Royal heritage is diverse and exquisite. The Royals constructed each space of the Palace or haveli considering the daily needs of the family and the people.
The massive assembly halls conducted daily meetings addressing the issues of the common people. In order to protect their privacy and involve them, the women were given access to these meetings through a separate hall with screening. The intricate details of the architecture and design were taken into consideration.
While most of the Royal heritages today have become heritage hotels, there are still a few that remain as homes for the Royals. The transition of Royal heritage from residence to hotels began after the Independence of India when the privy purses of princely states were no longer considered.
Acting as heritage hotels, the heritage properties serve as a reminder to society of the grandeur of the royals. The heritage hotels have preserved the dignity and allure of the traditional properties while providing guests with contemporary comfort.
The preservation of royal heritage is fundamental considering the rapid changes in society. A reminder of the culture, of the roots and the history is crucial to maintain the societal balance. The heritage properties have given a boost to the tourism of India, namely the Jaipur Palaces, Punjab Havelis and Rajasthani Mahals.
The havelis did not belong only to the Maharaja, but also some wealthy families in different states of India. One such ancestral property is located in the Nawanpind Sardaran Village in Gurdaspur, Punjab. The ‘Pipal Haveli’ is a 125-year-old ancestral property belonging to the Sangha family. The village received the ‘Best Tourism Village 2023’ award from the Union Ministry of Tourism.
History of Pipal Haveli:
Situated in the city of Gurdaspur in Punjab, the quaint village Nawanpind Sardaran is the home to the Pipal Haveli. Established by Sardar Narain Singh in the late 19th century, Nawanpind Sardaran comprises two havelis namely, the Kothi and The Pipal Haveli.
The Haveli was built as a residence and to store agricultural tools and farm produce while connecting with the farm workers. In 1886, the son of Narain Singh, Sardar Bahadur Beant Singh, constructed the house now known as ‘Kothi’ and continued the legacy.
After her husband, who was an ex-Indian Air Force officer, passed away, Satwant Kaur Sangha took care of the legacy. Her daughter, Gurmeet Rai, a renowned conservation architect, renovated this ancestral home and brought back the charm of this property.
The restoration took place in three phases from 2007 to 2021. Today, the Sangha sisters and the locals take care of this ancestral property. The Pipal Haveli is open to guests and tourists as a homestay. They offer the guests not just the living experience but also treat them with farm fresh produce, local food delicacies and indulge them in activities such as tonga rides and visits to historical places.
Architecture:
In the embrace of a majestic Peepal tree, the Pipal Haveli stands firm as a reminder of the traditional Kothi architecture of Punjab. With the rustic tones of red brick, mud-polished floors, a warm fireplace and a touch of vibrant Phulkari theme in the interiors, the Pipal Haveli takes one back to the good old days.
The emotions of the Sangha family and the intention to stay true to the culture have given rise to this homestay. Yellow mustard fields surround the Pipal Haveli offering the scenic beauty of the Upper Bari Doab Canal and the lush greenery around.
With a living room, five bedrooms, balcony, and expansive terrace offering picturesque views, the Pipal Haveli is a stunning accommodation. The haveli opens up into a magnificent garden with varieties of local flowers and birds. The carefully designed interiors remind one of the local architecture of the olden days while providing luxurious comfort.
The ‘Kothi’ provides the guests with the contemporary Punjabi village life experience. Guests can experience contemporary Punjabi village life at the ‘Kothi’, where they are provided with a traditional stay and modern amenities, along with the opportunity to enjoy activities like tractor rides on the farm, tonga rides, and many more. The Kothi and the Pipal haveli offer contrasting living experiences with the core aim of providing a wholesome Punjabi aura.
Social and Cultural Impact:
The Sangha sisters, with conscious efforts, have made this place a tourist destination while promoting conservation. The Bari Collective, a self-help group for women teaching them the art of embroidery, crocheting and knitting, was founded by Gita Sangha. Gursimran, along with the village youths and women, runs a goat-herding enterprise.
The Sangha sisters have developed the village, employing the villagers and increasing the tourism of Punjab. Sustainable initiatives of greywater treatment chambers with phytoremediation techniques are introduced while promoting sustainable building practices.
The restoration of Pipal Haveli has given the village of Nawanpind Sardaran national recognition for its sustainable development, cultural and heritage preservation, resource management, tourism development and environmental stability. The haveli encourages the local artisans to display their talents while monetizing them.
Reference list:
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Booking.com. (n.d.). StayVista at Peepal Haveli, Narāinpur, India. [online] Available at: https://www.booking.com/hotel/in/stayvista-at-peepal-haveli.en-gb.html#:~:text=Peepal%20Haveli%20is%20special%20because [Accessed 1 Feb. 2024].
CNBCTV18. (2023). Punjab village gets on rural tourism map, thanks to efforts made by 5 sisters. [online] Available at: https://www.cnbctv18.com/travel/destinations/punjab-village-gets-on-rural-tourism-map-thanks-to-efforts-made-by-5-sisters-18055521.htm [Accessed 1 Feb. 2024].
Nast, C. (2023). Restored havelis to repurposed palaces: 5 heritage homestays with 100-year-old legacies. [online] Architectural Digest India. Available at: https://www.architecturaldigest.in/story/restored-havelis-to-repurposed-palaces-5-heritage-homestays-with-100-year-old-legacies-jodhpur-alibaug-coorg/ [Accessed 1 Feb. 2024].
Singh, M. (2023). Historic Havelis in Nawanpind Sardaran Village, Gurdaspur. [online] Khalsa Vox. Available at: https://khalsavox.com/heritage/historic-havelis-in-nawanpind-sardaran-village-gurdaspur/ [Accessed 1 Feb. 2024].
www.stayvista.com. (n.d.). Peepal Haveli. [online] Available at: https://www.stayvista.com/villa/peepal-haveli [Accessed 1 Feb. 2024].
