Despite the passage of time, the region retains its architectural charm and cultural importance.
RAWALPINDI:
The historic district of Mohalla Qutabuddin, popularly known as ‘Chittian Hattian’, embodies over 150 years of history, characterized by the remarkable coexistence of a temple, a mosque and a gurdwara once side by side.
The region’s century-old structures, renowned for their sturdy and elegant architecture, continue to stand strong, retaining their original grandeur and presence. Before the partition of India, the locality was a vibrant center of Hindus, Muslims and Sikhs, who lived together in harmony, sharing each other’s joys and sorrows.
This spirit of coexistence was illustrated by the adjacent presence of the Madni mosque, a temple and a gurdwara.
While the gurdwara collapsed around forty years ago and survives today only in traces, the mosque and temple remain intact, serving as enduring symbols of the region’s interfaith past.
Chittian Hattian, in fact, takes its name from Mohalla Qutabuddin, named after Mian Qutabuddin, a prominent and well-to-do Muslim figure known for his integrity. When his long-awaited son was born, he distributed sweets throughout the town and, to celebrate, had the small market, made up of five or six dilapidated shops, painted white.
The word “hatti” in Punjabi and Hindi means “shop”, and the freshly whitewashed market became known as “Chittian Hattian” (the white shops), a name which gradually spread to the entire district.
The area is also home to a historic “Landa Bazaar” dating back to Hindu times, which continues to function today. Chittian Hattian comprises six narrow streets and is home to several notable monuments, including an imambargah and the century-old “Kelay Wali” mosque.
The locality, formerly known as Kocha Nihal Singh, was a place where members of the three faiths worshiped side by side and collectively participated in festivals and community events. Haider Jafri, whose grandfather migrated from Delhi and settled in the area, said that after the creation of Pakistan, the Sikh family that owned the gurdwara returned briefly to collect valuables such as windows and locks, with the consent of local residents who knew them well. The structure then fell into disrepair and eventually collapsed.
The neighborhood was also home to a Brahmin family known as Bakhshis. One of his elders, Wahid Bakhshi, was a prison director in Rawalpindi during the British era. His son, Mohan Wahid Bakhshi, had a child in 1930 named Anand Bakshi.
Educated till grade nine at Cambridge School in Rawalpindi, Anand later joined the navy. Following the partition, the family migrated to Delhi. Possessing a deep passion for poetry and music, Anand Bakshi went on to be highly appreciated in the Indian film industry as a famous lyricist.
Today, Chittian Hattian remains largely intact, although many of its older residents have died. Its buildings, reflecting classical Mughal architectural influences, are considered a remarkable heritage asset. Although a residential locality, it is now considered one of the most expensive and safest commercial areas in Rawalpindi, preserving both its historical identity and contemporary importance.
