Sultanpur Lodhi
Encyclopedia
Sultanpur Lodhi is a city and a municipal council
in Kapurthala district
in the India
n state
of Punjab
. The town is named after its founder, Sultan Khan Lodhi who was a general of Mahmud of Ghazni
in AD 1103, which has been also mentioned in Ain-e-Akbari. Sultanpur Lodhi is located on the south bank of a seasonal rivulet called Kali Bein, which runs 6 miles (9.7 km) north of the intersection of Beas and Sutlej Rivers, two of the Five Rivers of Punjab. The word Punj - ab, literally means five river - land.
invaded this area, this city was burnt to ashes by his army, as being a Hindu - Buddhist city, . The proof of this the layer of black soil, found few meters below the ground level here. City of Sarwmanpur after that was nothing but a bunch of peoples living in destroyed city. This was the end of ancient city of "Sarwmanpur".
During 12th century, Nawab Wali Muhammad Khan, cousin of the Emperor of Delhi Nasir-u-din Muhammad Shah was appointed as the Hakim {Ruler} of Punjab. During this period, one of the two sons of Hakim, Sultan Khan on his way saw the remains of this city and was attracted by beauty of the surroundings of the city. He decided to re-establish this city by his name. This was the complete death of "Sarwmanpur" and the birth of new city of Sultanpur Lodhi.
This new city of Sultanpur Lodhi was also the center point of the old trade route between Delhi and Lahore. It was a major trade center of north India at that time. It consisted of 32 major markets and about 5600 shops (Figures are mere estimates. No proof, as yet, with the Author). At that time the city was spread over in an area of 8 miles (12.9 km). The black rivulet (Kali Bein) at ran through the center of the city. These features are more than enough to take that Sultanpur Lodhi was a big city in old times.
Sultanpur Lodhi was mentioned as important place in famous "Ain-e-Akbari". The city in those times had many Royal Gardens and farms. At present, relics of these royal buildings built at that time, are still present. One of these is "Hadera". It was once a marvelous building used as place of rest for the royal family on their way to royal gardens. It was also used as place of entertainment for royal family and to organize dances and other royal functions. This place is now just an old & neglected building.
Sultanpur Lodhi, in those days was not only famous for its surrounding or trade, but also for its education. City had many Islamic schools of education known as "Madarasas". The two princes of Delhi, Aurengzeb and Dara-sekoh completed their studies in one white mosque of Sultanpur Lodhi.
At the end of the 14th century, the governor of Lahore was Daulat Khan Lodhi. Sultanpur Lodhi was also called ‘Perran Puri’ {city of monks}. Many religious personalities were related to the city at that time & some of the tombs {Makbaras} of these monks are still present in the city.
After Nanakana Sahib {now in Pakistan}, Sultanpur Lodhi is perhaps the most related to life of the first Guru. In 1475 AD elder sister of Guru Ji, Bibi Nanki Ji was married to Shri Jai Ram of Sultanpur Lodhi. In 1483 Guru Ji’s father sent Guru Ji to the custody of Shri Jai Ram. Guru Ji was employed as the Modi {Person In-charge} of the Modi Khana {Civil supplies store}. In June 1488, Guru Nanak Dev Ji was married to Bibi Sulkhani ji in Sultanpur Lodhi. And here, in this city Guru Ji begot two sons, in July 1494 Shri Chand Ji and in Feb 1497 Lakmi Chand Ji. In this very city Guru Ji spent more than 14 years and in 1497 Guru Ji disappeared in holy Rivulet (Kali Bein) flowing along the North end of the city and then Re-Appeared after three days with the teaching of "na koi hindu, na koi muslman" {no one is Hindu, no one is Muslim}. This led to the birth of a new religion, Sikhism
. Thereafter Guru Ji left his job and the City to start with the First Udasi {Sacramental Journey}.
After Guru Nanak Dev Ji, Fifth Guru Arjen Dev Ji, on the occasion of his marriage in a nearby village Dhala rested at Sultanpur Lodhi. A Gurudwara having Sehra and wedding costume of Guru Ji, is built at that place.
, the famous invader, on his way to Delhi, invaded Sultanpur Lodhi and almost destroyed it. After looting the whole city, it was set on fire. After that Ahemd Shah Abdali again destroyed it.
Later Sardar Jassa Singh Ahluwalia, after taking the historic monuments under his custody, re established this city ab-initio. But it could not re-gain its old prestige and glory. One of the reason has been, the development of Amritsar-Jalandhar G.T. Road as the main route for commutation to Delhi.
One of the accomplice of Maharaja Jagajit Singh of Kapurthala was Dewan Ramjas, of Sultanpur Lodhi; later his sons worked for the Kapurthala Royal family, Dewan Mathura Dass, Dewan Daulat Ram & Dewan Jarmani Dass( 1895–1971) who wrote the book "Maharaja & Maharani" in 1970. Dewan Ramjas and family were given many villages for the services.
.
It is a Legislative Constituency and Municipal Council. This City now houses a Civil cum Judicial Court {ACJ (Sr. Div.)}, Civil Hospital (SMO), Police Station {DSP}, BDEO Office {BDEO}, BEO Office {BEO}.
The Nearest Medical Colleges are CMC & DMC at Ludhiana or Govt. Medical College, Amritsar.
, Sultanpur Lodhi (Town Code 4591 and Tehsil Code 03 03 0003) had a population of 15,653. Males constitute 54% of the population and females 46%. Sultanpur Lodhi has an average literacy rate of 71%, higher than the national average of 59.5%: male literacy is 73%, and female literacy is 68%. Here, 11% of the population is under 6 years of age. This town extends only to 4 square miles (10.4 km²) and it is 26 miles (41.8 km) away from Jalandhar
and 17 miles (27.4 km) from Kapurthala
.
Ashutosh Paul
- Author is a resident of the City
As the Janam Sakhis narrate the details, Guru Nanak one morning disappeared into the stream and was not seen for two days. When he reappeared at a spot, 2 km upstream, now known as Sant Ghat, the first words he uttered were, "No one is Hindu, No one is Musalman (Muslim)." Guru Nanak was now ready to embark on his long journeys. Gurudwara Ber Sahib is built by the side of an old ber tree which is believed to be the one under which Guru Nanak would sit in meditation. The present building of Gurudwara Ber Sahib was built by Maharaja Jagatjit Singh of Kapurthala. The cornerstone was laid by Bhai Arjan Singh of Bagarian on 25 February 1937, and the Gurudwara was on completion dedicated by Lieutenant General Maharaja Yadavinder Singh of Patiala on 26 January 1941. Standing on a high plinth and entered through a portico, supported by octagonal columns, and a small entrance gallery is the high ceiling, marble floored hall.
At the far end, marked off by a high archway decorated with floral designs in stucco, is the sanctum sanctorum, where the Guru Granth Sahib is seated on a white marble canopied throne. Besides the daily services and observance of important Sikh anniversaries, a largely attended fair takes place each November to mark the birth anniversary of Guru Nanak.
Guru Sahib used to have Langar prepared by Bibi Nanaki ji. Well(Khooh) is also located here, from which water was used for Langar Preparation.
.
Kali Bein, a 99-mile-long (160 km) river considered sacred by the state's majority Sikh population. Over the past couple of decades it was reduced to a filthy drain into which six towns and more than 40 villages emptied their waste. Parts of the river dried up, leaving neighbouring farmlands parched. Its polluted waters also seeped underground, contaminating the groundwater and causing lethal diseases.
Seechewal, a Sikh holy man, set out to clean up this mess. Drawing on the Sikh tradition of kar sewa (voluntary service) he and his followers taught locals why they should clean the Kali Bein, enlisting volunteers to do the physical work and raising funds for equipment. At the height of his movement, people from more than two dozen villages were pitching in. The scale of the task was gigantic — volunteers cleared the entire riverbed of water hyacinth and silt, and built riverbanks and roads alongside the river. When appeals to government and municipal bodies failed to stop dirty water flowing into the river, Seechewal launched a public-awareness campaign to encourage villagers to dispose of their sewage elsewhere. Some villages revived traditional methods of waste disposal and treatment, and farmers lined up for a share of the treated water. A government order to divert water from a nearby canal was eventually obtained. As the riverbed was cleared, natural springs revived and the river began to fill up. Since then, trees have been planted along its banks and fishing has been banned to preserve biodiversity.
Today, the Kali Bein is thriving. Families head there for picnics and the devout bathe during religious festivals. Seechewal has turned his sights onto the tanneries and other factories that dispose of untreated waste in rivers. He is also leading efforts to get residents and the government to clean up rivers and creeks in a more systematic way across the state. "We have proved that it is possible to restore our rivers to a pristine condition if we all come together," says Seechewal. "It is time to do that on a bigger scale."
Municipal council
A municipal council is the local government of a municipality. Specifically the term can refer to the institutions of various countries that can be translated by this term...
in Kapurthala district
Kapurthala District
Kapurthala district is a district of Punjab state in northern Republic of India. The city of Kapurthala is the district headquarters....
in the India
India
India , officially the Republic of India , is a country in South Asia. It is the seventh-largest country by geographical area, the second-most populous country with over 1.2 billion people, and the most populous democracy in the world...
n state
States and territories of India
India is a federal union of states comprising twenty-eight states and seven union territories. The states and territories are further subdivided into districts and so on.-List of states and territories:...
of Punjab
Punjab (India)
Punjab ) is a state in the northwest of the Republic of India, forming part of the larger Punjab region. The state is bordered by the Indian states of Himachal Pradesh to the east, Haryana to the south and southeast and Rajasthan to the southwest as well as the Pakistani province of Punjab to the...
. The town is named after its founder, Sultan Khan Lodhi who was a general of Mahmud of Ghazni
Mahmud of Ghazni
Mahmud of Ghazni , actually ', was the most prominent ruler of the Ghaznavid dynasty who ruled from 997 until his death in 1030 in the eastern Iranian lands. Mahmud turned the former provincial city of Ghazni into the wealthy capital of an extensive empire which covered most of today's Iran,...
in AD 1103, which has been also mentioned in Ain-e-Akbari. Sultanpur Lodhi is located on the south bank of a seasonal rivulet called Kali Bein, which runs 6 miles (9.7 km) north of the intersection of Beas and Sutlej Rivers, two of the Five Rivers of Punjab. The word Punj - ab, literally means five river - land.
History
Sultanpur Lodhi is one of the most ancient cities of India, estimated to be established in around 1st century AD. This city, in the period of centuries, witnesses the ups and downs in terms of politics, religion, literature, trade and commerce.Ancient
Sultanpur Lodhi, from 1st century to 6th century, was a major place of meditation and knowledge for Buddhism. In that period, the city was known by the name ‘Sarwmanpur’. Many statues, coins and other such objects of that time have been found during the archeological research and digging of the city. It is also believed that the ancient Buddhist book of ‘Abinav-Prastava’ was authored here by Katiyana. In 8th century, this place was established as a great empire of Hinduism and Buddhism.Medieval Times
When the Afghan Ruler Mahmud of GhazniMahmud of Ghazni
Mahmud of Ghazni , actually ', was the most prominent ruler of the Ghaznavid dynasty who ruled from 997 until his death in 1030 in the eastern Iranian lands. Mahmud turned the former provincial city of Ghazni into the wealthy capital of an extensive empire which covered most of today's Iran,...
invaded this area, this city was burnt to ashes by his army, as being a Hindu - Buddhist city, . The proof of this the layer of black soil, found few meters below the ground level here. City of Sarwmanpur after that was nothing but a bunch of peoples living in destroyed city. This was the end of ancient city of "Sarwmanpur".
During 12th century, Nawab Wali Muhammad Khan, cousin of the Emperor of Delhi Nasir-u-din Muhammad Shah was appointed as the Hakim {Ruler} of Punjab. During this period, one of the two sons of Hakim, Sultan Khan on his way saw the remains of this city and was attracted by beauty of the surroundings of the city. He decided to re-establish this city by his name. This was the complete death of "Sarwmanpur" and the birth of new city of Sultanpur Lodhi.
This new city of Sultanpur Lodhi was also the center point of the old trade route between Delhi and Lahore. It was a major trade center of north India at that time. It consisted of 32 major markets and about 5600 shops (Figures are mere estimates. No proof, as yet, with the Author). At that time the city was spread over in an area of 8 miles (12.9 km). The black rivulet (Kali Bein) at ran through the center of the city. These features are more than enough to take that Sultanpur Lodhi was a big city in old times.
Sultanpur Lodhi was mentioned as important place in famous "Ain-e-Akbari". The city in those times had many Royal Gardens and farms. At present, relics of these royal buildings built at that time, are still present. One of these is "Hadera". It was once a marvelous building used as place of rest for the royal family on their way to royal gardens. It was also used as place of entertainment for royal family and to organize dances and other royal functions. This place is now just an old & neglected building.
Sultanpur Lodhi, in those days was not only famous for its surrounding or trade, but also for its education. City had many Islamic schools of education known as "Madarasas". The two princes of Delhi, Aurengzeb and Dara-sekoh completed their studies in one white mosque of Sultanpur Lodhi.
At the end of the 14th century, the governor of Lahore was Daulat Khan Lodhi. Sultanpur Lodhi was also called ‘Perran Puri’ {city of monks}. Many religious personalities were related to the city at that time & some of the tombs {Makbaras} of these monks are still present in the city.
After Nanakana Sahib {now in Pakistan}, Sultanpur Lodhi is perhaps the most related to life of the first Guru. In 1475 AD elder sister of Guru Ji, Bibi Nanki Ji was married to Shri Jai Ram of Sultanpur Lodhi. In 1483 Guru Ji’s father sent Guru Ji to the custody of Shri Jai Ram. Guru Ji was employed as the Modi {Person In-charge} of the Modi Khana {Civil supplies store}. In June 1488, Guru Nanak Dev Ji was married to Bibi Sulkhani ji in Sultanpur Lodhi. And here, in this city Guru Ji begot two sons, in July 1494 Shri Chand Ji and in Feb 1497 Lakmi Chand Ji. In this very city Guru Ji spent more than 14 years and in 1497 Guru Ji disappeared in holy Rivulet (Kali Bein) flowing along the North end of the city and then Re-Appeared after three days with the teaching of "na koi hindu, na koi muslman" {no one is Hindu, no one is Muslim}. This led to the birth of a new religion, Sikhism
Sikhism
Sikhism is a monotheistic religion founded during the 15th century in the Punjab region, by Guru Nanak Dev and continued to progress with ten successive Sikh Gurus . It is the fifth-largest organized religion in the world and one of the fastest-growing...
. Thereafter Guru Ji left his job and the City to start with the First Udasi {Sacramental Journey}.
After Guru Nanak Dev Ji, Fifth Guru Arjen Dev Ji, on the occasion of his marriage in a nearby village Dhala rested at Sultanpur Lodhi. A Gurudwara having Sehra and wedding costume of Guru Ji, is built at that place.
Modern
In 1739 Nader ShahNader Shah
Nāder Shāh Afshār ruled as Shah of Iran and was the founder of the Afsharid dynasty. Because of his military genius, some historians have described him as the Napoleon of Persia or the Second Alexander...
, the famous invader, on his way to Delhi, invaded Sultanpur Lodhi and almost destroyed it. After looting the whole city, it was set on fire. After that Ahemd Shah Abdali again destroyed it.
Later Sardar Jassa Singh Ahluwalia, after taking the historic monuments under his custody, re established this city ab-initio. But it could not re-gain its old prestige and glory. One of the reason has been, the development of Amritsar-Jalandhar G.T. Road as the main route for commutation to Delhi.
One of the accomplice of Maharaja Jagajit Singh of Kapurthala was Dewan Ramjas, of Sultanpur Lodhi; later his sons worked for the Kapurthala Royal family, Dewan Mathura Dass, Dewan Daulat Ram & Dewan Jarmani Dass( 1895–1971) who wrote the book "Maharaja & Maharani" in 1970. Dewan Ramjas and family were given many villages for the services.
Post Independence and Present
The Present day Sultanpur Lodhi is a Sub-Division and Tehsil of District Kapurthala of Punjab. It is small town, connected by the Road & Rail. It falls under Ferozepur Division of Northern RailwayNorthern Railway
Northern Railway is the name of:* North railway * Northern Railway , predecessor of the Southern Pacific Company* Northern Railway of Canada* Northern Railway Zone * Northern Railway * Nevada Northern Railway...
.
It is a Legislative Constituency and Municipal Council. This City now houses a Civil cum Judicial Court {ACJ (Sr. Div.)}, Civil Hospital (SMO), Police Station {DSP}, BDEO Office {BDEO}, BEO Office {BEO}.
NGOs
Now various NGOs are working in the Modern Day Society of the City. Ones with International affiliations are Rotary International and Lion Club. Whereas, local ones include PLUS Endeavour, Punjabi Sahit Sabha, Citizens welfare Forum etc.Education
Two Degree Colleges and a College for Education (B.Ed.), Two Government Senior Secondary Schools, Many Affiliated Schools ..... . Now, A Multidisciplinary College is provisioned at a nearby village "Jabbowal". Overall the Education standard is mediocre.Health & Medical Aid
City houses a Civil Hospital under charge of SMO and has specialiity medical care in Ortho., Ophthalmology, Gynaecology, Paediatrics and Dentistry. A trauma Care Centre is also running there. Many private practitioners offer good medical services.The Nearest Medical Colleges are CMC & DMC at Ludhiana or Govt. Medical College, Amritsar.
Demographics
India censusCensus
A census is the procedure of systematically acquiring and recording information about the members of a given population. It is a regularly occurring and official count of a particular population. The term is used mostly in connection with national population and housing censuses; other common...
, Sultanpur Lodhi (Town Code 4591 and Tehsil Code 03 03 0003) had a population of 15,653. Males constitute 54% of the population and females 46%. Sultanpur Lodhi has an average literacy rate of 71%, higher than the national average of 59.5%: male literacy is 73%, and female literacy is 68%. Here, 11% of the population is under 6 years of age. This town extends only to 4 square miles (10.4 km²) and it is 26 miles (41.8 km) away from Jalandhar
Jalandhar
Jalandhar is a city in Jalandhar District in the state of Punjab, India. It is located 144 km northwest of the state capital, Chandigarh...
and 17 miles (27.4 km) from Kapurthala
Kapurthala
Kapurthala is a city in Punjab state of India. It is the administrative headquarters of Kapurthala District. It was the capital of the Kapurthala State, a princely state in British India. The secular and aesthetic mix of the city with its prominent buildings based on French and Indo-Saracenic...
.
Ashutosh Paul
- Author is a resident of the City
Historical Gurudwaras
Sultanpur Lodhi holds a high significance in Sikh history. It has many historical and non-historical Gurudwara (a Place of worship for Sikhs)Gurudwara Shree Ber Sahib
Gurudwara Ber Sahib, the principal shrine at Sultanpur, is situated on the bank of the rivulet Kali Bein, half a kilometre to the west of the old town. Guru Nanak performed his morning ablutions in the Bein and then sat under a Ber (Zizyphus jujuba) tree to meditate. Guru Ji meditated at this tree daily for 14 years, nine months and 13 days. It was during one such ablution that Guru Nanak had what is described, in the Janam Sakhis, as a direct communion with the Divine.As the Janam Sakhis narrate the details, Guru Nanak one morning disappeared into the stream and was not seen for two days. When he reappeared at a spot, 2 km upstream, now known as Sant Ghat, the first words he uttered were, "No one is Hindu, No one is Musalman (Muslim)." Guru Nanak was now ready to embark on his long journeys. Gurudwara Ber Sahib is built by the side of an old ber tree which is believed to be the one under which Guru Nanak would sit in meditation. The present building of Gurudwara Ber Sahib was built by Maharaja Jagatjit Singh of Kapurthala. The cornerstone was laid by Bhai Arjan Singh of Bagarian on 25 February 1937, and the Gurudwara was on completion dedicated by Lieutenant General Maharaja Yadavinder Singh of Patiala on 26 January 1941. Standing on a high plinth and entered through a portico, supported by octagonal columns, and a small entrance gallery is the high ceiling, marble floored hall.
At the far end, marked off by a high archway decorated with floral designs in stucco, is the sanctum sanctorum, where the Guru Granth Sahib is seated on a white marble canopied throne. Besides the daily services and observance of important Sikh anniversaries, a largely attended fair takes place each November to mark the birth anniversary of Guru Nanak.
Gurudwara Shree Hatt Sahib
As a young man Guru Nanak was convinced by his family to accept employment here as the accountant of the provisions of Nawab Daulat Khan Lodhi. Guru Nanak got the job on the recommendations of his brother-in-law Jai Ram. The Nawab was very much impressed by the young Guru who would work diligently in the day and spend the evenings and night singing the praises of God with his friends.Gurudwara Shree Kothri Sahib
Guru Nanak worked for Nawab Daulat Khan Lodhi in charge of his accounts. The Guru was temporarily jailed here on the orders of the Nawab while all the accounts where checked. It had been reported to the Nawab by jealous elements that the Guru was stealing from the inventory as his predecessor had. When the inventory was checked and found to be intact, the Nawab released Guru Nanak & apologized profusely, even offering Guru Nanak a promotion to Prime Minister of the state. Guru Nanak refused to accept the position as he had decided to dedicate his life to the spread of Sikhism.Gurudwara Shree Guru Ka Bagh
Guru Nanak spent 14 years in Sultanpur Lodhi as a young man working for Nawab Daulat Khan Lodhi. This was the house of Guru Nanak where his two sons Baba Sri Chand and Baba Lakhmi Chand were born. Guru Nanak tested his two sons, but neither proved worthy of being his successor. Baba Lakhmi Chand was too involved in worldly affairs while Baba Sri Chand chose the path of renunciation and became an aesthetic.Guru Sahib used to have Langar prepared by Bibi Nanaki ji. Well(Khooh) is also located here, from which water was used for Langar Preparation.
.
Gurudwara Shree Sant Ghat
It is situated on the bank of Bein river. From Ber sahib, Satguru nanak dev ji dived into Bein & disappeared. He came out after 3 days. On reaching nirankar's place Sachkhand, he got satnaam's updesh " mool mantar" from nirankar which he gave the to the whole world, it is a blessing of this bein only. The big reason for this place to be named sant ghaat is that maharaaj guru nanak dev ji meditated here to the akaal purakh & went from here to serve the world.Gurudwara Shree Antaryamta
GurThe Muslims asked Shree Guru Nanak dev Ji that whether he was Hindus guru or Muslim’s? Guru Nanak dev Ji replied that he is common to them. Then the Muslims said that in case you are common then come with us to offer namaaz. Sat Guru Ji went along. Everyone stood in the mosque in order to offer namaaz & started offering prayers but Shree guru nanak dev ji kept standing straight. After offering namaaz, they asked with anger as to why didn't he offer prayers to which guru ji said that even you didn't offer prayers. Nawab said that they did offer prayers. Guru ji said that your heart was away to get horses from kandhar. You were physically present here & so was i, but not mentally. On hearing this khan said that you should have offered prayers along with the priest. Satguru ji replied that even he was physically present here but his mind was taking care of the new born female calf at home which might not fall into the well. Then everybody bowed to guru ji's feet in adoration & said that he is a saint with divine powers. Gurudwara is suited at the same place where this incident happened.Gurudwara Shree Sehra Sahib
Gurudwara Shree Sehra Sahib is situated in mohalla Dhiraan. This Gurudwara is dedicated to Guru Arjan who passed through Sultanpur in 1604 on his way to Dalla for the marriage of his son, Har Gobind, the future Guru Hargobind (revered for his concept of miri and piri). According to tradition, the marriage party stayed overnight at this place and the sehra, or ceremonial wreath was fastened round the bridegroom's head here. The Gurudwara, within a brick paved walled compound, is an octagonal domed room in which the Guru Granth Sahib is seated. All these shrines at Sultanpur Lodhi with the exception of Gurudwara Bebe Nanaki JI, which is under the management of the Trust, are administered by the SGPC through a local committee.Gurudwara Shree Bebe Nanki Ji
constructed in 1970's, honours the memory of Bebe Nanaki, elder sister of Guru Nanak. The actual house, a three storeyed old building where Bebe Nanaki is believed to have lived with her husband, Jai Ram, is inside the old town in Mohalla Chhimbian. But the premises being in private possession, a public monument (cornerstone, laid on 13 November 1970) was raised in the form of a gurdwara by Bebe Nanaki Istri Satsang Charitable Trust under the chairmanship of Bibi Balvant Kaur of Birmingham (United Kingdom). The Gurdwara Bebe Nanaki Ji comprises a central hall, with the Guru Granth Sahib seated in a white marble palaki at the far end. The Guru Granth Sahib is also seated in a small side room symbolizing Bebe Nanaki's own lodging. Over the sanctum, above the hall roof, is a square domed room with arched copings. Bulbous domes adorn the corners of the hall roof.Recent developments
Kali Bein, a 99-mile-long (160 km) river considered sacred by the state's majority Sikh population. Over the past couple of decades it was reduced to a filthy drain into which six towns and more than 40 villages emptied their waste. Parts of the river dried up, leaving neighbouring farmlands parched. Its polluted waters also seeped underground, contaminating the groundwater and causing lethal diseases.
Seechewal, a Sikh holy man, set out to clean up this mess. Drawing on the Sikh tradition of kar sewa (voluntary service) he and his followers taught locals why they should clean the Kali Bein, enlisting volunteers to do the physical work and raising funds for equipment. At the height of his movement, people from more than two dozen villages were pitching in. The scale of the task was gigantic — volunteers cleared the entire riverbed of water hyacinth and silt, and built riverbanks and roads alongside the river. When appeals to government and municipal bodies failed to stop dirty water flowing into the river, Seechewal launched a public-awareness campaign to encourage villagers to dispose of their sewage elsewhere. Some villages revived traditional methods of waste disposal and treatment, and farmers lined up for a share of the treated water. A government order to divert water from a nearby canal was eventually obtained. As the riverbed was cleared, natural springs revived and the river began to fill up. Since then, trees have been planted along its banks and fishing has been banned to preserve biodiversity.
Today, the Kali Bein is thriving. Families head there for picnics and the devout bathe during religious festivals. Seechewal has turned his sights onto the tanneries and other factories that dispose of untreated waste in rivers. He is also leading efforts to get residents and the government to clean up rivers and creeks in a more systematic way across the state. "We have proved that it is possible to restore our rivers to a pristine condition if we all come together," says Seechewal. "It is time to do that on a bigger scale."