Despite the passage of time, the area retains its architectural charm, cultural significance
RAWALPINDI:
The historic neighborhood 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 that once stood side by side.
The area’s centuries-old structures, known for their robust and elegant architecture, continue to stand firm, retaining their original grandeur and presence. Before the partition of India, the locality was a vibrant hub of Hindus, Muslims and Sikhs who lived together in harmony and shared in each other’s joys and sorrows.
This spirit of coexistence was exemplified by the adjacent presence of the Madni Mosque, a temple and a gurdwara.
While the gurdwara collapsed some four decades ago and now only survives in traces, the mosque and temple remain intact and serve as enduring symbols of the area’s interfaith past.
Chittian Hattian actually takes its name from Mohalla Qutabuddin, named after Mian Qutabuddin, a prominent and wealthy Muslim figure known for his integrity. After the birth of his long-awaited son, he distributed sweets all over the locality and to celebrate had the small market – consisting of five to six dilapidated shops – painted white.
The word “hatti” in Punjabi and Hindi means “shop”, and the newly whitewashed market became known as “Chittian Hattian” (the white shops), a name that gradually spread to the entire neighborhood.
The area also hosts a historic “Landa Bazaar” dating back to the Hindu era, which continues to function to this day. Chittian Hattian comprises six narrow streets and is home to several notable landmarks, including an imambargah and the century-old “Kelay Wali” mosque.
The locality, once known as Kocha Nihal Singh, was a place where members of all three faiths worshiped side by side and collectively participated in festivals and communal 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 retrieve valuable fittings such as windows and locks with the consent of local residents who knew them well. The structure later fell into disrepair and eventually collapsed.
The neighborhood was also home to a Brahmin family known as the Bakhshis. One of its elders, Wahid Bakhshi, served as Jail Superintendent in Rawalpindi during the British era. His son, Mohan Wahid Bakhshi, had a child in 1930 named Anand Bakshi.
Educated up to class nine at Cambridge School in Rawalpindi, Anand later joined the Navy. After the partition, the family migrated to Delhi. With a deep passion for poetry and music, Anand Bakshi achieved great recognition in the Indian film industry as a famous lyricist.
Today, Chittian Hattian remains largely intact, although many of its older residents have moved on. Its buildings, reflecting classical Mughal architectural influences, are considered heritage landmarks. Despite being a residential area, it is now considered one of Rawalpindi’s most expensive and secure commercial areas, retaining both its historical identity and contemporary importance.
