Mohalla Malakanwala is one of the smallest mohallas of Bhera , comprising 10 to 12 houses . Probably, belongs to one caste or family. It is close to Imam Kot ( old Gurudwara ) and a small mosque – Qazianwali , of Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan’s period ( 1628 – 58 ).
The prominent land mark of Malakanwala is an old Khui out side it , presently disused . As per the elders of Bhera , the women used to fetch water from this well after the sun set . For their convenience lighting arrangements was made around the Khui . Diwaas – clay lamps were put on after the last light and remained on till the first light . Placements of earthen oil lamps are still present inside the small room of Khui .
Local admiration of Bhera should make the Khui operative again. The area around it be cleaned . May be preserved as a landmark of Bhera , before someone encorouches it . From its dilapidated condition it appears it will completely vanish one day , like so many other significant momuments of Bhera .These small landmarks speaks of Bhera’s history before independence. A few other old Khuies in Bhera , particularly in side old mosques may also be made operative and conserved . Record of these is available in the documents of Municipal Committee , Bhera . Sahibzada Abrar Ahmed Bugvi , custodian of Sher Shah Suri Jama Masjid Bhera ( AD1540) , can identify the old Khuies in Bhera .
On the building , underneath which Khui is present , on a faded white marble plaque following is written in the Gurmukhi language :
On top : Onkar ( meaning there is one God). Just below the said symbol, the name of the owner is inscribed … English version : GUR DEVI Saptni ( wife of ) .
L ( Lala ) GURDAS MAL . QOUM BABAR. Bikrami Samat – 1979 (1922 AD) .
Note : The difference between Christian Calender and Bikarmi Samat ( Vikarami Calender ) is of approximately 57 years . So the year on plaque is 1979 — 57 = AD1922 ( for details see Wikipidia) .
Zahid Mumtaz
