Interestingly, Bhisham Sahni, an eminent and distinguished writer of Hindi, English and Russian literature, has reflected on the palace and mohalla Sheesh Mahal of Bhera in his Hindi novel, ” Maaydas ki Marhi ” written in the setting of Bhera. He also translated it into English, ” The Mansion.” Bhisham is the younger, brother of Balraj Sahni, a well-known and popular film actor of his time. They belonged to Mohalla Sahnianwala, Bhera, but later shifted to Rawalpindi, and after partition migrated to India ( for details about both brothers see Wikipedia). After reading the novel, one feels that he is roaming in the streets of Bhera.
Book Review: The Mansion/Mayyadas ki Marhi by Bhisham Sahni. Bhisham Sahni’s The Mansion or Mayyadas ki Marhi traces the history of a town in Punjab, which sees the change in fortunes and lives of the people as the old. By Anuradha Parekh, November 22, 2011. Bhisham Sahni’s The Mansion or Mayyadas ki Marhi traces the history of a town in Punjab which sees the change in fortunes and lives of the people as the old Khalsa Raj is defeated and the British rule is established. Spanning over almost three hundred years is the Mansion that has stood the test of time, even if its masters have not. Beginning with a marriage between equals gone wrong, the author, in his unique way, takes us on a journey through the town’s past and present, touching on the lives of many characters who appear to come alive in front of us, enacting their role in the theatre of life and adding a whole new perspective to the narrative. There are Diwans and farmers, money lenders, and freedom fighters, each with his own traits and destiny.
