Gurdwara Shahid Ganj Sighnian, Lahore
Gurdwara Shahid Ganj Sighnian, Lahore, The rendering of service to this holy place went to Bhai Asher Singh, who later became Jathedar of Sri Akal Takhat. Due to distinguished qualities of Bhai Sahib, it earned great importance, but after partition, we had to abandon this holy shrine. The Gurdwara still exists but the management is with Pakistan Waqf Board.
This historical place is situated opposite Shahid Ganj Bhai Taru Singh. According to some historians, about two and a half lakh (250,000) Sikh families—men, women and children of all ages were martyred at this site. As the women suffered most to immortalism on account of thier heroic deeds, it was named Gurdwara Shahid Ganj Singhnian.
In March 1764, when Mir Manu assumed the governorship of Punjab, he announced to exterminate the Sikh\'s root and branch.
First according to Syad Muhammad Latif, in his History of the Panjab, his first act was to storm the fortress of Ram Rauni, in Amritsar, where 500 Sikhs had taken shelter. He then stationed detachments of troops in all parts with any Sikh inhabitants to apprehend them and shave their heads and beards. This drove the Sikhs to seek refuge in the mountains and jungles. Mannu issued orders to the hill chiefs to seize Sikhs and send them in irons to Lahore. He offered a 10 rupee reward for the head of any Sikh. Rewards were even offered for info on any Sikh\'s whereabouts. Hundreds of Sikhs were thus brought daily to Lahore where, refusing to convert to Islam, the men were quickly beheaded.
The fighting and reprisals went on until the death of Mannu on 4 November 1753 of an accidental fall from his horse.
The Sikhs fought to death, and freed the remaining women and children. When Diwan Kaura Mal\'s men gave assistance to Mir Manu in Multan expedition, they got possession of this place. The Sikhs started reciting Sri Guru Granth Sahib at this place and a Gurdwara was constructed. It gained importance when the sardars of the Bhangi Misl captured Lahore. Shere-e-Punjab, Maharaja Ranjit Singh would visit this shrine two or three times a week to pay his homage. The Maharaja granted a Jagir to this Gurdwara but the management remained with the Mahants. On 1st December A.D. 1934, Shiromani Committee got the management of this historic holy place. Unfortunately after the partition, this place was abandoned. Today, the management of this place is with the Waqf board. Although the building is in a good condition but Guru Granth Sahib is not placed.
