The short answer
Jahaz Haveli (Haveli Todar Mal): what visitors should know first
Go if you want to understand the human side of the Sirhind story, but confirm access first because the building has been under restoration and conditions may have changed. It is a short stop of about 30 minutes.
History and context
The story behind Jahaz Haveli (Haveli Todar Mal)
The haveli was built in the 17th century of Sirhindi bricks next to the governor's palace. After the 1704-05 events the family is said to have left and the building decayed. It reportedly survived Banda Singh Bahadur's attack on Sirhind untouched. Wikipedia describes it as owned by the SGPC and under restoration with the Punjab government and INTACH, based on sources around 2010.
Useful facts
Jahaz Haveli (Haveli Todar Mal) facts at a glance
- Location
- Harnam Nagar, about 1 km from Fatehgarh Sahib town
- Experience type
- Historic haveli
- Known for
- Link to Todar Mal and the sahibzadas' cremation
- Built
- 17th century, Sirhindi brick
- Status
- Restoration; check access locally
Why it matters
Why Jahaz Haveli (Haveli Todar Mal) is worth your time
Todar Mal, a wealthy Jain merchant who served as diwan under Wazir Khan, is remembered in Sikh tradition for buying land for the cremation of Mata Gujri and the sahibzadas, reportedly covering the plot in gold coins placed upright. His act at a time of danger is honoured in the Diwan Todar Mal Hall at the main gurdwara.
Historians dispute some details, with one arguing that the merchant had died decades earlier and the cremation was arranged by his descendants. Either way, the haveli is a rare standing building tied to those events. It also survived the later sacking of Sirhind, reportedly spared out of respect for the family.
Highlights
What not to miss
- 01
The brick exterior
Sirhindi brick construction in a long, ship-like profile.
- 02
Todar Mal's story
The merchant's role in the cremation of Mata Gujri and the boys.
- 03
Survival
One of few buildings of this era still standing in Sirhind.
Plan your visit
How to experience it
Ask for the haveli by its two names, Jahaz Haveli and Haveli Todar Mal, as locals use both. It is on the eastern side of the railway line in Harnam Nagar, a short drive from the town. If it is open, walk around the brick exterior first, then ask about any restored rooms.
The building is made from Sirhindi bricks and was built just outside the palace of the Mughal governor Wazir Khan. The name Jahaz, meaning ship, is usually linked to the building's long profile. If access is restricted, enjoy the view from outside and take a few minutes to read about Todar Mal before you go.
Combine it with Gurdwara Jyoti Sarup, the cremation site that the merchant's gesture made possible. The two together form the quiet, human story behind the better-known gurdwaras.
Plan with confidence
Small decisions that make the visit easier.
- Confirm access and condition locally
- Ask locals for both names of the haveli
- View from outside if closed
- Pair with Jyoti Sarup
Know before you go
Timing, access and comfort
- Area
- Harnam Nagar, east of the Sirhind railway line, about 1 km from Fatehgarh Sahib town
- Time needed
- 30 minutes
- Best time
- Morning, cooler months
- Walking level
- Moderate
- Senior comfort
- Approach lanes and the structure itself may be uneven; interiors may be closed or unsafe. Plan to view it from the outside if mobility is limited, and check conditions locally.
- Tickets and access
- Ownership and restoration status may have changed since the sources we read; check locally for access and any fee before going.
Best for
Plan it with
Plan the practical part
Hotels near Jahaz Haveli (Haveli Todar Mal)
Staying close keeps journeys short — useful for early starts and for anyone who tires quickly.
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Travelling with parents?
Approach lanes and the structure itself may be uneven; interiors may be closed or unsafe. Plan to view it from the outside if mobility is limited, and check conditions locally.
Raahzo can arrange an arrival or day companion who handles tickets, queues and pacing, and keeps the family updated.
See concierge supportFAQs
Can I go inside Jahaz Haveli?
Access has varied with restoration work. Ask locally before you go and be ready to see it only from outside.
Why is Todar Mal remembered?
He is honoured in Sikh tradition for buying land for the cremation of Mata Gujri and the sahibzadas.
Why Jahaz?
Jahaz means ship; the name is commonly linked to the building's shape.
Sources and further reading
Timings, fees and access rules change. Recheck with the official source before you travel.
