Dhariwal: A town shaped by British-era architecture & style

Dhariwal township, believed to be among the most famous cities of the British era, was designed to reflect the power, architecture and administrative structure of the Empire.

The more than 150-year-old Dhariwal Woollen Mills, also known as the New Egerton Woollen Mills, are a classic example of British-era planning and construction. Then there are the famous churches of Dhariwal. The strong Christian community often views these religious entities as “hospitals for sinners, not museums for saints.” These churches focus on two things — providing succour to the distressed and preserving their heritage.

By the middle of the 19th century, Dhariwal had become a significant settlement. The British colonists left an indelible stamp of class, stature and status on the town. The woollen mill became a local institution. Almost every other household has its own tale to tell about the mill. Residents were either suppliers, purchasers, or had at least one family member working in the company.

The layout of the town was entirely different from nearby towns like Batala and Gurdaspur. The buildings, including some hospitals, bear marks of colonial origin. From the cottage of a government officer before Independence to the palatial houses of businessmen or the humble hutments of labourers, all show traces of the Raj.

Old-timers recall that the British government was keen on mapping the region. They believed good maps were essential to understand the landscape and topography. Dhariwal and its adjoining cities were mapped to aid governance. As Dhariwal grew, maps were prepared not only to plan development but also to advance commerce and industry.

The city is also known for the Upper Bari Doab Canal (UBDC) ecosystem. The canal divides the town into two parts — Old and New Dhariwal — and is its lifeline. It is one of the oldest and most significant irrigation systems in Punjab. The UBDC originates from the Ravi river at the Madhopur headworks in the neighbouring district of Pathankot. The irrigation canal serves large swathes of agricultural land in Gurdaspur, Pathankot, Tarn Taran and Amritsar districts, with a total canal network spanning over 3,000 km.

Dhariwal is the fifth-largest town in Gurdaspur district and a municipal council. It has also become famous for hosting “temporary” churches. Some houses remain private homes on weekdays but are converted into churches on weekends. Hundreds of Christian converts arrive to pray, sing, and listen to gospel messages. In this town, Christian pastors claim to offer miraculous solutions for any disease. These pastors, who call themselves “followers of God,” also promise to eradicate serious illnesses such as cancer and AIDS. You name the disease, and the pastor claims to have the solution.

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