Saidpur Village is nestled within the Margalla Hills surrounding Islamabad, offering visitors a journey through history. Originally a Hindu settlement, it later transformed into a Mughal Garden before becoming the cultural center it is today. The village preserves its historical authenticity, blending past and present. Due to its strategic location and natural beauty, Mughal royals favored Saidpur as a retreat, adding gardens and rest houses that marked the beginning of its historical evolution. Its tree-lined streets offer a glimpse into a past that remains visible in the village’s present-day charm.
Hindu Roots and Religious Significance
Saidpur Village initially served as a Hindu religious center before the arrival of the Mughals, who introduced new cultural elements. The Hindu community regarded the village as a sacred pilgrimage site, housing multiple temples dedicated to Hindu deities. These temples played a dual role as places of worship and cultural hubs, attracting visitors from surrounding regions for festivals and ceremonies.
Art Gallery Owner Imran Khan Kakkar said, “Saidpur has a variety of historical gadgets, and most of them are hand-made. Unfortunately, we lack awareness, and our work is not being promoted the way it should be. Every artwork here tells a story, merging historical themes with modern artistry.”
A Cultural Blend of Old and New
Saidpur Village today offers a unique blend of colonial architecture, ancient temples, trendy cafes, and bustling art galleries, drawing international tourists. The tourism industry has reshaped local livelihoods, allowing traditional craftsmen to thrive while attracting new businesses. This transformation has not only preserved the village’s heritage but also sparked economic growth. Foreign investment and local entrepreneurship have merged traditional crafts with global markets, bringing a fresh wave of innovation while maintaining historical integrity.
The Impact of Partition
Significant changes occurred in Saidpur Village after the Partition of 1947. The Hindu residents migrated to India, leaving behind temples and other structures that remain preserved today. The settlement evolved into a predominantly Muslim community, yet its historical diversity remains evident.
The Mughal era left a lasting imprint on the village. The Mughals valued Saidpur for its serene setting and architectural beauty, using it as a summer retreat to escape the intense heat of the Indo-Gangetic plains. Sultan Said Khan played a key role in developing the village into a royal sanctuary. The Mughals introduced elegant gardens, small palaces, and intricate carvings, which remain a testament to their architectural brilliance. The Mughal Mosque, adorned with red sandstone and floral decorations, stands as a surviving relic of this era.
Decline and Transformation of Religious Spaces
Before Partition, many Hindus from Rawalpindi attended Baisakhi festivities at Saidpur’s temples and ponds. However, Partition drastically altered the landscape. Hindus relocated, taking sacred brass statues of goddesses Kali and Lakshmi with them. The once-prominent lakes disappeared, and modern businesses like the Des Pardes restaurant now occupy the land where religious ceremonies once took place. The temple, now in ruins, is mostly visited for photo opportunities rather than worship.
A nearby gurdwara, built by the Sikhs in the 20th century, originally housed a school dedicated to Guru Nanak’s teachings. It remained active until Pakistan’s independence, after which it was repurposed for educating women under the new national identity. The school, which once symbolized religious coexistence, was shut down in 2006 as part of the village’s transition into a tourist site.
Preservation Efforts and Cultural Revival
After Pakistan’s independence, Saidpur Village faced both neglect and preservation efforts. In recent decades, government and private initiatives have focused on restoring Hindu temples and Mughal structures, promoting Saidpur as a multicultural heritage site. In 2008, Dewan Talwar spearheaded efforts to revamp the village, with technical assistance from the French government.
Local Historian Ammar said, “Before Partition, Saidpur Village was named ‘Patakul Waulli.’ It has always been a place of serenity. Initially a spiritual site for Hindus and later transformed into a Mughal retreat, its allure has spanned centuries.”
Balancing Heritage and Modernization
Despite economic growth, preserving the village’s historical character remains a challenge amid modernization pressures. While Saidpur continues to draw global attention, the struggle to balance economic opportunities with cultural preservation persists.
“Saidpur Village is the oldest historical site in Islamabad. Visiting Saidpur is like stepping into a living museum because of its rich Mughal and Indian history. It’s beautiful how they preserve history while embracing the future,” Tourist Shanze Ali expressed.
A Living Legacy
Saidpur Village has evolved from a sacred Hindu site to a Mughal retreat and now into a vibrant cultural hub that fosters entrepreneurship while preserving history. As the sun sets, casting long shadows over its ancient pathways, Saidpur symbolizes resilience and transformation. Its ongoing preservation efforts ensure that tradition and progress coexist, making the village a testament to Pakistan’s diverse heritage and promising future. Today, Saidpur remains a remarkable fusion of historical significance and scenic beauty, offering a glimpse into South Asia’s intricate past while embracing modernity.
TR