Veer Bhan

Mural depicting Veer Bhan of Amritsar, circa mid-19th century

Veer Bhan (fl. 19th century), also spelt Vir Bhan, was a Marwari trader, scholar, and doctor who flourished in Amritsar during the Sikh Empire of Maharaja Ranjit Singh. In his company, he brought a number of Rajasthani merchants to the city and built a Shaivist temple in the settlement. Veer Bhan was a vaid, a practitioner of ayurveda. He was awarded the misr title by Sher Singh. A samadhi dedicated to him is located near his associated temple in Amritsar. He is referenced in Sohan Lal Suri's Umdat-ut-Tawarikh.

Temple

Fresco depicting the Ganges river descending from the locks of Shiva's hair, from the Veer Bhan Da Shivala, Amritsar, circa late-19th century

Veer Bhan Da Shivala is a Shaivist temple (shivala) located in Ghee Mandi Gate, Amritsar, Punjab, India. The temple was constructed by Misr Veer Bhan in 1841 during the Sikh Empire. Its sanctum santorum contains many fresco paintings. However, as per Kanwarjit Singh Kang it was constructed by Desa Singh. The temple is currently managed by descendants of Veer Bhan. The site's murals, which depict both Sikh and Hindu themes, are in poor-condition.

References

  1. ↑ Dhamija, Ram (1988). Sixty Years of Writing on Art & Crafts in India: From Roopa-lekha, 1928-1988. Sterling Publishers. p. 124. ISBN 9788120708044.
  2. 1 2 Aryan, Kishan Chand (1977). Punjab Murals. New Delhi: Rekha Prakashan. p. 32.
  3. ↑ Mārg̲. Vol. 30. Marg Publications. 1976. p. 12.
  4. 1 2 3 4 "Frescoes at Veer Bhan Da Shivala fading into oblivion". The Tribune. 7 September 2023. Retrieved 9 September 2026.
  5. ↑ Aryan, Kishan Chand (1990). Unknown Pahari Wall Paintings in North India. Rekha Prakashan. p. 112. ISBN 9788190000369.
  6. ↑ Suri, Sohan Lal (1961). Suri, Vidya Sagar (ed.). pts.1-5.Chronicle of the reign of Maharaja Ranjit Singh, 1831-1839 A.D. Vol. 3. S. Chand. p. 397.
  7. ↑ "Location Detail Page - Amritsar Guide". Development Amritsar Guide. Retrieved 9 September 2026.
  8. ↑ Kang, Kanwarjit Singh (1985). Wall Paintings of Punjab and Haryana. Atma Ram. p. 16.
  9. ↑ Bagga, Neeraj Bagga (4 August 2019). "Centuries-old frescoes on verge of collapse". The Tribune. Retrieved 9 September 2026.