TRACING THE ORIGIN AND HISTORICAL BACKGROUND OF JOGI MOHALLA, BHATTI GATE, LAHORE

Abstract

This research paper main aim is to examine the origin of Jogi Mohalla’s name and observing diverse aspects that formed its identity. Jogi Mohalla is situated inside Bhatti Gate, Bazaar-e Hakeeman in the Walled City of Lahore. This research paper intends to document and study the historical background of this mohalla. The Jogis were considered to live modest life and spend his time in meditation and constant traveling. It’s therefore quite unusual that how and when this area became associated with Jogis community, who were far from worldly matters. The Jogis’ presence in Lahore shows the city has always been associated with mystical traditions and harmony among different faiths for centuries.   

This toponymical study relates to an anthropological approaches because limited written sources are available of Jogi Mohalla and available material explained Jogi as caste. To fill this gap, the researcher visited Mohalla and held informal talks and recorded oral histories. Observing daily life and taking photographs, to uncover deeper cultural insights of Jogi Mohalla. 

The findings indicates that the Walled City of Lahore was a place, where diverse spiritual groups lived together and shared common faiths and practices. Many residents claim that Jogi Mohalla and Hazrat Ganj Bakhsh hold a spiritual association. Rai Raju Jogi was titled Sheikh Hindi by Hazrat Data Ganj Bakhsh, he was considered a Hindu magician and converted into Islam by Data Sahib. Oral traditions and few written sources suggest that this mohalla was associated with him, as he owned much of surrounding area and served as Naib (Deputy) of Lahore at that time. By documenting this fading cultural space, the research adds to understanding of cultural memory, urban identity and preserve the city heritage.