Heritage

Haveli Kakkar Singh's history can be traced back to the Mughal era, when Lahore was the capital of the Mughal Empire. The haveli is believed to have been constructed during the reign of Emperor Akbar in the late 16th century. It was originally built as a residence for a wealthy merchant family and was known as the Kakkar Haveli. 

During the Mughal era, Lahore was a center of arts, culture, and commerce. The haveli was located in a bustling neighborhood and was surrounded by other grand havelis and important commercial buildings. It is said that the Kakkar family was one of the wealthiest and most influential families in Lahore, and their haveli was known for its exquisite architecture and intricate carvings.

The haveli remained in the possession of the Kakkar family for generations and witnessed the rise and fall of different empires and rulers. It is said that the haveli was used as a meeting place for local merchants and traders during the Sikh Empire, which ruled over Punjab in the early 19th century.

During the British Raj, Haveli Kakkar Singh became an important center for the Indian National Congress, a political party that advocated for Indian independence from British rule. In 1929, the All India Congress Committee held a meeting at the haveli, which was attended by prominent Indian leaders such as Jawaharlal Nehru and Subhas Chandra Bose. The meeting resulted in the adoption of the "Purna Swaraj" (Complete Self-Rule) declaration, which called for India's independence from British rule. 

In the years leading up to the Partition of India in 1947, Haveli Kakkar Singh was also a site of intense political activity and communal tensions. The haveli was located in the heart of Lahore's Walled City, which had a significant population of both Hindus and Muslims. As communal violence erupted between the two groups, the haveli became a site of refuge and protection for members of both communities. However, in the aftermath of Partition, many Hindus and Sikhs who lived in the Walled City were forced to leave, and the haveli was left vacant.

After the partition of India and Pakistan in 1947, Haveli Kakkar Singh was left abandoned as its owners migrated to India. The newly formed Pakistani government showed little interest in preserving historic buildings, and as a result, the haveli was left neglected for many years. In the absence of its owners, the building was occupied by refugees who had migrated from India and were in desperate need of housing. 

The refugees made makeshift repairs to the haveli in order to make it habitable, but without proper maintenance, the building began to deteriorate rapidly. The walls and ceilings began to crumble, and the wooden balconies and doors were either stolen or rotted away. The building was gradually transformed into a slum, with multiple families sharing each room and basic amenities like electricity and water were non-existent.

Following the partition, Haveli Kakkar Singh was left abandoned and neglected for many years until it was eventually purchased by the owners of Zaiqa Lab. Recognizing the historic significance and architectural beauty of the haveli, the owners undertook an extensive restoration project to bring the building back to its former glory. 

The restoration project was a massive undertaking that required significant financial investment and a deep commitment to preserving the history and cultural heritage of the Walled City. The owners worked tirelessly to restore the intricate woodwork, frescoes, and marble flooring of the haveli, as well as installing modern amenities to ensure the comfort of their guests. 

Today, Haveli Kakkar Singh stands as a testament to the dedication and hard work of the Zaiqa Lab team, who not only revived the historic building but also transformed it into a culinary destination that celebrates the fusion of molecular gastronomy and desi cuisine. The haveli's restored beauty and vibrant atmosphere have made it a beloved landmark in Lahore and a must-visit destination for locals and tourists alike.