The word “bunga” is derived from Persian, meaning a hospice, or a dwelling place. Akharas and “bungas” served as centres of elementary Sikh education for a long time.
The name of the old building is “Wassan Singh Da Bunga”, which was reportedly built along with other buildings in 1832 on the directions of great Sikh ruler Maharaja Ranjit Singh, who had specially sent masons and architects from Punjab to construct the buildings. However, they had come back after the death of the Maharaja in 1839.
Talking to TNS from Hazoor Sahib, Mr Amar Singh Bunga, great grandson of Sardar Waryam Singh Bunga, described the demolition of the heritage building as t unfortunate. He alleged that the Bir of Guru Granth Sahib was hurriedly taken away without caring for Sikh Maryada and the building was reduced to rubble by bulldozers.