Mitha Ram Hostel
| Mitharam Hostel | |
|---|---|
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| General information | |
| Architectural style | |
| Location | Dr. Ziauddin Ahmed (Kutchary) Road in Serai Quarter, Karachi, Pakistan |
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| Current tenants | Paramilitary Pakistan Rangers (since 1992) |
| Construction started | Between 1894 and 1901[2] |
| Owner | Government of Sindh |
| Technical details | |
| Floor area | 3,639.66 m2 (39,177.0 sq ft)[1] |
| Design and construction | |
| Architect | James Strachan |
Mitha Ram Hostel, also spelled as Mitharam Hostel, is a historical building and former hostel in Karachi. It now serves as a sub-jail under the administration of Sindh Rangers since April 2015.[3][4]
History
[edit | edit source]Mitha Ram Hostel shares a historical connection with D. J. Sindh Government Science College, which was established through the efforts of Indian lawyer, Dayaram Gidumal, in the late 1880s.[5] Gidumal campaigned for the college's construction, as many Karachi students could not afford to travel to Bombay for education.[5] Funded by both the Bombay and Karachi governments and private contributions, the college was completed in 1887 and named after Diaram Jethmal, whose family made a significant donation.[5]
The subsequent influx of students to Karachi necessitated the construction of a hostel.[5] Gidumal's brother, Mitha Ram, contributed financially to the project, leading to the hostel's completion in 1901.[5][3] Notably, the Mitha Ram Hostel played a role in the 1940s independence movement, hosting meetings for activists such as Sobho Gianchandani and Hashu Kevalramani.[5]
In the 1990s, Syed Abdullah Shah, a former chief minister, intended to transform the building into a museum, but this plan never materialized.[5]
In 1992, the hostel was occupied by the Pakistan Rangers and later received the approval by the Chief Minister of Sindh, legitimizing a practice that had occurred without formal agreement for decades.[5] Initially, the Rangers were stationed at the hostel to maintain order and address escalating incidents of targeted killings and kidnappings in Karachi.[5]
See also
[edit | edit source]- Jinnah Courts, another former hostel under the administration of Sindh Rangers
- Sevakunj Hostel
References
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