Neharwali Haveli(Birth Place of A President)

The Neharwali Haveli in the Pratap Street of Gola Market in Darya Ganj area of Delhi is the birthplace of General Pervez Musharraf. Over the period of time, the original structure of the haveli has given way to rapid modernization. The courtyard of the haveli has given way to a famous theatre, Golcha. The haveli was built over a sprawling complex spread in Kucha Sadullah Khan in the crowded Faiz Bazaar area. It is a complex with four storeyes builds on 700 sq. yards.

The original haveli was built according to late Mughal architectural style. Arches of the courtyard of the haveli and the intricate jali or latticework are the only structural remains of the old building. The haveli has now been converted into a residential complex. The arches display little of the craftsmanship that Mughal architecture is known for. The jalis were used as zanan khana for the women during the Mughal era. Red sandstone jalis have lost their original luster and color as the present owners have painted them white.

There are eight divisions of the haveli and around 28 families and individuals live there these days. The ground portions are taken over by more than 40 dimly lit shops. Another portion of the haveli, occupied by the Golas, has been turned into a commercial complex

The original structure had been bifurcated into two parts and was occupied by two families. In one portion, President Musharraf's grandmother Ameena Begum and her sister lived while Musharraf's granduncles and Ameena's brothers, Motmanuddin Ahmed, Qazi Mohammed Nizamuddin Ahmed and Qazi Mugheezmuddin Ahmed, occupied the other. President Musharraf's father is believed to have inherited this portion from his mother, Ameena Begum, who received it from her father Motmanuddin. The third portion of the same haveli had gone off to another sister of hers, Sayyeda.

Rajesh Jain, a chartered accountant, claims to be living in the portion of Sayyeda these days. The three Gola brothers, Rakesh, Sandeep and Hem Chand, claim that their father, Prem Chand Gola, had bought this haveli from Husna Begum, a paternal aunt of the General, with the registered price of Rs. 65,000 in 1946.

As part of the preparations for the visit, a special stone structure has been constructed at the entrance of the haveli.