The sprawling Neharwali Haveli, where Musharraf was born on August 11, 1943, is tucked away on a narrow lane behind Golcha cinema in Old Delhi’s Daryaganj. Fifty-six years ago, when the former Pakistan president’s family decided to leave Delhi and start afresh in Pakistan, the house was sold to clothing merchant Madan Lal Jain.

But the significance of this transaction became apparent only after Jain’s death; he died a year before the military coup in 1999 that shot Musharraf into presidential limelight. “Till 2001 we had no idea this was Musharraf’s house,” said Jain’s grandson Rajeev, 32. Then that year, before his much-heralded trip to India, Musharraf asked then Prime Minister Atal Behari Vajpayee if he could visit his ancestral home.

“We received an official phone call requesting our permission, which of course we willingly gave,” Jain said with a smile.

Hanging up her washing in one of the haveli’s several courtyards, where Musharraf once played, daughter-in-law Saroj recalled the July 14 visit. “We scrubbed and decorated the whole place,” she said, and pointing to a spot by the doorway proudly, added: “He stood right here.”

Before the family shared snacks and sweetmeats, the Jains presented Musharraf and his wife with a trophy and sari. Recounting the moment Musharraf saw his childhood home, Rajeev said: “He just stood and gazed at the house — for a few moments he was speechless.”

Later, Rajeev said, Musharraf told him that his old memories were gaining strength.

Four years later, Musharraf’s mother, brother and son Bilal came visiting. “His mother showed us where Musharraf and his brothers played in their childhood,” Rajeev said.

The Jains have not been in contact with the family since that visit.

Today, spread over 600 square yards, the 20-bedroom haveli has changed little. “The house is only 20-30 per cent different,” Rajeev said, “a few additions and renovations (here and there).” And the property remains a Jain stronghold, housing six families — all descendants of Madan Lal Jain.