The University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Lahore

29-10-2017

Veterinary sciences and microbiology institute in subcontinent founded by British in Lahore in 1892, it is one of the oldest institutions of veterinary in Asia. It was established in magnificent and historical building that was property of Bank of Bengal at that time.

In present Building the institute shifted some ninety years back. It was also Asia first teaching veterinary school. Lt. Col. Kehlewell was first principal from period to 1882-1890. After that its name changed to “college of Veterinary Sciences and Animal Husbandry”, and than its name changed to “Punjab College of Veterinary Sciences”. Since its inception, it maintained its reoccupation as one of the famous and renown institution Veterinary and animal sciences, and conducts wide range of research in microbiology and development of human resource. In 2002 this institute gets chartered and became University. The university offers undergraduate, post-graduate, and doctoral programmes in diverse fields of animal’s health, food irradiation, security and safety. The university maintains its highest ranks and regarded as one of the top university in “agriculture” category by the HEC, as of 2010.

Visit to Waris Shah Tomb

The great Sufi poet Waris Shah was born in 1722 in Sheikhupura, Punjab. He is known as one of the best Punjabi poets. His folk tale known as Heer-Ranjha got popularity not only in Pakistan but crossed the borders as well. He died in 1798 but his work made him immortal.

His tomb is in Jandiala Sher Khan and is visited by thousands of fans and devotees. The grave of Waris Shah was not paid proper attention so a proper mausoleum was built by the government of Punjab. In 1975, structure of the tomb was decided by the mausoleum committee and the mausoleum was completed in 1978 in Jandiala Sher Khan. Thus, the birth place of Waris Shah was made his final destination as well.The tomb was designed and constructed by Abdul Rashid, a renowned architect who built it with red bricks and white plaster in the Mughal style. The tomb is 83/83 meters long while the shape of the mausoleum is octagonal with stairs and pillars. There is a large, square-shaped garden in the mausoleum and on the other side the mausoleum is made up of red brick walls. The walls of the corridors are in arch shape. The other side of the mausoleum consists of housing facilities and the entrance of the visitors. The mausoleum has a pool and a fountain and the garden and courtyard has pine and palm trees. The people visit this place and pray and on the death anniversary of Waris Shah,his fans or lovers conduct “dhamaal” (a folk dance) on the beat of Dhol (drum). Along with red bricks and white plaster, blue decorative tiles have also been used in the construction of the tomb. There is an open- air theatre as well in the building where speakers fitted in the walls facilitate the listeners who visit his tomb.The poetic songs of Waris Shah are heard and appreciated by the people and fans therein. On the death anniversary of Waris Shah “langer” is also distributed among the people and people also distribute the food when their wish or pray is fulfilled..

Stepwell (Baoli) at Jandiala Sher Khan

24-10-2017

Jandiala Sherkhan, also known as Jandiala Sher Khan, is a town situated in the Punjab province of Pakistan's Sheikhupura District. It holds significance as the birthplace of the renowned poet Waris Shah, often referred to as the Punjabi Shakespeare, and is home to his Mausoleum. The town is located at coordinates 31°49'15N 73°55'10E and falls within the jurisdiction of Sheikhupura Tehsil.

In the days of the Mughal empire, Jandiala Sherkhan held prominence as an important provincial town. Despite being situated on a floodplain, the absence of nearby water sources compelled the local inhabitants to dig wells for irrigating their crops. During the reign of Emperor Akbar, a man named Sher Khan, who was well-off, decided to settle in the town. Acting upon the advice of a local dervish named Syed Ghaznavi, Sher Khan undertook the construction of a remarkable step-well, also known as a baoli, to facilitate access to the water table.

Furthermore, Sher Khan erected a structure resembling a caravansary above the steps leading to the well. This construction served as an inn or a marketplace for merchants to trade their goods with travelers journeying along the road connecting Lahore and Kashmir. Adjacent to the baoli, in the southeastern direction, Sher Khan also contributed to the establishment of a small mosque. The architectural design of the step well exemplifies the essence of Akbar's era. The layout encompasses a central domed chamber encircled by eight smaller rooms, an artistic motif known as hasht bihisht, meaning "eight paradises." This innovation by the Mughals was derived from Timurid's influence.

Sher Khan's endowment of the baoli was commemorated through a plaque adorned with Persian calligraphy. Previously displayed at the site, this plaque was relocated to the Lahore Museum in 1971 for preservation and safekeeping.

Gurdwara Sacha Sauda

28-09-2017

At the age of eighteen, Guru Nanak Sahib Ji, was sent by his father Mehta Kalu to the city to do business. His father was disappointed that Guru Sahib's mind was not into farming and other worldly work, therefore, he thought perhaps engaging him in trade would firstly, be a good profitable profession, and secondly his son would be happy all day talking to his clients about his business.

Thinking this way and choosing an auspicious day, Mehta Kalu called Bhai Mardana Ji to accompany Guru Sahib. Mehta Kalu gave twenty rupees to Guru Nanak and Bhai Mardana Ji and said, 'Go with Nanak. Buy and bring some genuine goods by selling of which we may make profit. In this way if you make a profitable transaction, next time I will send you with more money to buy goods.'

Guru Nanak and Bhai Mardana Ji started from Talwandi Sabo towards Chuharkana (now known as Farooqabad) to purchase some merchandise. They had hardly gone ten or twelve miles from the village when they came across a village, where the people were starving, thirsty and sick due to lack of water and an outbreak of disease.

Guru Nanak Sahib Ji said to Bhai Mardana Ji, 'Father has asked us to carry out some profitable transaction. No bargain can be more truly profitable than to feed and clothe the needy. I cannot leave this true bargain. It is seldom that we get an opportunity to carry out some profitable transaction like this.'

Guru Nanak took all the money to the next nearest village dwelling, where he bought plentiful supply of food and brought water for these people. Guru Sahib invested the twenty rupees into what we today call 'Langar'.

Eis bhaekh ai thhaavahu gireho bhal aa jithhahu ko varas aae || 

'Instead of wearing these beggar's robes, it is better to be a householder, and give to others.' 

(Guru Granth Sahib, Ang 587)

As well as bringing food and water to the villagers, Bhai Mardana Ji and Guru Sahib brought clothes for with the money that was left. Taking leave from the villagers, they started back 'empty-handed'. When his father admonished him for squandering his hard earned cash, Guru Nanak said that that was the best bargain he could have made.

Many years later, Sikhs built at the village of Sacha Sauda built a Gurdwara in memory of Guru Nanak's kindness which in due course became a popular Sikh site attracting visitors from near and far.

A land endowment of over 100 acres (250 bighas) was made to the Gurdwara during the Sikh Empire by Maharaja Ranjit Singh. The Gurdwara formerly administered by udasi priests was occupied by Jathedar Kartar Siṅgh Jhabbar on behalf of the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee on 30th December 1920. At the time of its evacuation in the wake of the partition of the country in 1947, it had a huge fortress like, three storey building with domed towers.