In Search of Khan Bahadur Nanak Bakash

25-11-2018

Shams-ud-Din Iltutmish (1211-1236) (or Atamish, the son of Neem Khan from Ilbri clan of Turkistan) came as the third king of the Ilbri Turks who succeeded after the death of Qutab-ud-Din Aibak. Being the son-in-law and trust worthy general of Aibak, he was selected as the sultan of India though the elites of the court put the crown on the head of Aram Shah, the son of Qutab-ud-Din Aibak.

Aibak died of injuries received during an accidental fall from a horse while playing polo in 1210 AD. He was buried in Lahore near Anarkali Bazaar. Qutb-ud-din Aibak's tomb is located behind Anarkali bazaar. In the early 1970's, it was renovated at the orders of the then Prime Minister Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto. In memory of, ‘Qutb-ud-din Aibak's’ the road passing in front of this tomb named after him, the ‘Aibak Road’.

A narrow street, ‘Shah Iltutmish’ connects ‘Aibak Road’ and Anarkali bazaar, which is named after son-in-law of Qutab-ud-Din Aibak. The, famous betel leaves market of Lahore also located on ‘Shah Iltutmish Street.’ On this street many old pre-partition buildings are still present. One of the old buildings really attracts me because of its beautiful crafted wooden windows and arches. I noticed a name plaque embedded in front wall with wording,

‘House of Khan Bahadur Sheikh Nanuck Bakhsh, the extra Assistant Commissioner first class Magistrate Lahore and the construction of this building started in year 1872 and completed in 1895.’

Interestingly, when I searched information about Khan Bahadur Nanak Bakash, I came to know that, in year 1899; Allama Muhammad Iqbal passed M.A. in philosophy from Government College, Lahore and was awarded Khan Bahadur Nanak Bakash Medal for being the only successful candidate in Philosophy.

BARKAT ALI KHAN MUHAMMEDAN HALL MOCHI GATE LAHORE

25-11-2018

(All pictures are owned)

Khan Bahadur Barkat Ali Khan, a renowned member of the nobility in Lahore, made significant contributions to the preservation and restoration of the historic Badshahi Mosque. Serving as a tehsildar, he dedicated himself to reviving the mosque's former grandeur. Recognizing the importance of fostering the advancement of the Muslim community, he selflessly offered his services, leading to the establishment of Anjuman Islamia in Lahore around 1868.

In 1887, a momentous event took place when Sir Syed Ahmad Khan, a prominent figure in the Muslim community, visited Lahore and participated in a conference held at the Anjuman. The gathering served as a catalyst, highlighting the need for a dedicated space in Lahore to promote Islamic values and culture. This realization led to the decision to construct a magnificent hall that would serve this purpose.

The construction of the Mohammedan Hall commenced in 1888, situated just outside the Mochi Darwaza of Lahore. With a budget of approximately 1800 Rs, the Anjuman undertook the ambitious project to create a hub where Islamic ideals could flourish. To commemorate this endeavor, the Anjuman published a brochure in 1888, proudly highlighting the completion of the Mohammedan Hall and its significance as a symbol of promoting Islamic values in the city of Lahore.