Shrine of Hazrat Sadr-ud-din Sadr Jahan Lahore

18th August 2022

(All images copyright 2022 Mirza Ali Usman Baig, text written in this article is the author's Research and shouldn't be reproduced)

Sodhiwal, a locality in the suburbs of Lahore, is home to a remarkable 16th-century mausoleum believed to belong to Hazrat Syed Sadruddin, a prominent figure from the Sadaat family of his time. Constructed in 1570 AD, this mausoleum stands amidst the surrounding modern developments, preserving its historical significance.

During the reign of Jalal-ud-din Muhammad Akbar (1542-1605), the third Mughal Emperor of Hindustan, Syed Saheb was held in high esteem and bestowed with the title 'Sadar Jahan,' meaning the King of the World.

Architecturally, the tomb follows a design similar to other Mughal structures found in Lahore. It features a hexagonal structure crowned with a dome. Each side is adorned with a four-corner arch, and a series of niches decorate the corners. Inside the tomb, squinches are present in the corners, serving as a common technique for supporting the dome. Originally, the tomb was situated on higher ground, but over time, it came to align with the road level.

In the latter half of the 18th century, Lahore was ruled and divided among three Sikh Chieftains. Unfortunately, during this period, the tomb suffered significant damage. One of the Sikh Chieftains, Sobha Singh, took control of the western part of Lahore and utilized the marble from the tomb for constructing his fort at Zeb un Nisa garden, named Nawan Kot (a new fort).

Presently, the exterior of the mausoleum has been unsightly disfigured with plaster and tile work. The original frescoes and floral artwork are no longer visible. Despite these alterations, the mausoleum functions more as a shrine, attracting followers who gather here every Thursday to recite the Quran and offer prayers.