The disputed tomb of Saleh Kamboh

27-05-2018

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The revered mausoleum of Mullah Muhammad Saleh Kamboh stands almost unknowingly adjacent to the Pakistan Railway Headquarters on Empress Road, encapsulated within the precincts of the St. Andrews Church in Lahore, and holds enduring historical significance. Serving as the resting place not just for Mullah Muhammad Saleh Kamboh but also for his elder brother Inayat Ullah Kamboh and their other family members, this site underwent multiple transformations over time. Initially known as Gunbad Kambohan, it transitioned from a residence during the British era to an Anglican church and was later repurposed into a school managed by the Christian community.

Despite these transitions, the mausoleum's unique Mughal architecture, characterized by its octagonal shape and majestic domes, stands as a testament to its glorious past. However, its current use as a school limits public access, veiling its historical significance from the general populace. The lack of preservation efforts by the Archaeology Department underscores the urgent need to safeguard and restore this invaluable heritage site.

The tomb possessed bad faith and it started during the Sikh rule, this dome was used to store gunpowder. Then, when the British took over, it was converted into a resident quarter. Later, when a church was built in 1872, a priest moved in, some stories suggest the British relocated the coffins of Muhammad Saleh and Inayat Ul Lah to the shrine of Hazrat Ali Rangrez before turning the place into a residence.

As Lahore evolves and modernizes, landmarks from its past confront the threat of fading into obscurity. Authorities must recognize and protect these remnants of history, ensuring their preservation for future generations.

Mullah Muhammad Saleh Kamboh, the son of the esteemed scholar Mir Abdullah Kamboh, shared a familial legacy steeped in scholarly pursuits. His elder sibling, Sheikh Inayat Ullah Kamboh, stood as an erudite historian, while Muhammad Saleh Kamboh himself emerged as a luminary in the Mughal court under Emperor Shah Jehan's patronage. His multifaceted roles included serving as a mentor to Aurangzeb and holding the prestigious position of 'Shahi Dewan' for Lahore's Governor, establishing his residence near Mochi Gate, albeit the exact location still needs to be clarified.

Muhammad Saleh displayed versatility, commanding a contingent of 500 horsemen, showcasing both scholarly and martial prowess. Historical records even portray him as a commander leading a Mughal fleet in the Bay of Bengal against rebellious forces. During this maritime duty, he penned his masterpiece 'Amal-e-Saleh' in 1659 AD, a period after the completion of the renowned Wazir Khan Mosque in 1641 AD. Accounts suggest the mosque bearing Saleh Kamboh's name emerged posthumously in 1675 AD or even as late as 1680, now holding a rich history spanning over 341 years.

Beyond his military and scholarly feats, Muhammad Saleh Kamboh exhibited skill in poetry, adopting the pen names Kashfi for his Persian compositions and Subhan for Hindi verses. Some sources even hint at his proficiency as a classical singer. Yet, despite the remarkable achievements of the Kamboh brothers in Lahore, their prominence in both military and scholarly realms remains somewhat obscured in modern times.

Muhammad Saleh Kamboh attained lasting renown as the court chronicler entrusted with recording Shah Jahan's reign. However, the exact date of his passing remains uncertain, with S. M. Latif suggesting his demise in AH 1085 (1675 AD), a stance echoed by certain scholars.

Another historical monument attributed to Muhammad Saleh Kamboh is ‘Saleh Kamboh Mosque’, also known as the 'Chinianwali Maseet' locally, is renowned for its unparalleled marvel of marble adorned with exquisite precious stone inlay work, famously referred to as 'Kashi kari' standing inside the Mochi Gate.

The legacy of Mullah Muhammad Saleh Kamboh, celebrated for his literary prowess and multifaceted contributions, deserves recognition and preservation. The mausoleum on Empress Road symbolizes not just a physical structure but a testament to a glorious era, urging attention and restoration to reclaim its significance in Lahore's vibrant history.