Sunday 14 April 2024

Spotting the Singing Bush Lark from Lahore's Suburbs

11th May, 2021

(All photographs in this article are taken by the author)




In Lahore, at the edge of DHA, lies a strip of fields. Amidst the concrete jungle of DHA and the serene BRB canal, this spot emerged as a birding hotspot, a place I frequented often since 2017.

In April 2020, amidst the tall grasses, I spotted a Singing Bush Lark. Its tiny frame perched gracefully, filling the air with its sweet, melodious song.

The Singing Bushlark, scientifically known as Mirafra cantillans, stole my heart. Its captivating song echoed through the fields.

Its camouflaged plumage, blending seamlessly with the earthy tones around, caught my eye. But it was the distinctive facial markings that made it stand out—bold streaks around the eyes and cheeks, giving it a unique charm.

During the breeding season, the male's courtship displays were a sight to behold—soaring high, spinning in the air, all while singing its enchanting song.

And when it came to nesting, the Singing Bushlark showed its resourcefulness. Its ground nests, hidden among dense vegetation, were intricately woven, a haven for its young.

Some of these birds even embark on epic migrations, showcasing their incredible navigational skills and endurance.

Spotting that Singing Bushlark was more than just a birdwatching moment— it was a profound connection with the natural world, right in the heart of Lahore.




Saturday 13 April 2024

Spotting the Yellow-Bellied Prinia from Lahore's Suburbs

12th April, 2024

(All photographs in this article are taken by the author)

Bird watching in Lahore always brings surprises, and I've been hoping to spot a Yellow-bellied Prinia for ages. Finally, I got lucky and found a bunch of them fluttering about. They're cute little birds that love places like grasslands, marshes, and areas with tall grasses near river bodies and ponds. They hang out near water, too, hunting for bugs and other tiny critters.

Scientifically speaking, the yellow-bellied prinia belongs to the family Cisticolidae, a diverse group of small passerine birds found primarily in Africa and Asia. Within this family, Prinia flaviventris stands out for its striking yellow belly, olive-green upperparts, and distinctive long tail. Its slender build and agile movements make it well-suited for navigating through dense vegetation in search of food.

Sadly, Lahore's growing cityscape has already eaten up their homes. But I did some digging and found out that other bird watchers have spotted them near Head Baloki in Phoolnagar, at least 60 kilometers from Lahore. Closer to home, near the Sialkot bypass, there's a marshy spot where I've seen lots of other birds. No luck with the yellow-bellied prinia there yet, though.

During the Eid holidays in April 2024, I stumbled upon a colony of them. Among the tall grasses, I heard their chirps and saw their distinctive long tails. They were even louder than the other species of Prinia, but surprisingly calmer. It felt like a special moment, a reminder that nature still has a place in our bustling city. Furthermore, it's fascinating to note the adaptability of these delicate creatures. Despite the encroachment of urbanization, they persist, finding refuge in the pockets of greenery that still dot Lahore's landscape.












Friday 12 April 2024

Birds, Beliefs, and Border Encounters: A Day in McLeod Ganj

22nd January, 2023

Me and my two friends had an amazing day exploring nature, spotting birds, and snapping photos on our motorbikes. We headed to an area near the Sadiq Ganj canals in South Punjab, where marshes had formed from canal water. Local folks even had fish farms there. It was a perfect spot for bird-watching. Interestingly, nearby villages, Minchianabad and McLeod Ganj were named after British officers.


Marshy Area between Head Sulmenki Canals


False Villager Knowledge: During our trip, we met a local who shared some wild beliefs. He asked if we knew about a peculiar cure for Hepatitis C involving female pigeons. We shook our heads, confused. Then, he confidently told us that villagers believed rubbing the patient's tummy with a female pigeon until it took away the "heat" and died could cure the disease. We were left baffled by the odd beliefs some folks had.

Dinner with a Hunter: After our bird-watching adventure, we were invited to dinner at a hunter friend's house. Over the meal, he shared some fascinating, albeit questionable, stories with us. He mentioned how hunters in McLeod Ganj considered anything they shot as fair game, including parakeets and mynas. It was quite surprising for me to hear about their unconventional eating habits.

As we left McLeod Ganj, another strange encounter awaited us on the road to Heaveli Lakha. Despite the chill, we embarked on our bikes towards our destinations. Along the dark Head Sulemenki Road, close to the border between Pakistan and India, we encountered a mysterious figure seeking a lift. Although we declined, our third friend behind us offered the stranger a ride. Little did we know, this decision would lead to an unexpected encounter at an army checkpoint. The stranger, it turned out, was carrying various drugs, landing him in custody. While we escaped with a warning, the incident left us pondering the strange events of the day and the risks of impulsive decisions.

lights on Indian side from Head Sulmenki road

Tuesday 19 March 2024

Rare find in our backyard! First-ever ultramarine flycatcher sighting in Lahore

10th October, 2022
Lahore 
All photos are taken by me in this article 


Our house is situated in the proximity of the famous Shalimar Garden in Lahore, only a short walk away. We feel fortunate to have a large lawn in our yard, and my father has been planting trees there for many years. Some of these trees are quite old, with some being around 40 years old.

One particular tree that stands out in our yard is a majestic Jamen tree, which is situated at the very heart of our lawn. Its broad, sprawling branches provide a safe haven for numerous birds that seek refuge in its shade. One balmy afternoon in October 2022, while lounging in the yard, I spotted a small bird perched on one of the tree's branches. At first, I assumed it was just another red-breasted flycatcher, a common sight in our yard every year. Without delay, I dashed back to my room to retrieve my camera equipment and managed to capture a few shots of the bird.

To my utter amazement, upon closer inspection, I realized that it was not the usual red-breasted flycatcher, but a female ultramarine flycatcher! A quick search on E-bird confirmed that it was the first recorded sighting of the species in Lahore city. It was a truly unforgettable and extraordinary moment for me!






Wednesday 13 March 2024

Sighting a Grayleg Goose from Lahore's Suburbs

25-02-2024


I went on a day-long adventure through the borderlands of Lahore, in pursuit of the elusive Red-napped ibis. I started from Wagha village, riding my trusty motorbike through marshes and birding spots, one after the other. Passing through Sahanke, Chandher, Qila Jiwan Singh, Jattanwali, Maujoke Lallo, Ghurki, and eventually reaching Padhna village, memories of my days exploring Qila Jiwan Singh on my old bicycle came flooding back.

Finally, I arrived at Padhna village, which marked the end of the road. There, near the Indo-Pakistan border, I stumbled upon a hidden gem—a marshy pond surrounded by army foxholes that lies less than 600 feet from the Indo-Pak border. But that wasn't all. Across the border in India, peeking through the horizon, stood a Sikh gurdwara, adding an unexpected touch of spirituality to the scene. It was Gurdwara Jallan Singh, located in the Indian side village of Naushahra.

However, the real magic happened right there in the pond. Amongst the usual suspects of northern shovelers and pintails, a solitary Grayleg goose gracefully was gliding across the water and stole the show for me. It was a rare sight, and a first-ever record in Lahore, according to the birding database, ebird. Yet, my local birding buddy assured me it wasn't as uncommon as the records suggested.


I would like to give special thanks to the ranger personnel who allowed me to take some shots in this sensitive area. This sighting is a reminder of the rich diversity Lahore once had, which is now threatened by urban sprawl. Spotting that goose was a glimmer of hope for the city's natural beauty amidst the chaos of development. And with that, I left Padhna village, my heart full of wonder, and my camera full of memories.



Nothern Shovlers 






Tuesday 6 February 2024

Aerial combat between birds of Prey (Marsh Harrier and Black Kite)

 Location: Lahore





Aerial combat between birds of prey, such as the Marsh Harrier and Black Kite, is a fascinating and intense display of nature's survival instincts and territorial behavior. Both these raptors are known for their impressive aerial skills and predatory prowess. The Marsh Harrier (Circus aeruginosus) and the Black Kite (Milvus migrans) are birds of prey belonging to different genera, but they share similar habitats and often compete for the same resources, including territory and food. The conflict typically arises during the breeding season when these birds become particularly territorial. Each species seeks to establish and defend its own territory, ensuring access to suitable nesting sites, feeding grounds, and other essential resources. As the two birds encounter each other in the sky, a series of intricate aerial maneuvers ensue. The Marsh Harrier, known for its agility and swift flight, may use its sharp talons and powerful beak to fend off the intruding Black Kite. The Black Kite, on the other hand, is characterized by its soaring flight and adaptability, and it may employ evasive maneuvers to avoid direct confrontation. The combat often involves high-speed chases, spiraling ascents, and sudden dives. Both birds may emit distinctive calls and vocalizations, signaling their determination to defend their territories. The clash is not necessarily about causing harm but serves as a means of establishing dominance and delineating boundaries.







Tuesday 30 January 2024

A pre-partition Hindu house in old Depalpur city.

Sunday, 4 December 2016

In Depalpur city, numerous pre-partition houses, dating back to the period before the 1947 partition, quietly narrate a story of how people from diverse backgrounds once coexisted harmoniously.

As one explores present-day Depalpur, the weathered facades of these Hindu buildings provide a glimpse into an era when the city thrived on a vibrant mix of cultures. However, the narrative has evolved, and the homes that once hosted a diverse population have undergone a transformation.

Today, these historic structures house new residents – families who sought refuge in Depalpur post-partition. Although the occupants have changed, the essence of these buildings endures, with each brick and archway preserving the legacy of a city that once celebrated diversity.





Thursday 25 January 2024

Birds of Lahore: A Century Apart - A Comparative Study from Currie's Chronicles of 1916 to transformations in 2024


AJ Currie included the Yellow Lapwing in his checklist in 2016, but the first photographic record of the bird in the city dates back to 2019, photographed by me and this record later being published in 'Bird Asia.'


Abstract:-

In 1916, A. J. Currie published a comprehensive account titled 'The Birds of Lahore' and its Vicinity,' documenting avian sightings in the outskirts, including Attari and Mureedka. His detailed bird sightings were compiled into a checklist of 200 species, and this valuable contribution was featured in 'The Journal of the Bombay Natural History.'

Engaging in bird photography within the Lahore area from 2010 to 2024, this article aims to assess the current avian landscape and compare it to Currie's observations made 108 years ago. In categorizing the birds encountered, those commonly seen are termed as "Common," while species with records less than Five in recent years are labeled as "Uncommon." Birds that have become rare, with no recent sightings, are classified as having "No recent records."Additionally, I specifically considered birds for which photographic records are available.

To ensure a thorough examination, I cross-referenced my observations with data from other Lahore-based photographers in the "Birds of Pakistan" group and monitored eBird sightings. This multi-faceted approach enhances the reliability and comprehensiveness of the findings, providing a nuanced perspective on the avian population in Lahore over the past century. I also consulted the works of several other researchers besides Currie (1916), including Mirza (1965, 2005), Ali and Ripley (1983), Roberts (1991, 1992), Chaudhry et al. (1992), Mahmood (2000), Hussain and Afzal (2005), as well as Grimmett and Inskipp (2006).

Categories and Counts:-

Category

Count

A. Total Birds found in Lahore (In 1916, A. J. Currie)

200

B. Status of Birds documented in Lahore by A.J. Currie  in 2024

- "Common"

101

- "Uncommon"

59

- "No recent Records"

40

C. Impact Factor due to habitat loss

50% decline in birding population in 108 years

 

 



Common Birds Encountered:- 

1. The Indian House-Crow
2. The Indian Treepie
3. The Common Babbler
4. The Jungle Babbler
5. The Yellow-eyed Babbler
6. The Indian White-Eye
7. The Punjab Red-vented Bulbul
8. The Black Drongo
9. Clamorous Reed-warbler
10. Blyth's Reed-warbler
11. The Indian Tailorbird
12. Zitting Cisticola
13. The Rufous-fronted Prinia
14. The Indian Lesser White-throated Warbler
15. Chiff Chaff
16. The Ashy Prinia
17. The Plain Prinia
18. The Bay-backed Shrike
19. The Rufous-backed Shrike
20. The Indian Oriole
21. The Rose-coloured Starling
22. The Central-Asian Starling
23. The Common Myna
24. The Bank Myna
25. The Red-breasted Flycatcher
26. The White-browed Fantail Flycatcher
27. A common Pied Bushchat
28. The Isabelline Chat
29. The Brown Rock Chat
30. The Indian Redstart
31. The Indian Blue-throat
32. The Indian Robin
33. The Magpie Robin
34. The Baya – Ploceus baya
35. The White-throated Munia Indian silverbill
36. The Yellow-throated Sparrow
37. The House Sparrow
38. The Indian Sand Martin
39. The Swallow
40. The Wire-tailed Swallow
41. Sykes's Striated Warbler
42. The White Wagtail
43. The Masked Wagtail
44. The Large Pied Wagtail
45. The Grey Wagtail
46. The Yellow Wagtail
47. The Citrine Wagtail
48. The Indian Tree Pipit
49. The Paddyfiled Pipit
50. The Indian Sand Lark
51. The Singing Bush-Lark
52. The Crested Lark
53. The Ashy-crowned Lark
54. The Purple Sunbird
55. The Golden-backed Woodpecker
56. The Common Wryneck
57. The Indian Roller
58. The European Roller
59. The common Bee-eater
60. The Blue-tailed Bee-eater
61. The Indian Pied Kingfisher
62. The Common Kingfisher
63. The White-breasted Kingfisher
64. The Common Grey Hornbill
65. The Indian Hoopoo
66. The Common Indian Swift
67. The Cuckoo
68. The Pied Crested Cuckoo
69. The Asian Koel
70. The Common Coucal
71. The Rose-ringed Parakeet
72. The Barn Owl
73. The Spotted Owlet
74. The White-eyed Buzzard
75. The Black Kite
76. The Black-winged Kite
77. The Long-legged Buzzard
78. The Shikra
79. The Sparrow-Hawk
80. The Kestrel
81. The Indian Blue Rock Pigeon
82. The Spotted Dove
83. Collared Dove
84. The Grey Quail
85. The Grey Partridge
86. The Red-wattled Lapwing
87. The White-tailed Lapwing
88. The Black-winged Stilt
89. The Green Sandpiper
90. The Spotted Redshank
91. The Greenshank
92. The Common Snipe
93. The Black-bellied Tern
94. The Grey Heron
95. The Little Egret
96. The Indian Pond Heron
97. The Night Heron
98. The Gadwall
99. The Common Teal
100. The Pochard
101. The Indian Little Grebe

Uncommon Birds Encountered:-

1. Cinereous Tit
2. The Long-tailed Grass warbler
3. The Bristled Grass-warbler
4. The Brown Willow-warbler
5. The Green warbler
6. The Pale Brown shrike
7. The Common Wood-shrike
8. The Short-billed Minivet
9. The small Minivet
10. The Brahminy Myna
11. The Grey-headed Flycatcher
12. The Indian Paradise Flycatcher
13. The Indian Bushchat
14. The Desert Chat
15. The Red-tailed Wheatear
16. The Indian Red Munia
17. The common Rose-Finch
18. The Spanish Sparrow  
19. The Eastern Meadow Bunting  
20. The Grey-necked Bunting
21. The Red-headed Bunting
22. The long-billed Pipit
23. The Indian Sky-larks
24. The Yellow-fronted Pied Woodpecker
25. Syke's Nightjar
26. The Alexendrine Parakeet
27. Plum-headed Parakeet
28. The collared Scope Owl
29. Egyptian Vulture
30. Steppe Eagle
31. The Indian Tawny Eagle
32. Bonelli's Eagle
33. The Brahminy Kite
34. The Crested Honey-Buzzard
35. The Red-headed Merlin
36. The Southern Green Pigeon
37. The Little Brown Dove
38. The Red Turtle Dove
39. The Black-breasted Quail
40. The Black Partridge
41. The Little Button-Quail
42. The Common Crane
43. The Lapwing
44. The Curlew
45. The Black-tailed Godwit
46. The Black Ibis
47. The Spoonbill
48. The Woolly-necked stork
49. The Black Stork
50. The Bar-headed Goose
51. The Ruddy Shelduck
52. The Mallard
53. The Spot-billed Duck
54. The Wigeon
55. The Pintail
56. The Garganey
57. The Shoveler
58. The Red-crested Pochard
59. The White-eyed Duck

"No recent records" Birds Encountered:- 

1. The Raven
2. The Rook
3. The Jackdaw
4. The Himalayan Black Bulbul
5. The White-eared Bulbul
6. The Himalayan Treecreeper
7. Western crowned warbler
8. The Streaked Wren-warbler
9. The Indian Grey-shrike
10. The White-headed Chat
11. Strickland's Chat
12. The Grey-winged Blackbird
13. The Black-throated Blackbird
14. The Green Munia
15. The Eastern Linnet
16. The Rufous-backed Sparrow
17. The Drongo Cuckoo
18. The Long-eared Owl
19. The Short-eared Owl
20. The Mottled Wood-Owl
21. The Dusky Horned Owl
22. The Black Vulture
23. The Eurasian Griffon Vulture
24. White Rumped Vulture
25. The Short-toed Eagle
26. The Crested Serpent-Eagle
27. Pallas's Fishing Eagle
28. The Pied Harrier
29. The Peregrine Falcon
30. The Shaheen Falcon
31. The Laggar Falcon
32. The Cherrug Falcon
33. Yellow Eyed Pigeon
34. The Black-bellied Sandgrouse
35. The Common Sandgrouse
36. The Houbara Bustard
37. The Sociable Lapwing
38. The Jack Snipe
39. The White Stork
40. The Smew

My Birdwatching Journey and diverse Birding hotspots in Lahore:- 

From 2010 to 2024, I immersed myself in the enchanting world of bird photography in Lahore. Our home, the first in the colony, with a spacious garden and abundant fruit trees, became a frequent haven for many bird species. Nurturing my lifelong hobby of bird identification, our surroundings, surrounded by fields, attracted a diverse array of birds year-round. Every day began with the sweet call of a tailor bird on my window. After 2010, I transitioned from being a birdwatcher to a bird photographer. Armed with my trusted companions – the Nikon D500 and D7100, along with Nikkor lenses 70-300 and 200-500 – I had the honor of capturing and documenting the vibrant avian life in and around Lahore. I documented and photographed 200 birds in the Lahore region, presenting a checklist distinct from A. J. Currie's, which I plan to publish in a separate journal.

Here are some of the locations where I dedicated numerous hours to observing and capturing the enchanting world of birds. It is pertinent to mention that from 2018 to the present day, I have spent more than 140 days each year, mostly on weekends, engaging in bird watching and bird photography in the hotspots in Lahore mentioned below.

- Pakistan Kidney Liver Hospital Site in Phase 7 of DHA Lahore

- Various Sites of DHA

- Bedian Road Outskirts

- Shalimar Garden

- Lawrence Garden

- Race Course

- Lahore Safari Park

- Shahdara Reserve Forest

- Sialkot Ring Road

- Jallo Park Lahore

- BRB Canal Batapur

- Punjab University Botanical Garden

- River Ravi

- My Home in Lawan (Behind Shalimar Garden)

- Safari Park

Conclusion:- 

To understand the changes in Lahore's biodiversity over the past century, we need to examine various factors such as alterations in the environment, habitats, weather patterns, and human activities. These factors encompass deforestation, urbanization, pollution, climate change, and conservation efforts. Despite Lahore's historical title as the 'City of Gardens,' it has evolved into more of a concrete jungle. In the past, Lahore was confined to the Walled City and a few small areas outside. However, urbanization has sprawled beyond the old city boundaries, with new colonies stretching to the Indo-Pak border. This expansion has contributed to a decline in avian biodiversity. More than 50 percent of the birds documented by A. J. Currie in 1916 are now categorized as uncommon, and some have no recent records. This transformation underscores the substantial impact on Lahore's biodiversity witnessed over the years.

Monday 22 January 2024

"𝗙𝗼𝗿𝗴𝗼𝘁𝘁𝗲𝗻 𝗦𝘁𝗼𝗿𝗶𝗲𝘀 𝗼𝗳 𝗟𝗮𝗵𝗼𝗿𝗲: 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗙𝗶𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝗖𝗹𝗮𝘀𝗵 - 𝗥𝗮𝗷𝗮 𝗛𝗶𝗿𝗮 𝗦𝗶𝗻𝗴𝗵 𝘃𝘀. 𝗨𝗻𝗰𝗹𝗲 𝗦𝘂𝗰𝗵𝗲𝘁 𝗦𝗶𝗻𝗴𝗵 𝗗𝗼𝗴𝗿𝗮 𝗮𝘁 𝗠𝗶𝗮𝗻 𝗪𝗮𝗱𝗱𝗮 𝗠𝗮𝗱𝗿𝗮𝘀𝘀𝗮, 1844"

Mian Wadda, or Shaikh Muhammad Ismail, was a revered figure who established the Madrassa during the reign of Akbar near Shalimar Garden in Lahore. This educational institution was renowned for providing comprehensive theology, jurisprudence, Hadis, and Tafsir education. Despite Shaikh Muhammad Ismail's passing in the year 1095 A.H. (1683 A.D.) during Aurangzeb's rule, his Madrassa continued to serve as a renowned Islamic institute and a refuge for the homeless, needy, disabled, and helpless for almost 150 years after his death. Generous donations from noble Muslim courtiers sustained the institution.

However, the Madrassa faced a tragic turn of events during the reign of Raja Hira Singh Dogra, the prime minister of the Sikh Kingdom of Lahore in the mid-19th century. Hira Singh responded decisively after the assassination of Maharaja Sher Singh and Raja Dhian Singh, orchestrating the killing of the Sandhawala brothers, Attar Singh and Lehna Singh. Subsequently, Maharaja Duleep Singh, Ranjit Singh's five-year-old son, was proclaimed the new ruler, with Hira Singh assuming the role of prime minister.

Hira Singh's aggressive pursuit of justice involved confiscating the properties of Sandhawalia sardars and exiling his uncle, Suchet Singh Dogra. Tensions escalated as Raja Suchet Singh sought to assume the prime ministerial position, seeking refuge with students and the needy at Mian Wadda Madrassa. Ignoring the vulnerability of the population within the Madrassa, Hira Singh ordered cannon fire at the site, resulting in a tragic loss of lives, including followers and students.

The conflict between Hira Singh and his uncle not only led to the death of numerous individuals but also caused significant damage to the Madrassa and mosque. The article highlights the collateral damage suffered by cultural and educational institutions during power struggles, underscoring the devastating impact on Mian Wadda's legacy and the lives of those associated with the Madrassa."







Sunday 21 January 2024

𝐇𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐥 𝐓𝐚𝐥𝐞𝐬 𝐨𝐟 𝐋𝐚𝐡𝐨𝐫𝐞: 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐕𝐚𝐧𝐢𝐬𝐡𝐞𝐝 𝐓𝐨𝐦𝐛𝐬 𝐨𝐟 𝐀𝐛𝐮𝐥 𝐇𝐚𝐬𝐚𝐧 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐌𝐚𝐤𝐡𝐝𝐨𝐨𝐦𝐚𝐡 𝐁𝐞𝐠𝐮𝐦

Lahore, a city steeped in history, once cradled the splendid tombs of Abul Hasan and his wife, Makhdoomah Begum. Unfortunately, these historical marvels have fallen victim to the relentless march of time, leaving only fragments of their existence.

Originally positioned near the shrine of Hamid Qari, where Hamid Qari served as the caretaker, Abul Hasan's tomb now dwells in the realm of lost treasures. The remnants of its former glory share tales of Mughal-era architecture. Abul Hassan, the uncle of Queen Noor Jahan, was a significant state official during the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan's reign. He earned the title 'Baradar Bajana Barabar Khananay Bazoa Rast Dault Chugtai.' He constructed a grand tomb costing ten lakhs of rupees, which, unfortunately, was later converted into gunpowder storage during Ranjit Singh's era by one of his French Generals. The tomb met its end in a sky-lighting incident, with the dome's roof demolished, and Sikh rulers sold its bricks, causing the site to vanish.

Adjacent to Abul Hasan's Mausoleum, the tomb of his wife, Makhdoomah Begum, once stood proudly. This mausoleum, adorned with four intricately designed mihrabs and a beautiful ceiling, serves as a reminder of great Mughal craftsmanship. Interestingly, it is said that Makhdoomah Begum, during her lifetime, directed the construction of her tomb, a modest counterpart to her husband's grand memorial, reflecting her respect to her husband.

The mausoleum was initially surrounded by a garden with a canal irrigating lush greenery. Between the Shalamar Gardens and the railway line leading to Amritsar lies a forgotten well, reminiscent of Iranian design. Later, this land became the site for the Western Railway locomotive in the Colonial Era.

The tomb of Makhdoomah Begum, a square-shaped testament to the splendor of its time, sadly saw its demise during Sher Singh's rule. The dome of Makhdoomah Begum's tomb suffered damage, and subsequently, the tomb was demolished, repurposed for bricks, and lost to history.

Historical records depict Makhdoomah Begum as a woman of literary taste and poetic sensibilities, known for her contributions to the cultural tapestry of the era. 

Following the instructions of her son Shaista Khan and in a gesture of humility and reverence, Makhdoomah Begum assigned a thousand Hafiz to continuously recite the Quran at her husband's mausoleum. This sacred tradition persisted during the reign of Hamed Qari, who served as the administrator of the charitable house connected to the tomb. Interestingly, a shrine was constructed a few years back at the grave of Hamid Qadri, and his mosque also stands close to this vicinity.

As the pages of history unfold, the lost tomb of Abul Hasan and the enduring legacy of Makhdoomah Begum weaves a tale of love, devotion, and the inexorable passage of time. The remaining fragments serve as a testament to Lahore's rich history and the cultural gems it once cradled.

Saturday 20 January 2024

𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐒𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐲 𝐨𝐟 𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐢𝐭 𝐑𝐚𝐦 𝐰𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐞𝐝 𝐜𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐋𝐚𝐡𝐨𝐫𝐞

09th April, 2023

 (All pictures and writeup text used in this blog, are author's property, kindly respect copyrights)

Let's explore the story of Chait Ram in the streets of Lahore's Walled City. The Taxali Gate, now a distant memory, was once named after a mint established by Shah Jehan and served as the exclusive western entrance to the city. However, our journey through time focuses on the intricate lanes branching off Taxali Gate.

Chait Ram Road unfolds just beyond Taxali Gate, where the home of Ustaad Daman, a revered Punjabi poet, stands as a cultural landmark. The road then divides into 'Nicha Chait Ram Road' and 'Uncha Chait Ram Road.'

Chait Ram, a devout monk who once resided in Taxali Gate during the Sikh era, transcended conventional religious boundaries by embracing diverse spiritual practices. His religious affiliation remains a mystery, as local beliefs suggest that he may have been a Hindu who converted to Islam before his passing, as documented in historical accounts.

In Nicha Chait Ram, a small enclosure still houses Chait Ram's grave, reinforcing the local belief that he embraced Islam.

During my visit last year, I sensed a profound gratitude in this small area adorned with incense sticks and oil lamps. Chait Ram's grave stood there, a reflective symbol. The roads bear his name, and locals continue to regard him as a spiritual figure with mystical powers.




Chet Ram Road, on the other hand, gained fame for its mastery of crafting musical instruments. The twin Chet Ram Streets and adjacent thoroughfares form the nucleus of one of the Subcontinent's most recognized red-light districts. With historical roots in the Mughal and Sikh eras, this district has served as a cultural hub for centuries, known for its association with classical music, dance, and traditional performing arts. The structures along these historic streets, standing as silent witnesses to bygone eras, weave together tales of the past, contributing to the rich social and cultural fabric of Lahore.

Wednesday 17 January 2024

Hazrat Syed Mitha (R.A): An Islamic Figure from Lahore of 13th Century


"Hazrat Syed Mitha (R.A), originally known as Syed Abdul Ghaffar, hailed from a family that migrated from Khwarazm to India. After traversing the landscapes of India, they chose Lahore as their settling ground. Amid invasions, killings, and looting by Genghis Khan, Hazrat Pir Syed Mitha's father, Syed Jamaluddin, migrated from there to India and eventually found a permanent residence in Lahore. The family's noble demeanor earned them admiration among the people, leading to their popularity and a decision to make Lahore their permanent home. Through devotion, austerity, and nobility, the family became well-known and attracted many individuals to join their circle, influenced by Syed Jamaluddin.

Following the passing of Syed Jamaluddin, his son Hazrat Pir Syed Mitha continued the legacy. Renowned for his eloquent speech and engaging conversations, he acquired the name Syed Mitha, which endures to this day. The streets and markets are named after him, preserving his legacy in the people's hearts. Belonging to the ancestral lineage of Hazrat Imam Hussain, Syed Mitha was a revered and honorable personality in Lahore with an extensive constituency in Ardlat.

The Poetic Inscription of Hazrat Syed Mitha (R.A) Grave:- 



The poetic inscription on the grave of Saeed Mitha (R.A) exemplifies the translation of a Farsi stanza into Urdu & English. 

سید مٹھا ولی باصفا تھے
جو کہ ہر خاص و عام کے لئے شیریں( طبیعت کے مالک) تھے۔
آپ کی وفات کا سال یوں ہے۔ " صاحب نعمت دگر شیریں کلام"
یعنی آخری مصرعے سے علم الاعداد کے ذریعے سال وفات نکل آئے گا

"Saeed Mitha Wali was pure and benevolent,
who was sweet (nature's owner) for everyone, both special and common.
The year of your demise is such,
'Owner of other blessings, sweet words,'
meaning the year of death can be deduced through numerology from the last verse"

In the past, poets in the sub-continent often included the dates of significant events, births, or deaths within their verses, demonstrating their literary expertise and scholarly status, and celebrating these moments same can be seen on this gravestone.


Hazrat Syed Mitha departed during the reign of Sultan Naseeruddin Mahmood Shah I, a year before the ascension of Sultan Ghiyasuddin Balban in November 1262 in the Gregorian calendar (664 Hijri). His shrine, located in Bazaar Syed Mitha, serves as a place of reverence for the public and specific devotees. Recently, efforts have been made to renovate the shrine, revealing its original location one level below the road. The route from Lohari Mandi to Pir Nogaza passes through Bazaar Syed Mitha, connecting this significant location's historical and spiritual aspects.

Near the Syed Mitha Shrine, the Government Syed Mitha Hospital stands as a symbol of the legacy, inaugurated in 2011 by PML-N chief Nawaz Sharif. This teaching hospital, equipped with 100 beds, features two emergency theaters, a well-equipped labor room, a state-of-the-art chemical laboratory, and a cutting-edge CT scanner."