tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-67682376213205932312024-03-18T21:28:31.350+05:00Ali Usman Baig I'm dedicated to unveiling the unheardAli Usman Baighttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08381715191828076429noreply@blogger.comBlogger599125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6768237621320593231.post-28846823981978452142024-03-13T23:24:00.005+05:002024-03-13T23:31:10.881+05:00Sighting a Grayleg Goose from Lahore's Suburbs<p><span style="font-size: large;">25-02-2024</span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgq6t5qCSpNWMDnXj495-s8KnKAbqiO5ORegHxpt_KuduzBDFezOJa2PEa3_ApNg-DS5RT6Wob6jVqFErzteu_niXN55f6sO5g8ZFApLqwpl9coUffZg5AddKOmac1uMzaM6r75lojq7H3XHrwPCMkREYtdCmT8nRT_CFPUvpAYhudyRHODlJnIhb6Fsko/s1398/ALI_1645.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="942" data-original-width="1398" height="432" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgq6t5qCSpNWMDnXj495-s8KnKAbqiO5ORegHxpt_KuduzBDFezOJa2PEa3_ApNg-DS5RT6Wob6jVqFErzteu_niXN55f6sO5g8ZFApLqwpl9coUffZg5AddKOmac1uMzaM6r75lojq7H3XHrwPCMkREYtdCmT8nRT_CFPUvpAYhudyRHODlJnIhb6Fsko/w640-h432/ALI_1645.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">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.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">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.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">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.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;">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 </span><span style="font-size: large;"><span>gli</span><span>mmer 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.</span></span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnlQ1WUmUKeRcqHhoCO2Tqz2yk3lb7wQtWkZgQHAWlu8SvnJm6_TFM0ZgSgRmlw_XrxUKbz2QrugoXYX52O70Jv3H_krTl5TggCrhD9ElM77s9qSbKS6ms0Y5aQOJ1bbuBbPMX1BPgOWuQJ1xLxO_xz3VR0dmJTRV6fRiM5vdmER9oN0ofuF-KntNwoWc/s1391/ALI_1655a.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="942" data-original-width="1391" height="434" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnlQ1WUmUKeRcqHhoCO2Tqz2yk3lb7wQtWkZgQHAWlu8SvnJm6_TFM0ZgSgRmlw_XrxUKbz2QrugoXYX52O70Jv3H_krTl5TggCrhD9ElM77s9qSbKS6ms0Y5aQOJ1bbuBbPMX1BPgOWuQJ1xLxO_xz3VR0dmJTRV6fRiM5vdmER9oN0ofuF-KntNwoWc/w640-h434/ALI_1655a.jpg" width="640" /></a></span></div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJ70iM_ppfh6-O-svbeto66_N_H6VB5lhrIN1lAyLvg-a4NdUun9cqGvtdvmQXb4U3HVAd2c78pxuvZozkefb4nZn7ftgIwNiOUHNQrR9NvSFlBhOjrYwO0qVcLgBVMzfZSZ6arf_B1ucGwGZmxh9abnsG4rrMPxvh6pDgduYSTSwQYdsv8wqBLR1CRow/s1392/ALI_1654.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="943" data-original-width="1392" height="434" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJ70iM_ppfh6-O-svbeto66_N_H6VB5lhrIN1lAyLvg-a4NdUun9cqGvtdvmQXb4U3HVAd2c78pxuvZozkefb4nZn7ftgIwNiOUHNQrR9NvSFlBhOjrYwO0qVcLgBVMzfZSZ6arf_B1ucGwGZmxh9abnsG4rrMPxvh6pDgduYSTSwQYdsv8wqBLR1CRow/w640-h434/ALI_1654.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Nothern Shovlers </td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_NMh7_GQP7ekiB_K9f5SApte_yCZg1AfXP3-Lr-1dxq3NwqWqQ4YRdGmyXIrWEMNbVPfKJx0Ol4PBYClMcUiTrqV9aslccdNV3VqljAlwpv0OssBLBsP9SV_2IRimWuhCG9GVmwYwNujIoWIz68PsYmZsWMIgzoS4DFwwDXaWdTDGrcgEg0SE7pBTyf0/s1160/ALI_1652.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="785" data-original-width="1160" height="434" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_NMh7_GQP7ekiB_K9f5SApte_yCZg1AfXP3-Lr-1dxq3NwqWqQ4YRdGmyXIrWEMNbVPfKJx0Ol4PBYClMcUiTrqV9aslccdNV3VqljAlwpv0OssBLBsP9SV_2IRimWuhCG9GVmwYwNujIoWIz68PsYmZsWMIgzoS4DFwwDXaWdTDGrcgEg0SE7pBTyf0/w640-h434/ALI_1652.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhujgXTemOMKkSMidJZwIRuoNVjndCMq3xIIeaA4d-9JyLZcY8JontglOafdqz2JxeXtAO82xfG28lRXA9fFSIbRltZ9VHkoloHsKxz6xSmHwoMl5mldzyX0DUu1AiIbMI3G7WgOrXdnGylbqulbx7sQa3LnDCQVUYV9AjIjvkUKEXITJSLpFU2tVfoLvE/s2483/ALI_1650.jpg"><img border="0" data-original-height="1686" data-original-width="2483" height="434" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhujgXTemOMKkSMidJZwIRuoNVjndCMq3xIIeaA4d-9JyLZcY8JontglOafdqz2JxeXtAO82xfG28lRXA9fFSIbRltZ9VHkoloHsKxz6xSmHwoMl5mldzyX0DUu1AiIbMI3G7WgOrXdnGylbqulbx7sQa3LnDCQVUYV9AjIjvkUKEXITJSLpFU2tVfoLvE/w640-h434/ALI_1650.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrwScPAoa2fwkb0vU6AtoMnMpUCZcznkPfZp7IJLnsybqz18RHfnVEorApCDhCHHkAKK8VAM9oZzLoSQ0dprnhH8OxD5-JgERqfeew92G9_sBOLkb0_AdFEHxBK4i5rv5TFbkfNqJuAQ3m0XxtKQr_OHP37602q1seZnJLPo1yk7xtt8sIzM2FC5hQtJI/s930/c8fd5396-eda7-4fc1-b51f-510ba6b931ac.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="680" data-original-width="930" height="468" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrwScPAoa2fwkb0vU6AtoMnMpUCZcznkPfZp7IJLnsybqz18RHfnVEorApCDhCHHkAKK8VAM9oZzLoSQ0dprnhH8OxD5-JgERqfeew92G9_sBOLkb0_AdFEHxBK4i5rv5TFbkfNqJuAQ3m0XxtKQr_OHP37602q1seZnJLPo1yk7xtt8sIzM2FC5hQtJI/w640-h468/c8fd5396-eda7-4fc1-b51f-510ba6b931ac.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p>Ali Usman Baighttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08381715191828076429noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6768237621320593231.post-35383532792657640422024-02-06T00:07:00.003+05:002024-02-06T00:07:56.115+05:00Aerial combat between birds of Prey (Marsh Harrier and Black Kite)<p> Location: Lahore</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgW_e6b8p7yyMu-i7IkH0UCq8vcBQnNjVfQKS5_c8Nd5D_xotKpySNOVfO-mCebGzNCnkUnpmFilLjpg2LdfD2pDQ0NOpJOKFonOLesZ2o1nYkIXhcrZwuXrTE9LFpRsG9th6NCGU-A-bzJcHYTjAVbVHiEgTmfl1149W256Zg7MBBOy-n4QJBh05UAvh4/s1394/ALI_1240.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="943" data-original-width="1394" height="432" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgW_e6b8p7yyMu-i7IkH0UCq8vcBQnNjVfQKS5_c8Nd5D_xotKpySNOVfO-mCebGzNCnkUnpmFilLjpg2LdfD2pDQ0NOpJOKFonOLesZ2o1nYkIXhcrZwuXrTE9LFpRsG9th6NCGU-A-bzJcHYTjAVbVHiEgTmfl1149W256Zg7MBBOy-n4QJBh05UAvh4/w640-h432/ALI_1240.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #0f0f0f; font-family: Söhne, ui-sans-serif, system-ui, -apple-system, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Ubuntu, Cantarell, "Noto Sans", sans-serif, "Helvetica Neue", Arial, "Apple Color Emoji", "Segoe UI Emoji", "Segoe UI Symbol", "Noto Color Emoji"; font-size: 16px; text-align: start; white-space-collapse: preserve;">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.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #0f0f0f; font-family: Söhne, ui-sans-serif, system-ui, -apple-system, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Ubuntu, Cantarell, "Noto Sans", sans-serif, "Helvetica Neue", Arial, "Apple Color Emoji", "Segoe UI Emoji", "Segoe UI Symbol", "Noto Color Emoji"; font-size: 16px; text-align: start; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #0f0f0f; font-family: Söhne, ui-sans-serif, system-ui, -apple-system, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Ubuntu, Cantarell, "Noto Sans", sans-serif, "Helvetica Neue", Arial, "Apple Color Emoji", "Segoe UI Emoji", "Segoe UI Symbol", "Noto Color Emoji"; font-size: 16px; text-align: start; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcfE6ZL8zvN4sZc_K2M3V2bHFMKBKWG3fsEoLq_YOLeMBitu47SLKN-4Atvt0_Ms854N1-riH1iyTIcVK837JQPFg870F5QDfb0NHw4U3Fg0Gmqhi1Kqx1XMGxhfIMtTv9LtJcJMHjt7N1VmSQK3gnyhrsPZ6XM-T5T_bJFo9kZZDmCxCuCXKqQCJoK9o/s2785/ALI_1234.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1876" data-original-width="2785" height="432" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcfE6ZL8zvN4sZc_K2M3V2bHFMKBKWG3fsEoLq_YOLeMBitu47SLKN-4Atvt0_Ms854N1-riH1iyTIcVK837JQPFg870F5QDfb0NHw4U3Fg0Gmqhi1Kqx1XMGxhfIMtTv9LtJcJMHjt7N1VmSQK3gnyhrsPZ6XM-T5T_bJFo9kZZDmCxCuCXKqQCJoK9o/w640-h432/ALI_1234.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfO57zrg-JR0afKzvXSuMbAoITZHvQRDLRmunBaAuS-_1Je6oOqdHm-uwr3DtpSUtQRQv2WYV1Tgcnj4lWhzBAiDEh1Bpu0gHyJ0_9vlwJvZdpPewBCnxBUrkUpoWNisIhyueKspUwtLtC55u7wayDfDfYgLTf4KEqf_SH-_j01H90NKV9kgZNplKlSyo/s2388/ALI_1239.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2388" height="366" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfO57zrg-JR0afKzvXSuMbAoITZHvQRDLRmunBaAuS-_1Je6oOqdHm-uwr3DtpSUtQRQv2WYV1Tgcnj4lWhzBAiDEh1Bpu0gHyJ0_9vlwJvZdpPewBCnxBUrkUpoWNisIhyueKspUwtLtC55u7wayDfDfYgLTf4KEqf_SH-_j01H90NKV9kgZNplKlSyo/w640-h366/ALI_1239.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTBpc1nQYXi81Y0sfC7wl8m1BUUdOkn5G4BoF6Vai7M5bZeW4wFe9_TBWtt3dDwlLnvJvh35sn6MaupgAm4O1K0-vX8EC4C-8WuVcnd9PHy4iehw3crJYBQT6oIKMLYOiysyNCrxZxmhhDvVHaF9D0nHFXjeNosorxKpKYqGLlOlXBevDZEzaV4MqVwN4/s1392/ALI_1242.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="945" data-original-width="1392" height="434" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTBpc1nQYXi81Y0sfC7wl8m1BUUdOkn5G4BoF6Vai7M5bZeW4wFe9_TBWtt3dDwlLnvJvh35sn6MaupgAm4O1K0-vX8EC4C-8WuVcnd9PHy4iehw3crJYBQT6oIKMLYOiysyNCrxZxmhhDvVHaF9D0nHFXjeNosorxKpKYqGLlOlXBevDZEzaV4MqVwN4/w640-h434/ALI_1242.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQcTUuHACakfxObQT69zxdA0l_O_4gfESOGxP-TQiAgYUq7gE303OSfeQYXag2tHeSK6wn2anPEYI2Etd1TNqDtxy4j5M-LKKqfvmrdh8vPGZkMVpZuB_Ce0UtNVgFLpb18TLKiLmQ2KHdzsdk8LAdEjR15t0z4HO5sDeIzzYyGFb32wiFtdjpBFMyb3w/s2791/ALI_1114b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1882" data-original-width="2791" height="432" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQcTUuHACakfxObQT69zxdA0l_O_4gfESOGxP-TQiAgYUq7gE303OSfeQYXag2tHeSK6wn2anPEYI2Etd1TNqDtxy4j5M-LKKqfvmrdh8vPGZkMVpZuB_Ce0UtNVgFLpb18TLKiLmQ2KHdzsdk8LAdEjR15t0z4HO5sDeIzzYyGFb32wiFtdjpBFMyb3w/w640-h432/ALI_1114b.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br />
</span></div><p></p>Ali Usman Baighttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08381715191828076429noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6768237621320593231.post-82901695628497965802024-01-30T21:42:00.001+05:002024-01-30T21:44:07.169+05:00A pre-partition Hindu house in old Depalpur city.<h2 class="date-header" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 11px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 0px; position: relative;"><span style="background-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); letter-spacing: inherit; margin: inherit; padding: inherit;">Sunday, 4 December 2016</span></h2><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: medium;">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.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: medium;">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.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: medium;">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.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivNWicbHA7yX6embbIM18PyLWA24BJ8KhwhnxQzPAXq_LXknF9P9z68taEMwxG-z2yfWeEf2sPzJyBZcEpJ2Q1vFNU3Ie0DTl7VNPHYY4_uOlOTgemO4xE6odOi15OUlJOwl_xaP2EckwNwgSo7rOyfHt08nDK1HceR-pue6CiZ5w2DIBJlRT58OmzNio/s2048/15250943_10211268875377210_1195671669431283623_o.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1356" data-original-width="2048" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivNWicbHA7yX6embbIM18PyLWA24BJ8KhwhnxQzPAXq_LXknF9P9z68taEMwxG-z2yfWeEf2sPzJyBZcEpJ2Q1vFNU3Ie0DTl7VNPHYY4_uOlOTgemO4xE6odOi15OUlJOwl_xaP2EckwNwgSo7rOyfHt08nDK1HceR-pue6CiZ5w2DIBJlRT58OmzNio/w640-h424/15250943_10211268875377210_1195671669431283623_o.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiRguPZO6448hHhZi3RIbhEyBvpPfodDmANPKCq5ZrDiX8NjdT_h1VCmr-U2We_tdeGirGAtGLKZX2mq-eM3YLWVMKS08MwAclg6FyqgxS7FL3-A1bcDa-pwSkW7JVVVfAU6n0kmTZNYOXaCM0NEzjrvFrv4qa7fi2oIyjfq1-QkA_OeoQktGyQVYOgus/s2048/15288457_10211268910778095_5350001162571232960_o.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1356" data-original-width="2048" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiRguPZO6448hHhZi3RIbhEyBvpPfodDmANPKCq5ZrDiX8NjdT_h1VCmr-U2We_tdeGirGAtGLKZX2mq-eM3YLWVMKS08MwAclg6FyqgxS7FL3-A1bcDa-pwSkW7JVVVfAU6n0kmTZNYOXaCM0NEzjrvFrv4qa7fi2oIyjfq1-QkA_OeoQktGyQVYOgus/w640-h424/15288457_10211268910778095_5350001162571232960_o.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilCjV4ZmxqJpUqI4tgB_baPc4Ij-NCusFFkvkOfBoOuhlGwRwcWG7WLUt2P6dk8dqOgoK8myK-K1Q_gRZ1MvGmq_aUoxBAZpqQNr78EQEk5tIyvFMQsROKq3BsD-PFZi_0RZBcPiC9nPCFp1NCrNdIXtZnt89s4uLp36IoMHvkrYO61kUIo8_8ICiwTwc/s2048/15272276_10211288973439649_3381594081229295150_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1300" data-original-width="2048" height="406" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilCjV4ZmxqJpUqI4tgB_baPc4Ij-NCusFFkvkOfBoOuhlGwRwcWG7WLUt2P6dk8dqOgoK8myK-K1Q_gRZ1MvGmq_aUoxBAZpqQNr78EQEk5tIyvFMQsROKq3BsD-PFZi_0RZBcPiC9nPCFp1NCrNdIXtZnt89s4uLp36IoMHvkrYO61kUIo8_8ICiwTwc/w640-h406/15272276_10211288973439649_3381594081229295150_o.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span><p></p>Ali Usman Baighttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08381715191828076429noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6768237621320593231.post-14473481988323530462024-01-25T14:32:00.009+05:002024-01-25T20:16:31.142+05:00Birds of Lahore: A Century Apart - A Comparative Study from Currie's Chronicles of 1916 to transformations in 2024<p><span style="font-family: times; font-size: medium;"><b><u><br /></u></b></span></p><p><span style="font-family: times; font-size: medium;"><b></b></span></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEietkHTMl1E0xrdKKaa4oqrDbwoo4hCojJMW9YdKLs9EMOvnTkoqf88DB8lB1gyVTOn24ML1L9_KjhIls741PtEt9OpKa_nGxVzyHtMbcFrTNt1yNyBtbQDK6E7he51xOZ118YsGkzKkiWG_W36OmkYXBEYoYVv2RP7xJcCp9ZXDOF5JwuPX_6cXJk70zs/s1523/82077892_10221191119267106_1122707655220002816_n.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="920" data-original-width="1523" height="386" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEietkHTMl1E0xrdKKaa4oqrDbwoo4hCojJMW9YdKLs9EMOvnTkoqf88DB8lB1gyVTOn24ML1L9_KjhIls741PtEt9OpKa_nGxVzyHtMbcFrTNt1yNyBtbQDK6E7he51xOZ118YsGkzKkiWG_W36OmkYXBEYoYVv2RP7xJcCp9ZXDOF5JwuPX_6cXJk70zs/w640-h386/82077892_10221191119267106_1122707655220002816_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">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.'</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: medium;"><b></b></span></div><span style="font-family: times; font-size: medium;"><b><br /><u><br /></u></b></span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: times; font-size: medium;"><b><u>Abstract:-</u></b></span></p><p><span style="font-family: times; font-size: medium;">In <span style="color: #2b00fe;">1916, A. J. Currie </span>published a comprehensive account titled <span style="color: #2b00fe;">'The Birds of Lahore'</span><span style="color: #0b5394;"> </span>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 <span style="color: #2b00fe;">'The Journal of the Bombay Natural History.'</span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: times; font-size: medium;">Engaging in bird photography within the Lahore area from <span style="color: #2b00fe;">2010 to 2024</span>, 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 <span style="color: #2b00fe;">"Common,"</span> while species with records less than Five in recent years are labeled as <span style="color: #2b00fe;">"Uncommon."</span> Birds that have become rare, with no recent sightings, are classified as having <span style="color: #2b00fe;">"No recent records."</span>Additionally, I specifically considered birds for which photographic records are available.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: times; font-size: medium;">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).</span></p><p><b style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><u>Categories and Counts:-</u></b></p><span style="font-size: medium;"><div><table border="1" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="MsoTableGrid" style="border-collapse: collapse; border: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-padding-alt: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; mso-yfti-tbllook: 1184; width: 601px;">
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<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;"><b><span face=""Segoe UI",sans-serif" style="color: #374151; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-ansi-language: #2000; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: #2000; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">Category<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
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<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;"><b><span face=""Segoe UI",sans-serif" style="color: #374151; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-ansi-language: #2000; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: #2000; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">Count<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
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<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span face=""Segoe UI",sans-serif" style="color: #374151; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-ansi-language: #2000; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: #2000; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">A. Total Birds found in
Lahore (In 1916, A. J. Currie)<o:p></o:p></span></p>
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<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span face=""Segoe UI",sans-serif" style="color: #374151; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-ansi-language: #2000; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: #2000; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">200<o:p></o:p></span></p>
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<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span face=""Segoe UI",sans-serif" style="color: #374151; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-ansi-language: #2000; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: #2000; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">B. Status of Birds
documented in Lahore by A.J. Currie in 2024<o:p></o:p></span></p>
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<td style="border-top: none; border: 1pt solid windowtext; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt;" valign="top">
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span face=""Segoe UI",sans-serif" style="color: #374151; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-ansi-language: #2000; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: #2000; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">- "Common"<o:p></o:p></span></p>
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<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span face=""Segoe UI",sans-serif" style="color: #374151; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-ansi-language: #2000; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: #2000; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">101<o:p></o:p></span></p>
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<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span face=""Segoe UI",sans-serif" style="color: #374151; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-ansi-language: #2000; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: #2000; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">- "Uncommon"<o:p></o:p></span></p>
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<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span face=""Segoe UI",sans-serif" style="color: #374151; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-ansi-language: #2000; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: #2000; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">59<o:p></o:p></span></p>
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<td style="border-top: none; border: 1pt solid windowtext; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt;" valign="top">
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span face=""Segoe UI",sans-serif" style="color: #374151; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-ansi-language: #2000; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: #2000; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">- "No recent
Records"<o:p></o:p></span></p>
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<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span face=""Segoe UI",sans-serif" style="color: #374151; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-ansi-language: #2000; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: #2000; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">40<o:p></o:p></span></p>
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<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span face=""Segoe UI",sans-serif" style="color: #374151; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-ansi-language: #2000; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: #2000; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">C. Impact Factor due to
habitat loss<o:p></o:p></span></p>
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<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span face=""Segoe UI",sans-serif" style="color: #374151; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-ansi-language: #2000; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: #2000; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">50% decline in birding
population in 108 years<o:p></o:p></span></p>
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<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span lang="en-PK" style="color: red;"> </span></p>
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<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span lang="en-PK" style="color: red;"> </span></p>
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</tbody></table></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><br /></span><div><div><b><u><span style="font-family: times; font-size: medium;">Common Birds Encountered:- </span></u></b></div><div><span style="font-family: times; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: times; font-size: medium;">1. The Indian House-Crow</span></div><div><span style="font-family: times; font-size: medium;">2. The Indian Treepie</span></div><div><span style="font-family: times; font-size: medium;">3. The Common Babbler</span></div><div><span style="font-family: times; font-size: medium;">4. The Jungle Babbler</span></div><div><span style="font-family: times; font-size: medium;">5. The Yellow-eyed Babbler</span></div><div><span style="font-family: times; font-size: medium;">6. The Indian White-Eye</span></div><div><span style="font-family: times; font-size: medium;">7. The Punjab Red-vented Bulbul</span></div><div><span style="font-family: times; font-size: medium;">8. The Black Drongo</span></div><div><span style="font-family: times; font-size: medium;">9. Clamorous Reed-warbler</span></div><div><span style="font-family: times; font-size: medium;">10. Blyth's Reed-warbler</span></div><div><span style="font-family: times; font-size: medium;">11. The Indian Tailorbird</span></div><div><span style="font-family: times; font-size: medium;">12. Zitting Cisticola</span></div><div><span style="font-family: times; font-size: medium;">13. The Rufous-fronted Prinia</span></div><div><span style="font-family: times; font-size: medium;">14. The Indian Lesser White-throated Warbler</span></div><div><span style="font-family: times; font-size: medium;">15. Chiff Chaff</span></div><div><span style="font-family: times; font-size: medium;">16. The Ashy Prinia</span></div><div><span style="font-family: times; font-size: medium;">17. The Plain Prinia</span></div><div><span style="font-family: times; font-size: medium;">18. The Bay-backed Shrike</span></div><div><span style="font-family: times; font-size: medium;">19. The Rufous-backed Shrike</span></div><div><span style="font-family: times; font-size: medium;">20. The Indian Oriole</span></div><div><span style="font-family: times; font-size: medium;">21. The Rose-coloured Starling</span></div><div><span style="font-family: times; font-size: medium;">22. The Central-Asian Starling</span></div><div><span style="font-family: times; font-size: medium;">23. The Common Myna</span></div><div><span style="font-family: times; font-size: medium;">24. The Bank Myna</span></div><div><span style="font-family: times; font-size: medium;">25. The Red-breasted Flycatcher</span></div><div><span style="font-family: times; font-size: medium;">26. The White-browed Fantail Flycatcher</span></div><div><span style="font-family: times; font-size: medium;">27. A common Pied Bushchat</span></div><div><span style="font-family: times; font-size: medium;">28. The Isabelline Chat</span></div><div><span style="font-family: times; font-size: medium;">29. The Brown Rock Chat</span></div><div><span style="font-family: times; font-size: medium;">30. The Indian Redstart</span></div><div><span style="font-family: times; font-size: medium;">31. The Indian Blue-throat</span></div><div><span style="font-family: times; font-size: medium;">32. The Indian Robin</span></div><div><span style="font-family: times; font-size: medium;">33. The Magpie Robin</span></div><div><span style="font-family: times; font-size: medium;">34. The Baya – Ploceus baya</span></div><div><span style="font-family: times; font-size: medium;">35. The White-throated Munia Indian silverbill</span></div><div><span style="font-family: times; font-size: medium;">36. The Yellow-throated Sparrow</span></div><div><span style="font-family: times; font-size: medium;">37. The House Sparrow</span></div><div><span style="font-family: times; font-size: medium;">38. The Indian Sand Martin</span></div><div><span style="font-family: times; font-size: medium;">39. The Swallow</span></div><div><span style="font-family: times; font-size: medium;">40. The Wire-tailed Swallow</span></div><div><span style="font-family: times; font-size: medium;">41. Sykes's Striated Warbler</span></div><div><span style="font-family: times; font-size: medium;">42. The White Wagtail</span></div><div><span style="font-family: times; font-size: medium;">43. The Masked Wagtail</span></div><div><span style="font-family: times; font-size: medium;">44. The Large Pied Wagtail</span></div><div><span style="font-family: times; font-size: medium;">45. The Grey Wagtail</span></div><div><span style="font-family: times; font-size: medium;">46. The Yellow Wagtail</span></div><div><span style="font-family: times; font-size: medium;">47. The Citrine Wagtail</span></div><div><span style="font-family: times; font-size: medium;">48. The Indian Tree Pipit</span></div><div><span style="font-family: times; font-size: medium;">49. The Paddyfiled Pipit</span></div><div><span style="font-family: times; font-size: medium;">50. The Indian Sand Lark</span></div><div><span style="font-family: times; font-size: medium;">51. The Singing Bush-Lark</span></div><div><span style="font-family: times; font-size: medium;">52. The Crested Lark</span></div><div><span style="font-family: times; font-size: medium;">53. The Ashy-crowned Lark</span></div><div><span style="font-family: times; font-size: medium;">54. The Purple Sunbird</span></div><div><span style="font-family: times; font-size: medium;">55. The Golden-backed Woodpecker</span></div><div><span style="font-family: times; font-size: medium;">56. The Common Wryneck</span></div><div><span style="font-family: times; font-size: medium;">57. The Indian Roller</span></div><div><span style="font-family: times; font-size: medium;">58. The European Roller</span></div><div><span style="font-family: times; font-size: medium;">59. The common Bee-eater</span></div><div><span style="font-family: times; font-size: medium;">60. The Blue-tailed Bee-eater</span></div><div><span style="font-family: times; font-size: medium;">61. The Indian Pied Kingfisher</span></div><div><span style="font-family: times; font-size: medium;">62. The Common Kingfisher</span></div><div><span style="font-family: times; font-size: medium;">63. The White-breasted Kingfisher</span></div><div><span style="font-family: times; font-size: medium;">64. The Common Grey Hornbill</span></div><div><span style="font-family: times; font-size: medium;">65. The Indian Hoopoo</span></div><div><span style="font-family: times; font-size: medium;">66. The Common Indian Swift</span></div><div><span style="font-family: times; font-size: medium;">67. The Cuckoo</span></div><div><span style="font-family: times; font-size: medium;">68. The Pied Crested Cuckoo</span></div><div><span style="font-family: times; font-size: medium;">69. The Asian Koel</span></div><div><span style="font-family: times; font-size: medium;">70. The Common Coucal</span></div><div><span style="font-family: times; font-size: medium;">71. The Rose-ringed Parakeet</span></div><div><span style="font-family: times; font-size: medium;">72. The Barn Owl</span></div><div><span style="font-family: times; font-size: medium;">73. The Spotted Owlet</span></div><div><span style="font-family: times; font-size: medium;">74. The White-eyed Buzzard</span></div><div><span style="font-family: times; font-size: medium;">75. The Black Kite</span></div><div><span style="font-family: times; font-size: medium;">76. The Black-winged Kite</span></div><div><span style="font-family: times; font-size: medium;">77. The Long-legged Buzzard</span></div><div><span style="font-family: times; font-size: medium;">78. The Shikra</span></div><div><span style="font-family: times; font-size: medium;">79. The Sparrow-Hawk</span></div><div><span style="font-family: times; font-size: medium;">80. The Kestrel</span></div><div><span style="font-family: times; font-size: medium;">81. The Indian Blue Rock Pigeon</span></div><div><span style="font-family: times; font-size: medium;">82. The Spotted Dove</span></div><div><span style="font-family: times; font-size: medium;">83. Collared Dove</span></div><div><span style="font-family: times; font-size: medium;">84. The Grey Quail</span></div><div><span style="font-family: times; font-size: medium;">85. The Grey Partridge</span></div><div><span style="font-family: times; font-size: medium;">86. The Red-wattled Lapwing</span></div><div><span style="font-family: times; font-size: medium;">87. The White-tailed Lapwing</span></div><div><span style="font-family: times; font-size: medium;">88. The Black-winged Stilt</span></div><div><span style="font-family: times; font-size: medium;">89. The Green Sandpiper</span></div><div><span style="font-family: times; font-size: medium;">90. The Spotted Redshank</span></div><div><span style="font-family: times; font-size: medium;">91. The Greenshank</span></div><div><span style="font-family: times; font-size: medium;">92. The Common Snipe</span></div><div><span style="font-family: times; font-size: medium;">93. The Black-bellied Tern</span></div><div><span style="font-family: times; font-size: medium;">94. The Grey Heron</span></div><div><span style="font-family: times; font-size: medium;">95. The Little Egret</span></div><div><span style="font-family: times; font-size: medium;">96. The Indian Pond Heron</span></div><div><span style="font-family: times; font-size: medium;">97. The Night Heron</span></div><div><span style="font-family: times; font-size: medium;">98. The Gadwall</span></div><div><span style="font-family: times; font-size: medium;">99. The Common Teal</span></div><div><span style="font-family: times; font-size: medium;">100. The Pochard</span></div><div><span style="font-family: times; font-size: medium;">101. The Indian Little Grebe</span></div></div><div><span style="font-family: times; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><b><span style="font-family: times; font-size: medium;"><u>Uncommon Birds Encountered:-</u></span></b></div><div><b><span style="font-family: times; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></b></div><div><div><span style="font-family: times; font-size: medium;">1. Cinereous Tit</span></div><div><span style="font-family: times; font-size: medium;">2. The Long-tailed Grass warbler</span></div><div><span style="font-family: times; font-size: medium;">3. The Bristled Grass-warbler</span></div><div><span style="font-family: times; font-size: medium;">4. The Brown Willow-warbler</span></div><div><span style="font-family: times; font-size: medium;">5. The Green warbler</span></div><div><span style="font-family: times; font-size: medium;">6. The Pale Brown shrike</span></div><div><span style="font-family: times; font-size: medium;">7. The Common Wood-shrike</span></div><div><span style="font-family: times; font-size: medium;">8. The Short-billed Minivet</span></div><div><span style="font-family: times; font-size: medium;">9. The small Minivet</span></div><div><span style="font-family: times; font-size: medium;">10. The Brahminy Myna</span></div><div><span style="font-family: times; font-size: medium;">11. The Grey-headed Flycatcher</span></div><div><span style="font-family: times; font-size: medium;">12. The Indian Paradise Flycatcher</span></div><div><span style="font-family: times; font-size: medium;">13. The Indian Bushchat</span></div><div><span style="font-family: times; font-size: medium;">14. The Desert Chat</span></div><div><span style="font-family: times; font-size: medium;">15. The Red-tailed Wheatear</span></div><div><span style="font-family: times; font-size: medium;">16. The Indian Red Munia</span></div><div><span style="font-family: times; font-size: medium;">17. The common Rose-Finch</span></div><div><span style="font-family: times; font-size: medium;">18. The Spanish Sparrow </span></div><div><span style="font-family: times; font-size: medium;">19. The Eastern Meadow Bunting </span></div><div><span style="font-family: times; font-size: medium;">20. The Grey-necked Bunting</span></div><div><span style="font-family: times; font-size: medium;">21. The Red-headed Bunting</span></div><div><span style="font-family: times; font-size: medium;">22. The long-billed Pipit</span></div><div><span style="font-family: times; font-size: medium;">23. The Indian Sky-larks</span></div><div><span style="font-family: times; font-size: medium;">24. The Yellow-fronted Pied Woodpecker</span></div><div><span style="font-family: times; font-size: medium;">25. Syke's Nightjar</span></div><div><span style="font-family: times; font-size: medium;">26. The Alexendrine Parakeet</span></div><div><span style="font-family: times; font-size: medium;">27. Plum-headed Parakeet</span></div><div><span style="font-family: times; font-size: medium;">28. The collared Scope Owl</span></div><div><span style="font-family: times; font-size: medium;">29. Egyptian Vulture</span></div><div><span style="font-family: times; font-size: medium;">30. Steppe Eagle</span></div><div><span style="font-family: times; font-size: medium;">31. The Indian Tawny Eagle</span></div><div><span style="font-family: times; font-size: medium;">32. Bonelli's Eagle</span></div><div><span style="font-family: times; font-size: medium;">33. The Brahminy Kite</span></div><div><span style="font-family: times; font-size: medium;">34. The Crested Honey-Buzzard</span></div><div><span style="font-family: times; font-size: medium;">35. The Red-headed Merlin</span></div><div><span style="font-family: times; font-size: medium;">36. The Southern Green Pigeon</span></div><div><span style="font-family: times; font-size: medium;">37. The Little Brown Dove</span></div><div><span style="font-family: times; font-size: medium;">38. The Red Turtle Dove</span></div><div><span style="font-family: times; font-size: medium;">39. The Black-breasted Quail</span></div><div><span style="font-family: times; font-size: medium;">40. The Black Partridge</span></div><div><span style="font-family: times; font-size: medium;">41. The Little Button-Quail</span></div><div><span style="font-family: times; font-size: medium;">42. The Common Crane</span></div><div><span style="font-family: times; font-size: medium;">43. The Lapwing</span></div><div><span style="font-family: times; font-size: medium;">44. The Curlew</span></div><div><span style="font-family: times; font-size: medium;">45. The Black-tailed Godwit</span></div><div><span style="font-family: times; font-size: medium;">46. The Black Ibis</span></div><div><span style="font-family: times; font-size: medium;">47. The Spoonbill</span></div><div><span style="font-family: times; font-size: medium;">48. The Woolly-necked stork</span></div><div><span style="font-family: times; font-size: medium;">49. The Black Stork</span></div><div><span style="font-family: times; font-size: medium;">50. The Bar-headed Goose</span></div><div><span style="font-family: times; font-size: medium;">51. The Ruddy Shelduck</span></div><div><span style="font-family: times; font-size: medium;">52. The Mallard</span></div><div><span style="font-family: times; font-size: medium;">53. The Spot-billed Duck</span></div><div><span style="font-family: times; font-size: medium;">54. The Wigeon</span></div><div><span style="font-family: times; font-size: medium;">55. The Pintail</span></div><div><span style="font-family: times; font-size: medium;">56. The Garganey</span></div><div><span style="font-family: times; font-size: medium;">57. The Shoveler</span></div><div><span style="font-family: times; font-size: medium;">58. The Red-crested Pochard</span></div><div><span style="font-family: times; font-size: medium;">59. The White-eyed Duck</span></div></div><div><b><u><span style="font-family: times; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></u></b></div><div><div><b><u><span style="font-family: times; font-size: medium;">"No recent records" Birds Encountered:- </span></u></b></div><div><span style="font-family: times;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: times; font-size: medium;">1. The Raven</span></div><div><span style="font-family: times; font-size: medium;">2. The Rook</span></div><div><span style="font-family: times; font-size: medium;">3. The Jackdaw</span></div><div><span style="font-family: times; font-size: medium;">4. The Himalayan Black Bulbul</span></div><div><span style="font-family: times; font-size: medium;">5. The White-eared Bulbul</span></div><div><span style="font-family: times; font-size: medium;">6. The Himalayan Treecreeper</span></div><div><span style="font-family: times; font-size: medium;">7. Western crowned warbler</span></div><div><span style="font-family: times; font-size: medium;">8. The Streaked Wren-warbler</span></div><div><span style="font-family: times; font-size: medium;">9. The Indian Grey-shrike</span></div><div><span style="font-family: times; font-size: medium;">10. The White-headed Chat</span></div><div><span style="font-family: times; font-size: medium;">11. Strickland's Chat</span></div><div><span style="font-family: times; font-size: medium;">12. The Grey-winged Blackbird</span></div><div><span style="font-family: times; font-size: medium;">13. The Black-throated Blackbird</span></div><div><span style="font-family: times; font-size: medium;">14. The Green Munia</span></div><div><span style="font-family: times; font-size: medium;">15. The Eastern Linnet</span></div><div><span style="font-family: times; font-size: medium;">16. The Rufous-backed Sparrow</span></div><div><span style="font-family: times; font-size: medium;">17. The Drongo Cuckoo</span></div><div><span style="font-family: times; font-size: medium;">18. The Long-eared Owl</span></div><div><span style="font-family: times; font-size: medium;">19. The Short-eared Owl</span></div><div><span style="font-family: times; font-size: medium;">20. The Mottled Wood-Owl</span></div><div><span style="font-family: times; font-size: medium;">21. The Dusky Horned Owl</span></div><div><span style="font-family: times; font-size: medium;">22. The Black Vulture</span></div><div><span style="font-family: times; font-size: medium;">23. The Eurasian Griffon Vulture</span></div><div><span style="font-family: times; font-size: medium;">24. White Rumped Vulture</span></div><div><span style="font-family: times; font-size: medium;">25. The Short-toed Eagle</span></div><div><span style="font-family: times; font-size: medium;">26. The Crested Serpent-Eagle</span></div><div><span style="font-family: times; font-size: medium;">27. Pallas's Fishing Eagle</span></div><div><span style="font-family: times; font-size: medium;">28. The Pied Harrier</span></div><div><span style="font-family: times; font-size: medium;">29. The Peregrine Falcon</span></div><div><span style="font-family: times; font-size: medium;">30. The Shaheen Falcon</span></div><div><span style="font-family: times; font-size: medium;">31. The Laggar Falcon</span></div><div><span style="font-family: times; font-size: medium;">32. The Cherrug Falcon</span></div><div><span style="font-family: times; font-size: medium;">33. Yellow Eyed Pigeon</span></div><div><span style="font-family: times; font-size: medium;">34. The Black-bellied Sandgrouse</span></div><div><span style="font-family: times; font-size: medium;">35. The Common Sandgrouse</span></div><div><span style="font-family: times; font-size: medium;">36. The Houbara Bustard</span></div><div><span style="font-family: times; font-size: medium;">37. The Sociable Lapwing</span></div><div><span style="font-family: times; font-size: medium;">38. The Jack Snipe</span></div><div><span style="font-family: times; font-size: medium;">39. The White Stork</span></div><div><span style="font-family: times; font-size: medium;">40. The Smew</span></div></div><div><p><span style="font-family: times; font-size: medium;"><u><b>My Birdwatching Journey and diverse Birding hotspots in Lahore:- </b></u></span></p><p><span style="font-family: times; font-size: medium;">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.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: times; font-size: medium;">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.</span></p><p><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: times; font-size: medium;">- Pakistan Kidney Liver Hospital Site in Phase 7 of DHA Lahore</span></p><p><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: times; font-size: medium;">- Various Sites of DHA</span></p><p><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: times; font-size: medium;">- Bedian Road Outskirts</span></p><p><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: times; font-size: medium;">- Shalimar Garden</span></p><p><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: times; font-size: medium;">- Lawrence Garden</span></p><p><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: times; font-size: medium;">- Race Course</span></p><p><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: times; font-size: medium;">- Lahore Safari Park</span></p><p><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: times; font-size: medium;">- Shahdara Reserve Forest</span></p><p><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: times; font-size: medium;">- Sialkot Ring Road</span></p><p><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: times; font-size: medium;">- Jallo Park Lahore</span></p><p><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: times; font-size: medium;">- BRB Canal Batapur</span></p><p><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: times; font-size: medium;">- Punjab University Botanical Garden</span></p><p><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: times; font-size: medium;">- River Ravi</span></p><p><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: times; font-size: medium;">- My Home in Lawan (Behind Shalimar Garden)</span></p><p><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: times; font-size: medium;"></span></p><p><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: times; font-size: medium;">- Safari Park</span></p><p><span style="font-family: times; font-size: medium;"><u>Conclusion:- </u></span></p></div><div><span style="font-family: times; font-size: medium;">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 <span style="color: #2b00fe;">'City of Gardens,'</span> 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.</span></div>Ali Usman Baighttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08381715191828076429noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6768237621320593231.post-24869417613338021422024-01-22T23:43:00.002+05:002024-01-22T23:48:15.604+05:00"𝗙𝗼𝗿𝗴𝗼𝘁𝘁𝗲𝗻 𝗦𝘁𝗼𝗿𝗶𝗲𝘀 𝗼𝗳 𝗟𝗮𝗵𝗼𝗿𝗲: 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗙𝗶𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝗖𝗹𝗮𝘀𝗵 - 𝗥𝗮𝗷𝗮 𝗛𝗶𝗿𝗮 𝗦𝗶𝗻𝗴𝗵 𝘃𝘀. 𝗨𝗻𝗰𝗹𝗲 𝗦𝘂𝗰𝗵𝗲𝘁 𝗦𝗶𝗻𝗴𝗵 𝗗𝗼𝗴𝗿𝗮 𝗮𝘁 𝗠𝗶𝗮𝗻 𝗪𝗮𝗱𝗱𝗮 𝗠𝗮𝗱𝗿𝗮𝘀𝘀𝗮, 1844"<p><span face="Söhne, ui-sans-serif, system-ui, -apple-system, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Ubuntu, Cantarell, "Noto Sans", sans-serif, "Helvetica Neue", Arial, "Apple Color Emoji", "Segoe UI Emoji", "Segoe UI Symbol", "Noto Color Emoji"" style="color: #374151; font-size: 16px; white-space-collapse: preserve;">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.</span></p><p style="--tw-border-spacing-x: 0; --tw-border-spacing-y: 0; --tw-ring-color: rgba(69,89,164,.5); --tw-ring-offset-color: #fff; --tw-ring-offset-shadow: 0 0 transparent; --tw-ring-offset-width: 0px; --tw-ring-shadow: 0 0 transparent; --tw-rotate: 0; --tw-scale-x: 1; --tw-scale-y: 1; --tw-scroll-snap-strictness: proximity; --tw-shadow-colored: 0 0 transparent; --tw-shadow: 0 0 transparent; --tw-skew-x: 0; --tw-skew-y: 0; --tw-translate-x: 0; --tw-translate-y: 0; border: 0px solid rgb(217, 217, 227); box-sizing: border-box; color: #374151; font-family: Söhne, ui-sans-serif, system-ui, -apple-system, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Ubuntu, Cantarell, "Noto Sans", sans-serif, "Helvetica Neue", Arial, "Apple Color Emoji", "Segoe UI Emoji", "Segoe UI Symbol", "Noto Color Emoji"; font-size: 16px; margin: 1.25em 0px; white-space-collapse: preserve;">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.</p><p style="--tw-border-spacing-x: 0; --tw-border-spacing-y: 0; --tw-ring-color: rgba(69,89,164,.5); --tw-ring-offset-color: #fff; --tw-ring-offset-shadow: 0 0 transparent; --tw-ring-offset-width: 0px; --tw-ring-shadow: 0 0 transparent; --tw-rotate: 0; --tw-scale-x: 1; --tw-scale-y: 1; --tw-scroll-snap-strictness: proximity; --tw-shadow-colored: 0 0 transparent; --tw-shadow: 0 0 transparent; --tw-skew-x: 0; --tw-skew-y: 0; --tw-translate-x: 0; --tw-translate-y: 0; border: 0px solid rgb(217, 217, 227); box-sizing: border-box; color: #374151; font-family: Söhne, ui-sans-serif, system-ui, -apple-system, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Ubuntu, Cantarell, "Noto Sans", sans-serif, "Helvetica Neue", Arial, "Apple Color Emoji", "Segoe UI Emoji", "Segoe UI Symbol", "Noto Color Emoji"; font-size: 16px; margin: 1.25em 0px; white-space-collapse: preserve;">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.</p><p style="--tw-border-spacing-x: 0; --tw-border-spacing-y: 0; --tw-ring-color: rgba(69,89,164,.5); --tw-ring-offset-color: #fff; --tw-ring-offset-shadow: 0 0 transparent; --tw-ring-offset-width: 0px; --tw-ring-shadow: 0 0 transparent; --tw-rotate: 0; --tw-scale-x: 1; --tw-scale-y: 1; --tw-scroll-snap-strictness: proximity; --tw-shadow-colored: 0 0 transparent; --tw-shadow: 0 0 transparent; --tw-skew-x: 0; --tw-skew-y: 0; --tw-translate-x: 0; --tw-translate-y: 0; border: 0px solid rgb(217, 217, 227); box-sizing: border-box; color: #374151; font-family: Söhne, ui-sans-serif, system-ui, -apple-system, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Ubuntu, Cantarell, "Noto Sans", sans-serif, "Helvetica Neue", Arial, "Apple Color Emoji", "Segoe UI Emoji", "Segoe UI Symbol", "Noto Color Emoji"; font-size: 16px; margin: 1.25em 0px 0px; white-space-collapse: preserve;">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."</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKJo71hGtJU9zKsJp2joVRvP_YPSIRTKeb1JFMdHh-QqU3lHtOyEMJv_XJtUGu7j8w0EuBisPhjoobBuu4JyH-Rds_chPo2DPo3JaaQwYw2eeJuU7ZZR-q2IlmGo3-ioaRdSXN3z4YD4wVu7S8fz9n_NNLLtpAK49sCvTkoPk5Na9G-PkUcu_MQPCpAF0/s640/20220828_181645.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="288" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKJo71hGtJU9zKsJp2joVRvP_YPSIRTKeb1JFMdHh-QqU3lHtOyEMJv_XJtUGu7j8w0EuBisPhjoobBuu4JyH-Rds_chPo2DPo3JaaQwYw2eeJuU7ZZR-q2IlmGo3-ioaRdSXN3z4YD4wVu7S8fz9n_NNLLtpAK49sCvTkoPk5Na9G-PkUcu_MQPCpAF0/w288-h640/20220828_181645.jpg" width="288" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiybEOtw8GzJwHg1_u31UiIHvThNtgcBMMzLydo5hLI1ZcbH6wL57cRNujUaYA5nU1eWu74gKc8titkrAn5G-2_dn7pxnbEbBSrTD_uKTwhynppI3PmXApDjaoiOr8Mu7BH1WMn8p1lRGIMTzwd4W05WHClVHCzu9F4YQho8mIcem1Vv5OSpnx4EvnJdYM/s640/20220828_181700.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="288" data-original-width="640" height="288" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiybEOtw8GzJwHg1_u31UiIHvThNtgcBMMzLydo5hLI1ZcbH6wL57cRNujUaYA5nU1eWu74gKc8titkrAn5G-2_dn7pxnbEbBSrTD_uKTwhynppI3PmXApDjaoiOr8Mu7BH1WMn8p1lRGIMTzwd4W05WHClVHCzu9F4YQho8mIcem1Vv5OSpnx4EvnJdYM/w640-h288/20220828_181700.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXPW4UcBTeBLrKslqRuq511l4SSyWnVYshGSW-VO4dirBuOnjzzuknAKkS85TWJmyVsAYwxs9XSdDhebYF-CsJ3OAIPOwhXGYKLhhkuW689_EO8HN5yHXm7OpswC02VD0bPJ4q8zO6b7J0NnznCplGoaWFMrmJQ_3UsszbNde0qU9KzzKch5lsXu58IEI/s640/20220828_182025.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="288" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXPW4UcBTeBLrKslqRuq511l4SSyWnVYshGSW-VO4dirBuOnjzzuknAKkS85TWJmyVsAYwxs9XSdDhebYF-CsJ3OAIPOwhXGYKLhhkuW689_EO8HN5yHXm7OpswC02VD0bPJ4q8zO6b7J0NnznCplGoaWFMrmJQ_3UsszbNde0qU9KzzKch5lsXu58IEI/w288-h640/20220828_182025.jpg" width="288" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6GGUaDTybN3QMGjqQno-dych1in27GwPQrwWwHqWGe-jKQBi9JqdjIGoOH4jQac9R-92UETu27idQFlETMsZAqflX_LAkgwS8PS81uIMWETpOrivXn9Zi6Kpjee_4kPYqYrKgKSUDJCvtbp2RcG2nd_qTdEZBLVMc2c4fA3j116IxJZ4AtF1uqdqWU1Q/s640/20220828_182944.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="288" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6GGUaDTybN3QMGjqQno-dych1in27GwPQrwWwHqWGe-jKQBi9JqdjIGoOH4jQac9R-92UETu27idQFlETMsZAqflX_LAkgwS8PS81uIMWETpOrivXn9Zi6Kpjee_4kPYqYrKgKSUDJCvtbp2RcG2nd_qTdEZBLVMc2c4fA3j116IxJZ4AtF1uqdqWU1Q/w288-h640/20220828_182944.jpg" width="288" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyu3Ggoi0EJngQSbNt_CzigxIqcVL9P_lD8brDCiMkS2_vuNz2U8ehdCR9HCBiHwkYw1yCsIPKa6ePeuZFBiophV5iQ02lwQOdhre1yNKBpaI4hWoqF7198uRAZR8qthXYX2mMCBRVcqK8uIi7cNo5Y0u1XUq1GM62rdM1tswkV86_ql-5g8kbIXDgO4I/s640/20220828_183159.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="288" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyu3Ggoi0EJngQSbNt_CzigxIqcVL9P_lD8brDCiMkS2_vuNz2U8ehdCR9HCBiHwkYw1yCsIPKa6ePeuZFBiophV5iQ02lwQOdhre1yNKBpaI4hWoqF7198uRAZR8qthXYX2mMCBRVcqK8uIi7cNo5Y0u1XUq1GM62rdM1tswkV86_ql-5g8kbIXDgO4I/w288-h640/20220828_183159.jpg" width="288" /></a></div><br /><p style="--tw-border-spacing-x: 0; --tw-border-spacing-y: 0; --tw-ring-color: rgba(69,89,164,.5); --tw-ring-offset-color: #fff; --tw-ring-offset-shadow: 0 0 transparent; --tw-ring-offset-width: 0px; --tw-ring-shadow: 0 0 transparent; --tw-rotate: 0; --tw-scale-x: 1; --tw-scale-y: 1; --tw-scroll-snap-strictness: proximity; --tw-shadow-colored: 0 0 transparent; --tw-shadow: 0 0 transparent; --tw-skew-x: 0; --tw-skew-y: 0; --tw-translate-x: 0; --tw-translate-y: 0; border: 0px solid rgb(217, 217, 227); box-sizing: border-box; color: #374151; font-family: Söhne, ui-sans-serif, system-ui, -apple-system, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Ubuntu, Cantarell, "Noto Sans", sans-serif, "Helvetica Neue", Arial, "Apple Color Emoji", "Segoe UI Emoji", "Segoe UI Symbol", "Noto Color Emoji"; font-size: 16px; margin: 1.25em 0px 0px; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><br /></p>Ali Usman Baighttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08381715191828076429noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6768237621320593231.post-88998842757021002302024-01-21T23:25:00.004+05:002024-01-22T00:38:55.688+05:00𝐇𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐥 𝐓𝐚𝐥𝐞𝐬 𝐨𝐟 𝐋𝐚𝐡𝐨𝐫𝐞: 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐕𝐚𝐧𝐢𝐬𝐡𝐞𝐝 𝐓𝐨𝐦𝐛𝐬 𝐨𝐟 𝐀𝐛𝐮𝐥 𝐇𝐚𝐬𝐚𝐧 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐌𝐚𝐤𝐡𝐝𝐨𝐨𝐦𝐚𝐡 𝐁𝐞𝐠𝐮𝐦<p><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;">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.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;">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<b> 'Baradar Bajana Barabar Khananay Bazoa Rast Dault Chugtai.'</b> 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.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;">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.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;">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.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;">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.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;">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. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;">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.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;">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.</span></p>Ali Usman Baighttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08381715191828076429noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6768237621320593231.post-91280122227530909032024-01-20T00:39:00.005+05:002024-01-20T20:13:35.340+05:00𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐒𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐲 𝐨𝐟 𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐢𝐭 𝐑𝐚𝐦 𝐰𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐞𝐝 𝐜𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐋𝐚𝐡𝐨𝐫𝐞<p>09th April, 2023</p><p><span face="Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-size: 13.2px;"> </span><span face="Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #2b00fe; font-size: x-small;">(All pictures and writeup text used in this blog, are author's property, kindly respect copyrights)</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">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.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">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 <span style="color: #2b00fe;">'Nicha Chait Ram Road'</span> and <span style="color: #2b00fe;">'Uncha Chait Ram Road.'</span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">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.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">In Nicha Chait Ram, a small enclosure still houses Chait Ram's grave, reinforcing the local belief that he embraced Islam.</span></p><p></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">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.</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQJ2RhLDF92_CcrhbmyjqwZ9Wci060ma7G_ulz3APIb-L6UHw9xeUgtvftrKzLsuzKQKuF9DKXH7ZIK4YEUCDb026EP-xkXMpoywH4MhhBa-QIfBzDrTOKEvV8rIQnu4V7qm7evmrKgy1_63CmRQPvkKP1a1zUDoukbiQeuep3SloMHA4M5PXaZT8QkAE/s1600/WhatsApp%20Image%202024-01-18%20at%2010.29.55_2912b7c4.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="721" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQJ2RhLDF92_CcrhbmyjqwZ9Wci060ma7G_ulz3APIb-L6UHw9xeUgtvftrKzLsuzKQKuF9DKXH7ZIK4YEUCDb026EP-xkXMpoywH4MhhBa-QIfBzDrTOKEvV8rIQnu4V7qm7evmrKgy1_63CmRQPvkKP1a1zUDoukbiQeuep3SloMHA4M5PXaZT8QkAE/w288-h640/WhatsApp%20Image%202024-01-18%20at%2010.29.55_2912b7c4.jpg" width="288" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh32ZhOcBEMAR6OehTzZjFYcsjWfHpl23C4HpGgKQxP3zlDVV8YVKFoOObEPcYFO6s0Rp_cijEYjLXrs_uiGRO6nQJyIP-D50nl9tia04WMmv_V1irvQ-_C_X0Nr97EkeWoaGwtOU29a8IkrCDlAoGqNqUEyotXLbesHebE6LM7Ekk9zm7oXxQX1KiZEWo/s1600/WhatsApp%20Image%202024-01-18%20at%2010.29.56_470ec479.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="720" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh32ZhOcBEMAR6OehTzZjFYcsjWfHpl23C4HpGgKQxP3zlDVV8YVKFoOObEPcYFO6s0Rp_cijEYjLXrs_uiGRO6nQJyIP-D50nl9tia04WMmv_V1irvQ-_C_X0Nr97EkeWoaGwtOU29a8IkrCDlAoGqNqUEyotXLbesHebE6LM7Ekk9zm7oXxQX1KiZEWo/w288-h640/WhatsApp%20Image%202024-01-18%20at%2010.29.56_470ec479.jpg" width="288" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">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.</span></p>Ali Usman Baighttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08381715191828076429noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6768237621320593231.post-18294961516317142682024-01-17T22:44:00.001+05:002024-01-18T00:05:05.791+05:00 Hazrat Syed Mitha (R.A): An Islamic Figure from Lahore of 13th Century<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgdwn9J8l-iS-Rkl0xLP2HQXkWvejfqrPcgbkSAuY3XvspH5H2g8nNc6HQXQtJhLpDGMbUSmLHwJyIjYTLvCaH_a6CbSqD17RlU_71-OKXd7Yb7hGFzOg3wRhhdFnaXviA1WL91xVZHLJcUkV-e-WtPbj2c3-tPyGR6GhgxN1w0dlxpiw6wbyJovUvL9Y/s1280/WhatsApp%20Image%202024-01-17%20at%2022.07.55%20(2).jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="576" data-original-width="1280" height="288" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgdwn9J8l-iS-Rkl0xLP2HQXkWvejfqrPcgbkSAuY3XvspH5H2g8nNc6HQXQtJhLpDGMbUSmLHwJyIjYTLvCaH_a6CbSqD17RlU_71-OKXd7Yb7hGFzOg3wRhhdFnaXviA1WL91xVZHLJcUkV-e-WtPbj2c3-tPyGR6GhgxN1w0dlxpiw6wbyJovUvL9Y/w640-h288/WhatsApp%20Image%202024-01-17%20at%2022.07.55%20(2).jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">"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.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">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.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #2b00fe;">The Poetic Inscription of Hazrat Syed Mitha (R.A) Grave:- </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsp20_bKbOm3q98jaxFFc2EOwftl0DKZoZFhf9BK4BapiHsHT_pdVq41Bq3HZiyN0ZfwjlUcm_9YD9oVWnBfcIvRch7aui6Q0OfEpndEvEbKVjPEHWk-noBsBvvQwiW2tnr-R6cmWCz53LllrrNus0OA-7UL2O2ab9T1nsBdstHecBu0t2hoTezppR5LI/s907/WhatsApp%20Image%202024-01-17%20at%2022.12.19.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="161" data-original-width="907" height="114" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsp20_bKbOm3q98jaxFFc2EOwftl0DKZoZFhf9BK4BapiHsHT_pdVq41Bq3HZiyN0ZfwjlUcm_9YD9oVWnBfcIvRch7aui6Q0OfEpndEvEbKVjPEHWk-noBsBvvQwiW2tnr-R6cmWCz53LllrrNus0OA-7UL2O2ab9T1nsBdstHecBu0t2hoTezppR5LI/w640-h114/WhatsApp%20Image%202024-01-17%20at%2022.12.19.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">The poetic inscription on the grave of Saeed Mitha (R.A) exemplifies the translation of a Farsi stanza into Urdu & English. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><br /></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #0f0f0f; font-family: Söhne, ui-sans-serif, system-ui, -apple-system, Segoe UI, Roboto, Ubuntu, Cantarell, Noto Sans, sans-serif, Helvetica Neue, Arial, Apple Color Emoji, Segoe UI Emoji, Segoe UI Symbol, Noto Color Emoji;"><span style="white-space-collapse: preserve;"><b>سید مٹھا ولی باصفا تھے</b></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: start;"><span style="color: #0f0f0f; font-family: Söhne, ui-sans-serif, system-ui, -apple-system, Segoe UI, Roboto, Ubuntu, Cantarell, Noto Sans, sans-serif, Helvetica Neue, Arial, Apple Color Emoji, Segoe UI Emoji, Segoe UI Symbol, Noto Color Emoji;"><span style="white-space-collapse: preserve;"><b><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">جو کہ ہر خاص و عام کے لئے شیریں( طبیعت کے مالک) تھے۔</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">آپ کی وفات کا سال یوں ہے۔ " صاحب نعمت دگر شیریں کلام"</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">یعنی آخری مصرعے سے علم الاعداد کے ذریعے سال وفات نکل آئے گا</div></b></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #2b00fe;">"Saeed Mitha Wali was pure and benevolent,</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #2b00fe;">who was sweet (nature's owner) for everyone, both special and common.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #2b00fe;">The year of your demise is such,</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #2b00fe;">'Owner of other blessings, sweet words,'</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #2b00fe;">meaning the year of death can be deduced through numerology from the last verse"</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">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.</div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">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.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">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."</div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiK2JfoVFOmZvhD7LlIlp-TEfK88sqP_w2QpRaL34NMjxjcgRa3H_iRiv-Cki5AMH9vLA-tzryNfiYLFtYVwpVO5fGWo15smn10YbM4-i-C8gb-t3-76GkmraKZEJF0QqMNaQw9dZz4c24yIruGFCBCJbSYTivDEaSM3afi0xMI8BI63WguEg9jF9ULT4k/s1280/WhatsApp%20Image%202024-01-17%20at%2022.07.54.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="576" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiK2JfoVFOmZvhD7LlIlp-TEfK88sqP_w2QpRaL34NMjxjcgRa3H_iRiv-Cki5AMH9vLA-tzryNfiYLFtYVwpVO5fGWo15smn10YbM4-i-C8gb-t3-76GkmraKZEJF0QqMNaQw9dZz4c24yIruGFCBCJbSYTivDEaSM3afi0xMI8BI63WguEg9jF9ULT4k/w288-h640/WhatsApp%20Image%202024-01-17%20at%2022.07.54.jpeg" width="288" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhySKz0cHWTic5aaQW3LjUIxEQ7wDLBp-XCT4NIfyxlhJwAYnXNatYSbkD7fQ_3d71U-OAr0COED1RvkDJ5PPoseb7PqrbxZYbrEzv9lWUB6EoqhBDmg5d8PqBhggNkfcpse7kMyvjgzrc1QouRrRwORTEhUhjHxvpKgHrw5HBlrzeBx88VGMEdR12iTwk/s1280/WhatsApp%20Image%202024-01-17%20at%2022.07.55%20(1).jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="576" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhySKz0cHWTic5aaQW3LjUIxEQ7wDLBp-XCT4NIfyxlhJwAYnXNatYSbkD7fQ_3d71U-OAr0COED1RvkDJ5PPoseb7PqrbxZYbrEzv9lWUB6EoqhBDmg5d8PqBhggNkfcpse7kMyvjgzrc1QouRrRwORTEhUhjHxvpKgHrw5HBlrzeBx88VGMEdR12iTwk/w288-h640/WhatsApp%20Image%202024-01-17%20at%2022.07.55%20(1).jpeg" width="288" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguMAYcauX5aHvzNSUewgX1tvb_BsyoYdvdTsO3kgkcCQJ0MBvqiUGBDjkBwy8WyND40IWMSSMlcpxnR_2_8PibGQi7cevYBV3zxQDuBJtrtJobQjDYKMohyphenhyphen-ycWCgNy5uhJZeMAoZxwDv9JuqTRDoM76jAqaqPhVV7snm9coeAWQEw1iMlGtb_zMgZ_Vw/s1156/WhatsApp%20Image%202024-01-17%20at%2022.07.55.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1156" data-original-width="521" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguMAYcauX5aHvzNSUewgX1tvb_BsyoYdvdTsO3kgkcCQJ0MBvqiUGBDjkBwy8WyND40IWMSSMlcpxnR_2_8PibGQi7cevYBV3zxQDuBJtrtJobQjDYKMohyphenhyphen-ycWCgNy5uhJZeMAoZxwDv9JuqTRDoM76jAqaqPhVV7snm9coeAWQEw1iMlGtb_zMgZ_Vw/w288-h640/WhatsApp%20Image%202024-01-17%20at%2022.07.55.jpeg" width="288" /></a></div><br /><p><br /> </p>Ali Usman Baighttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08381715191828076429noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6768237621320593231.post-23950783327506025972024-01-16T23:59:00.003+05:002024-01-17T00:10:41.209+05:00The forgotten Haveli of Kharak Singh in Lahori Gate<p> <span face="Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #2b00fe; font-size: x-small;">(All pictures and writeup text used in this blog, are author's property, kindly respect copyrights)</span></p><p><span face="Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif" style="color: #222222;">In the era preceding Sikh rule in Lahore, the red-light area confines its place within the Lahori Gate. This area thrived as a cultural hub, hosting renowned dancers who resided in houses distinguished by their prominent wooden balconies. Among these, Poori Bai and Mai Daru Haveli stood as elegant architectures within Lahori Gates, both owned by accomplished dancing girls, and remnants of their presence still exist in some form today.</span></p><p><span face="Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif" style="color: #222222;">Born on February 9, 1801, Kharak Singh, the eldest son of Maharaja Ranjit Singh, grew up steeped in the Sikh martial tradition, actively participating in various military expeditions. Following his father's demise in June 1839, Kharak Singh ascended the throne.</span></p><p><span face="Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif" style="color: #222222;">During Ranjit Singh's reign, several structures, including the Kharak Singh mansion, were added to the Lahore Fort. This mansion still stands as a testament to the historical legacy of the fort.</span></p><p><span face="Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif" style="color: #222222;">The 1882 publication of 'Tareekh e Lahore' by Kanhya Laal shed light on another magnificent Haveli in Lahori Gate owned by Kharak Singh. The Haveli was known for hosting dance and drinking parties, with its sheer size accommodating even Maharaja's elephants and horses. After the British takeover of Lahore in 1857, the Haveli fell into disrepair, its bricks pilfered by locals. British administrators eventually sold the land to Lala Nihal Chand, a contractor for the colonial government. He transformed the site into an elegant Hindu temple with a curvilinear spire adorned with intricately designed Rathas.</span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEil-Y05HZrF84sRMQK7FhkfQxE8bhykN-LvBv0Mmb7CjH084fuobPLtTg51RLX4D9qSGrnBBosesFy5WaiP4qH3HhCmqwPFqax8nE5wh9WcVQi6xJIFtWKfXBsAHw2MayM99cQ0BXdqOeTG8YyusnoLtTGsLNc66cYT-XXnxm617v5n7hzlt8e85WAs4GY/s640/20230702_182606.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="288" data-original-width="640" height="288" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEil-Y05HZrF84sRMQK7FhkfQxE8bhykN-LvBv0Mmb7CjH084fuobPLtTg51RLX4D9qSGrnBBosesFy5WaiP4qH3HhCmqwPFqax8nE5wh9WcVQi6xJIFtWKfXBsAHw2MayM99cQ0BXdqOeTG8YyusnoLtTGsLNc66cYT-XXnxm617v5n7hzlt8e85WAs4GY/w640-h288/20230702_182606.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHxPQ7CUxNZOy3PoeKYMoU8JgIbGAbJddybT3uT9qBVBXP5F0GYX4ZNpNxb_5Xy15A209utZ8WgILtpDbrJVSofHVWRtL5zboNStKTAlvzyzVtHeqlakq5TftTK_K1qOS1pkeMKWt4AIaqdyj1NmxQRxbzFPHrzOwvyJ1z2bfLDYgGSEvM8HcFbuNvCxk/s640/WhatsApp%20Image%202023-08-01%20at%2018.00.20%20(1).jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="288" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHxPQ7CUxNZOy3PoeKYMoU8JgIbGAbJddybT3uT9qBVBXP5F0GYX4ZNpNxb_5Xy15A209utZ8WgILtpDbrJVSofHVWRtL5zboNStKTAlvzyzVtHeqlakq5TftTK_K1qOS1pkeMKWt4AIaqdyj1NmxQRxbzFPHrzOwvyJ1z2bfLDYgGSEvM8HcFbuNvCxk/w288-h640/WhatsApp%20Image%202023-08-01%20at%2018.00.20%20(1).jpg" width="288" /></a></div><br /><span face="Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif" style="color: #222222;"><br /></span><p></p><p><span face="Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif" style="color: #222222;">Following the partition of British India, the temple also faced a dilapidated fate. Interestingly, Kharak Singh's only son, Maharaja Nau Nihal Singh, had a magnificent Haveli located just 350 meters away. Fortunately, this Haveli was repurposed into Victoria School and stands as one of the elegant architectures in the walled city of Lahore to this day.</span></p><p><span face="Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif" style="color: #222222;">Unhappy with the influence wielded by Chet Singh Bajwa, who served as Kharak Singh's tutor, Raja Dhian Singh Dogra spread rumors concerning a covert scheme to surrender Punjab to the British, disband the Sikh army, and divert a significant portion of state revenue. These baseless allegations led to the estrangement of the court and Nau Nihal Singh from Kharak Singh. Chet Singh met his demise in the Maharaja's residence on October 9, 1839, followed by the poisoning of Kharak Singh. Within six months, he found himself confined to his sickbed, eventually succumbing to the poison on November 5, 1840. </span></p><p><span face="Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif" style="color: #222222;">On October 8, 1839, Dhian Singh instigated the dethronement of Kharak Singh, clearing the way for Nau Nihal Singh to assume the role of de facto ruler.</span></p><p><br /></p>Ali Usman Baighttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08381715191828076429noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6768237621320593231.post-119310215188545232024-01-14T22:00:00.008+05:002024-01-14T22:04:49.304+05:00A flock of Green-Winged Teal flying over Lahore - Birding Report, January 13, 2024<p><span style="color: #0e101a;"><b>Birding Report - Lahore, Pakistan - January 13, 2024</b></span></p><p style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><strong style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">Species Observed</strong><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">: Green-winged Teal</span></p><p style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><strong style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">Location</strong><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">: Near Sialkot Motorway Interchange along the Ring Road, Lahore</span></p><p style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><strong style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">Weather Conditions:</strong><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"> Foggy skies, cold winds</span></p><p style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><b>Flock Size: </b>50 to 70 individuals</span></p><p style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></span></p><p style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixgTkLk35Hn9VxL_qkEpARubBNf9vJ1MmUsDp-Fy5lQyKel7qVx36slFqP4ANvOPDujgBZQ8RleIhL_ow4uzGygTXN4Z3MrlJ6_n7KqLdvJCjOZuABzcZPNOKF62_L4Hodaj1iGiF5TbirMhw-O8Okc4XNI0hNWCdfJL_h7KKlxjK6Cyl-zKYfFu1qXAo/s1390/ALI_1155.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="944" data-original-width="1390" height="434" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixgTkLk35Hn9VxL_qkEpARubBNf9vJ1MmUsDp-Fy5lQyKel7qVx36slFqP4ANvOPDujgBZQ8RleIhL_ow4uzGygTXN4Z3MrlJ6_n7KqLdvJCjOZuABzcZPNOKF62_L4Hodaj1iGiF5TbirMhw-O8Okc4XNI0hNWCdfJL_h7KKlxjK6Cyl-zKYfFu1qXAo/w640-h434/ALI_1155.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></span><p></p><p style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><strong style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">Observations:</strong></p><p style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">On the crisp morning of January 13, 2024, a bird-watching trip near the Sialkot Motorway Interchange along the Ring Road in Lahore unfolded into an exhilarating encounter with a substantial flock of Green-winged Teals. The weather conditions, marked by foggy skies and brisk winds, provided an optimal backdrop for observing these graceful waterfowl.</span></p><p style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></span></p><p style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">The Green-winged Teal (Anas crecca), a petite dabbling duck celebrated for its vibrant plumage and distinctive markings, is not a common find in the Lahore region. </span></p><p style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></span></p><p style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">The flock, numbering between 50 to 100 individuals, was dispersed across a shallow pond adjacent to the motorway, creating a picturesque scene against the misty surroundings. The chilly winds appeared to have prompted these ducks to congregate, enhancing the beauty of their collective presence.</span></p><p style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></span></p><p style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">The males, easily distinguishable by their striking green wing patches and chestnut-colored heads, stood out from the more subtly colored females. Their iridescent markings shimmered in the diffused sunlight, casting a touch of brilliance upon the muted winter landscape.</span></p><p style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></span></p><p style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">Engaged in their typical dabbling behavior, the Green-winged Teals were actively foraging for aquatic plants, insects, and small invertebrates. </span>Despite the challenge of limited visibility due to the fog, the air resonated with the soft quacking calls of the teals, contributing to the serene ambiance of the wetland area.</p><p style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></span></p><p style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">This birding experience not only unveiled the beauty of these teal ducks but also underscored the importance of preserving and cherishing the diverse avian life that frequents the region's wetlands.</span></p><p style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">In conclusion, the sighting of the Green-winged Teals near the Sialkot Motorway Interchange stood as a highlight for birders in Lahore, emphasizing the significance of safeguarding these critical habitats for migratory waterfowl.</span></p><p style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></span></p><p style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></span></p><p style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZ-Eymo2Dg3FyyJWdx2fPUvRfdDXVwkghbJ0YinyG9PkEz_IvA3dR1Evrar6ZWBVTt2X2UCe9TrDkoZj8gkUZnDK0-GddCNp7VeXEilK7DDwLMlHhucgyFlqRCW56kR9sa2oi6nxcCyx6Cgzlm6c32Q-uP5CbFsD0bc1apH5k6KaOdKpW7M8Z4eza9yyU/s1389/ALI_1154.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="946" data-original-width="1389" height="436" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZ-Eymo2Dg3FyyJWdx2fPUvRfdDXVwkghbJ0YinyG9PkEz_IvA3dR1Evrar6ZWBVTt2X2UCe9TrDkoZj8gkUZnDK0-GddCNp7VeXEilK7DDwLMlHhucgyFlqRCW56kR9sa2oi6nxcCyx6Cgzlm6c32Q-uP5CbFsD0bc1apH5k6KaOdKpW7M8Z4eza9yyU/w640-h436/ALI_1154.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLttMET5_wSdAY5VgDPvj7c2YfYC4bPPxtS86wCTMQZf0fHLWlSfdlzVq9c6s3iWYWp0t1j3wRq5FmgJSzTuCo8hbSfozSkWjeIatGWerQ6CPeTfllAOyS4t_OC9sg6l4fufBKbRHP0KYzWpbZhU4f5mQMft0ZZTe_YkxSkDd8Mo1ipkR9FYwpB22AfJY/s1160/ALI_1161.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="788" data-original-width="1160" height="434" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLttMET5_wSdAY5VgDPvj7c2YfYC4bPPxtS86wCTMQZf0fHLWlSfdlzVq9c6s3iWYWp0t1j3wRq5FmgJSzTuCo8hbSfozSkWjeIatGWerQ6CPeTfllAOyS4t_OC9sg6l4fufBKbRHP0KYzWpbZhU4f5mQMft0ZZTe_YkxSkDd8Mo1ipkR9FYwpB22AfJY/w640-h434/ALI_1161.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8AuPldgBT3M3eqAE33CB9VhY7dwLJKo1qFddOHWm8cGfDFEfRigTEC027zMc_84q_oVe64dyEae83bL9tQ3ZCYvwNuItxiC3-jTFcR_AnR4pKslWSZMiR_59d_gsiH4PqXfMYoH1fcTbg-geFtBCe9In5SjugE6VwC6MFzn6KwrK7EjfobHQxNPFK31Y/s4255/ALI_1174-Recovered.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2835" data-original-width="4255" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8AuPldgBT3M3eqAE33CB9VhY7dwLJKo1qFddOHWm8cGfDFEfRigTEC027zMc_84q_oVe64dyEae83bL9tQ3ZCYvwNuItxiC3-jTFcR_AnR4pKslWSZMiR_59d_gsiH4PqXfMYoH1fcTbg-geFtBCe9In5SjugE6VwC6MFzn6KwrK7EjfobHQxNPFK31Y/w640-h426/ALI_1174-Recovered.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhG95PfVKUvcXEzSYcBfl1BkG0BtH_Y-dxbIskDd3EIVnhUHEutp56EfARGVnIGQ-uy1rgVj0_JgPLy2oujJWRtpcLyoLWTOgKv1dLt31eGsTTU2okzaGDOPlqPthdiH0aVaxcELgG8VnlTmeaomCEs6C5UiYqIdFluaKUIhhFhfRWbHnvU9QcxMnh44Q/s1386/ALI_1180.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="943" data-original-width="1386" height="218" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhG95PfVKUvcXEzSYcBfl1BkG0BtH_Y-dxbIskDd3EIVnhUHEutp56EfARGVnIGQ-uy1rgVj0_JgPLy2oujJWRtpcLyoLWTOgKv1dLt31eGsTTU2okzaGDOPlqPthdiH0aVaxcELgG8VnlTmeaomCEs6C5UiYqIdFluaKUIhhFhfRWbHnvU9QcxMnh44Q/s320/ALI_1180.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWtfR8CELpZ2EoXJcQi73GqXjpxOs8OWHF0I3A6J8dtUIyf_l6hLkOLBylpKuKyM-oAijL56MCoH2nPMtHa5xMw-9OJ_0_cDHa9HBtuRBYTLdj01R4oWylpFLvMPjuKkzteBeyr9krSL7hslSfV5moplD6y3Lv0Pmp1VoLpUCt5cuA4RLYe_rT2Zq54sg/s1267/ALI_1181.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="857" data-original-width="1267" height="216" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWtfR8CELpZ2EoXJcQi73GqXjpxOs8OWHF0I3A6J8dtUIyf_l6hLkOLBylpKuKyM-oAijL56MCoH2nPMtHa5xMw-9OJ_0_cDHa9HBtuRBYTLdj01R4oWylpFLvMPjuKkzteBeyr9krSL7hslSfV5moplD6y3Lv0Pmp1VoLpUCt5cuA4RLYe_rT2Zq54sg/s320/ALI_1181.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></span><p></p>Ali Usman Baighttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08381715191828076429noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6768237621320593231.post-34084730840514057732024-01-13T21:24:00.004+05:002024-01-13T22:43:08.544+05:00Coots Return to Lahore - Birding Report, January 13, 2024<p><strong style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">Birding Report - Lahore, Pakistan - January 13, 2024</strong></p><p style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><strong style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">Species Observed: Coots (Fulica spp.)</strong></p><p style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><strong style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></strong></p><p style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><strong style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">Location:</strong><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"> Near Sialkot Motorway Interchange along the Ring Road, Lahore</span></p><p style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></span></p><p style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><strong style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">Weather Conditions:</strong><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"> Foggy skies, cold winds</span></p><p style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></span></p><p style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuG2GTy5tETq1t20QmdsMqcUCirZdsi-Hq6qFRrGmpvQNonyA0VuSnhpNtW181OW2Agp8HvUMVA7e7VVVuAUdchbE07CEvXnOrUA5_DB9Rxf1C4MfQdvZ3EQfclKLvsNL2Z2b7rkF1IE5qoEu4yruuxREIibWHHCWS40LkENny8Rtnj7aazXVELeyuX0A/s1394/ALI_1170.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="942" data-original-width="1394" height="432" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuG2GTy5tETq1t20QmdsMqcUCirZdsi-Hq6qFRrGmpvQNonyA0VuSnhpNtW181OW2Agp8HvUMVA7e7VVVuAUdchbE07CEvXnOrUA5_DB9Rxf1C4MfQdvZ3EQfclKLvsNL2Z2b7rkF1IE5qoEu4yruuxREIibWHHCWS40LkENny8Rtnj7aazXVELeyuX0A/w640-h432/ALI_1170.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></span></p><p style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><strong style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">Observations:</strong></p><p style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><strong style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></strong></p><p style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">A decade ago, you could spot coots all over Lahore during winter, making ponds a lively sight. Sadly, due to hunting and more buildings popping up, these charming birds disappeared from the city.</span></p><p style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">But in January 2024, near the Sialkot Motorway Interchange along the Ring Road in Lahore, I saw something wonderful. A bunch of coots was hanging out in a pond—a bit like the good old days in Lahore.</span></p><p style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">Watching these innocent birds, I thought about how much Lahore has changed. The return of coots feels like a small sign of hope, maybe showing that people are starting to care more about keeping a balance between growing the city and saving nature.</span></p><p style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"> I'm hopeful that folks in Lahore will understand how important these birds are and to live together with nature and take care of the special ecosystems that make our city lively and diverse.</span></p><p style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></span></p><p style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWjLGbJsgLltutl8y1CAw-6P4OmiMczhLrYDWlkeyFog6wR50EZ4TvSXtmAhajvDEfnstR0FEmFLO4toL-Gv-7S87zfFnD3FXuXy17rW0h2b-7iZEQogzgiJFjTWo-X1BsSPsknWKGOQwEXaapebeSi6bRnymHlEdbrJO7rQG9K33y8mYp5EDy8ynVxsI/s2783/ALI_1163.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1888" data-original-width="2783" height="434" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWjLGbJsgLltutl8y1CAw-6P4OmiMczhLrYDWlkeyFog6wR50EZ4TvSXtmAhajvDEfnstR0FEmFLO4toL-Gv-7S87zfFnD3FXuXy17rW0h2b-7iZEQogzgiJFjTWo-X1BsSPsknWKGOQwEXaapebeSi6bRnymHlEdbrJO7rQG9K33y8mYp5EDy8ynVxsI/w640-h434/ALI_1163.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9t8Mef_vbFXfFmlx_8PiLHf7Xn5m4OkmYoSoxG3M8D-NTEAdldyDwbSQjzUCElRpvUcda_c43MkDdb9gE2zKYDeNeXIM_uqd_aPjiQzHdHIBtLgSJ68ti9i6hsIg8A0yfdt0U1hqHzh_63q2iLC9zJEyVbGvWQOtSg1cstHJ0-hAFMP9guEB0K8pENeU/s2080/ALI_1165.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1412" data-original-width="2080" height="434" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9t8Mef_vbFXfFmlx_8PiLHf7Xn5m4OkmYoSoxG3M8D-NTEAdldyDwbSQjzUCElRpvUcda_c43MkDdb9gE2zKYDeNeXIM_uqd_aPjiQzHdHIBtLgSJ68ti9i6hsIg8A0yfdt0U1hqHzh_63q2iLC9zJEyVbGvWQOtSg1cstHJ0-hAFMP9guEB0K8pENeU/w640-h434/ALI_1165.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></span><p></p>Ali Usman Baighttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08381715191828076429noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6768237621320593231.post-46925945630625582462024-01-13T01:01:00.002+05:002024-01-13T01:13:55.436+05:00 Tracing Roots: A Journey into Lahore's Anglo-Indian History with Rob Cranenburgh<p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">In my article titled "Lahore's Timeless Charm: Unveiling the Enchanting Tale of Victoria Park and its Bygone Anglo-Indian Community," The article delves into the interesting history of Charing Cross and Victoria Park in Lahore, uncovering details about the Anglo-Indian community that lived there before 1947.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-family: arial;">(link to my article </span><span style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;">https://aliusmanbaig.blogspot.com/2023/06/lahores-timeless-charm-unveiling.html)</span></span></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">To my surprise, Rob Cranenburgh, currently residing in the UK, reached out to me, initiating a heartwarming conversation. His grandmother was an Anglo-Indian born in Lahore and baptized at Sacred Heart Cathedral School, adding a personal touch to Lahore's history.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">"Hey Ali, I'm good thanks, and you? I found your feed to be very interesting! I’d love to visit Lahore," Rob shared, setting the stage for a delightful exchange.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">His simple request held profound meaning: "The next time you are near the cathedral, I’d love it if you could take a picture for me. I will share it with my uncle; he is over 80, and I know he would love to see it." This small request became a bridge connecting our shared interests and heritage.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">Rob's grandmother was born in 1918 in Lahore, she was baptized in the Sacred Heart Cathedral, a grand Catholic Cathedral. Rob recalled memories of a time when Lahore had a more significant Anglo-Indian population, a community that dwindled after the Independence of British India in 1947 and subsequent migrations in the 1950s and 60s.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">Rob shared more about his family's connection to Lahore, highlighting his grandmother's mother, who ran a cafe in the city. Born in Lucknow, her mixed heritage added an intriguing layer to their family's narrative.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">The conversation unfolded further, unveiling the story of Rob's great-grandfather, Charles James White, an Englishman in the British army. Tragically, he passed away when Rob's grandmother was still a child. After his death, Rob's grandmother and mother left Lahore, making a new home in Calcutta, where she eventually met Rob's grandfather.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">I inquired about Rob's grandfather, whether he was a local or Anglo-Indian. The answer revealed, "Yes, also Anglo-Indian, but from an old Calcutta Anglo-Indian family dating back to the late 1700s. So my surname is of Dutch origin. My grandfather's ancestor, we believe, came out to India with the Dutch East India Company."</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">Rob's fascination with history became evident as he shared insights from conversations with older members of the Anglo-Indian community. The stories reflected a contrast in experiences between those in Pakistan, facing discrimination leading to migration post-partition, and those in India, departing more for economic reasons.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">In the simplicity of our conversation, a tale of intertwined histories emerged. Rob Cranenburgh's connection to Lahore, though physically distant, speaks to the universal threads linking us to our roots. Through photographs and conversations, we became witnesses to a story spanning generations and continents, a testament to the enduring power of shared history. I later took pictures of Sacred Heart Cathedral School for Rob, and in 2023, he visited Lahore, standing where his grandmother was baptized—a way to show respect and gratitude to his ancestors.</span></p>Ali Usman Baighttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08381715191828076429noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6768237621320593231.post-56588086392119546922024-01-07T21:14:00.003+05:002024-01-07T21:32:00.866+05:00The Last Refuge of Lesser Whistling Ducks in DHA Lahore <p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: medium;">In Phase-8 of DHA Society Lahore, close to the buzzing BMW Motorrad center, where the persistent roar of heavy bikers' engines fills the air all day long. In this very area, there once existed a pond, its existence miraculously spared after a disagreement over its purchase price arose between neighboring villages and the DHA authority. This pond stood as one of the last sanctuaries for the breeding of Lesser Whistling Ducks within Lahore city. Witnessing these birds gracefully gliding over the pond each day was a breathtaking spectacle. I've also captured photographs of the pheasant-tailed Jacana, various weavers, and Moorhens in this serene setting.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Situated at the core of DHA, this pond had eluded the attention of hunters until a tragic turn of events. Regrettably, one fateful day, a hunter stumbled upon the flock of Lesser Whistling Ducks here and ruthlessly ended their lives. </span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Subsequently, the once-thriving pond gradually dried up, potentially linked to a resolution between the DHA authority and the neighboring villagers.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhq2dHf5DS0sk3hVz2W7nJ9-Dy3VLEJJg8Rr1Tg1XIqXHpYjpRXNFU1q1WDE_5uMt35UUL9RB4RsbNjdKHAazkhwJj8Z0AsB9Suv0mUErN0NeJ0Couc-npm7ibP8rM01kkPgat064bw-OadLhx970rzRzhpThVHrVLicZG6taCF3-h6HVkzDlW4-VHK_WI/s1527/Screenshot_20240107_212147_Messenger%20(1).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="695" data-original-width="1527" height="292" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhq2dHf5DS0sk3hVz2W7nJ9-Dy3VLEJJg8Rr1Tg1XIqXHpYjpRXNFU1q1WDE_5uMt35UUL9RB4RsbNjdKHAazkhwJj8Z0AsB9Suv0mUErN0NeJ0Couc-npm7ibP8rM01kkPgat064bw-OadLhx970rzRzhpThVHrVLicZG6taCF3-h6HVkzDlW4-VHK_WI/w640-h292/Screenshot_20240107_212147_Messenger%20(1).jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The pond dried</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: medium;">This sad series of events has marked the end of the last refuge for Lesser Whistling Ducks in Lahore, a habitat that existed until 2021 but exists no more.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdY6ooQQtOd9e-xaNu2iWDon6tJT3VnzbuF5oEGsdCu-AFjapIctrtdqzHI7tvAOhl2wl8n6AiCA0-aMZ2f5TXXSt6_GrsyIZYrgAJPXzqzlWNovlgXNI67bEO3FDscwQIsY9KbG2JmLHSWNHwxS4-7XdT-qKOWLaZldxDZhYco5r00JvXGfroG1f1pXE/s1150/Screenshot%202024-01-07%20205806.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="749" data-original-width="1150" height="416" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdY6ooQQtOd9e-xaNu2iWDon6tJT3VnzbuF5oEGsdCu-AFjapIctrtdqzHI7tvAOhl2wl8n6AiCA0-aMZ2f5TXXSt6_GrsyIZYrgAJPXzqzlWNovlgXNI67bEO3FDscwQIsY9KbG2JmLHSWNHwxS4-7XdT-qKOWLaZldxDZhYco5r00JvXGfroG1f1pXE/w640-h416/Screenshot%202024-01-07%20205806.png" width="640" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: medium;">The serene pond in Phase-8, DHA Lahore, once home to Lesser Whistling Ducks, faced a tragic demise. Reflecting on DHA's construction over agricultural lands, there's an important realization with better planning, we could have preserved the green spaces, trees, and habitats that were once there. Instead of erecting a concrete jungle, we could have created sanctuaries for the flourishing birdlife amidst the urban sprawl and ensure their survival amid human development.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJCATdJ9r9YH8OBXbtnvFWDSMWS6XHu2EvAgl0xxW0OJXs_rtC6EUZiRO3CE-AeBgOlS43xg_U4ldF3JkXOMD1CpBRvoLT_OddD6IPmdyFs81yckn86eiXl4brm3Bl4pkrbWuEtS0sG3sEMOZV1ySxHrgfH-PR0sh1l18U4dtSYEEWHZ62HsPcvwJ9QuQ/s2468/ALI_3564.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1547" data-original-width="2468" height="402" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJCATdJ9r9YH8OBXbtnvFWDSMWS6XHu2EvAgl0xxW0OJXs_rtC6EUZiRO3CE-AeBgOlS43xg_U4ldF3JkXOMD1CpBRvoLT_OddD6IPmdyFs81yckn86eiXl4brm3Bl4pkrbWuEtS0sG3sEMOZV1ySxHrgfH-PR0sh1l18U4dtSYEEWHZ62HsPcvwJ9QuQ/w640-h402/ALI_3564.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p style="text-align: justify;"><br /></p><br /><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhetrg7meGHabnG5DTS-O3kZdQHOHKML3m-jYAyj_gnwFLf-3_EC8x82EloRqxpw1V_faPIUuA2OdsUP2yvshdnbK20YIgUMNZM_vZE1L-nZWbWMoUx7OKvdFKDqd6LK_aW7rbveTLQDLF21qnESGGzlq4jS9k-eJaDD1Dq93tzgTwu6qjZSdB17WNKdaQ/s2973/ALI_3604.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1858" data-original-width="2973" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhetrg7meGHabnG5DTS-O3kZdQHOHKML3m-jYAyj_gnwFLf-3_EC8x82EloRqxpw1V_faPIUuA2OdsUP2yvshdnbK20YIgUMNZM_vZE1L-nZWbWMoUx7OKvdFKDqd6LK_aW7rbveTLQDLF21qnESGGzlq4jS9k-eJaDD1Dq93tzgTwu6qjZSdB17WNKdaQ/w640-h400/ALI_3604.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgILMiCeDodsk22z9TRmU6XhZkRwnj3QPl3GMA46KBwf1M044nfUPqcJbjb58MPUcg-p5UORFYoDCI70eZ-ppK8-Gl4PNjmiay__gY-yPMPSoO4VRaaeWJSYRgRNhtHC1UNtMhIp6ULDl1aSoacglyngLdCR_GyJS2ZxfY9Q44K4ZFYj2hz3JWKCnQoUcc/s5568/ALI_3601.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3712" data-original-width="5568" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgILMiCeDodsk22z9TRmU6XhZkRwnj3QPl3GMA46KBwf1M044nfUPqcJbjb58MPUcg-p5UORFYoDCI70eZ-ppK8-Gl4PNjmiay__gY-yPMPSoO4VRaaeWJSYRgRNhtHC1UNtMhIp6ULDl1aSoacglyngLdCR_GyJS2ZxfY9Q44K4ZFYj2hz3JWKCnQoUcc/w640-h426/ALI_3601.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVp_qhEdDDzMqA7iGBvi9fO5r1PJX9Av6tFLMbif4EShlCBEmJomRmP7HSgd_lVCuhel1dyhTp-tjRLLg8y6ew8LQUmavxie-ywSu_sTwVXVZoVplFhD20GLc5p4eFCmKUE5RH5ZSeoQWlvVpKUF1YPZh0ecJCHS-7704lvMDVA-7S78kYL2ylsqvh1As/s1986/ALI_3586b.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1243" data-original-width="1986" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVp_qhEdDDzMqA7iGBvi9fO5r1PJX9Av6tFLMbif4EShlCBEmJomRmP7HSgd_lVCuhel1dyhTp-tjRLLg8y6ew8LQUmavxie-ywSu_sTwVXVZoVplFhD20GLc5p4eFCmKUE5RH5ZSeoQWlvVpKUF1YPZh0ecJCHS-7704lvMDVA-7S78kYL2ylsqvh1As/w640-h400/ALI_3586b.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; 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text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzt1jmBh87yWYw_K8qBDTpWxGRhrBZUA9dDalz3kDGatmtefnas03K-EzPx2_1IRaIL9GPHEDXi3_ppRetksNi9YYJ5IXxjomDaFlaHNzD3c1Lsc2Mxx9rLcoRY7lH9CVAfX84jpAZdhfh2pYvrLSPHe_xm3vO9CIixrOfPUkFhQr8cDSrAp09NYAQGcY/s1970/ALI_3491.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1233" data-original-width="1970" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzt1jmBh87yWYw_K8qBDTpWxGRhrBZUA9dDalz3kDGatmtefnas03K-EzPx2_1IRaIL9GPHEDXi3_ppRetksNi9YYJ5IXxjomDaFlaHNzD3c1Lsc2Mxx9rLcoRY7lH9CVAfX84jpAZdhfh2pYvrLSPHe_xm3vO9CIixrOfPUkFhQr8cDSrAp09NYAQGcY/w640-h400/ALI_3491.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />Ali Usman Baighttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08381715191828076429noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6768237621320593231.post-19619228869418978212024-01-04T13:21:00.003+05:002024-01-05T23:23:39.522+05:00Use of Numerological Precision in Mughal-Era Islamic Poetry of the Subcontinent<p><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;">Ilm-e-Jafar, also known as 'Jafr' or 'Jafr-e-Jamia,' is an ancient Islamic method that combines divination and numerology. This mystical practice involves letters, numbers, and symbolic interpretations, in the past providing a way for practitioners to seek guidance, predict events, and explore the esoteric.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;">My interest in this practice was piqued by an encounter with a poetic verse on a Mughal-era tomb (Sheikh Mohtram) in Lahore from the 17th century. </span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXwu06aGjzm1yZTL5g_72hWhE5ZXqUoo6kTfyLYHQ26Ib5SMaThiqI-IJhJCqBsp4vzQ-WiT92j6RK5qI9LTDDjyrzqmhOoJrYqNkSQWUxaFLRruT9YH8lgvt6uxfWm5nuKIkhH6kJDLZSeuYbalhS9MY74Ub8QAlZYThVSPygrhNgBRNfZ11QtJIEnw0/s887/Screenshot%202024-01-03%20151838.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="762" data-original-width="887" height="550" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXwu06aGjzm1yZTL5g_72hWhE5ZXqUoo6kTfyLYHQ26Ib5SMaThiqI-IJhJCqBsp4vzQ-WiT92j6RK5qI9LTDDjyrzqmhOoJrYqNkSQWUxaFLRruT9YH8lgvt6uxfWm5nuKIkhH6kJDLZSeuYbalhS9MY74Ub8QAlZYThVSPygrhNgBRNfZ11QtJIEnw0/w640-h550/Screenshot%202024-01-03%20151838.png" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p></p><div dir="ltr" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px; text-align: justify;" trbidi="on"><i><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></i></div><div dir="ltr" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; text-align: center;" trbidi="on"><span style="color: #374151; font-family: Söhne, ui-sans-serif, system-ui, -apple-system, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Ubuntu, Cantarell, "Noto Sans", sans-serif, "Helvetica Neue", Arial, "Apple Color Emoji", "Segoe UI Emoji", "Segoe UI Symbol", "Noto Color Emoji"; font-size: 16px; text-align: start; white-space-collapse: preserve;">"The guide who led people towards salvation,
"He whose heart resembled Solomon's and wisdom Asaf's,
"Shah Muhtaram, the saintly soul of God,
"Transitioned from this life to the assembly of the departed righteous;
"As I sought his departure date,
"A sound and virtuous mind revealed:
"Subtract five from the sentence, saying:
"May he enter the highest paradise!"</span></div><div dir="ltr" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; text-align: center;" trbidi="on"><i><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: arial;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></i></div><div dir="ltr" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; text-align: center;" trbidi="on"><br /></div><div dir="ltr" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px; text-align: justify;" trbidi="on"><br /></div><p style="--tw-border-spacing-x: 0; --tw-border-spacing-y: 0; --tw-ring-color: rgba(69,89,164,.5); --tw-ring-offset-color: #fff; --tw-ring-offset-shadow: 0 0 transparent; --tw-ring-offset-width: 0px; --tw-ring-shadow: 0 0 transparent; --tw-rotate: 0; --tw-scale-x: 1; --tw-scale-y: 1; --tw-scroll-snap-strictness: proximity; --tw-shadow-colored: 0 0 transparent; --tw-shadow: 0 0 transparent; --tw-skew-x: 0; --tw-skew-y: 0; --tw-translate-x: 0; --tw-translate-y: 0; border: 0px solid rgb(217, 217, 227); box-sizing: border-box; color: #374151; margin: 0px 0px 1.25em; text-align: justify; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;">This stanza appears to eulogize a revered figure, Shah Muhtaram, who is depicted as a guide leading people towards spiritual salvation. The stanza mourns his passing from the earthly realm to the realm of the departed righteous. The stanza speaks of Shah Muhtaram's remarkable qualities, comparing his heart to Solomon's (known for his wisdom and compassion) and his wisdom to Asaf's (a figure known for his insight and knowledge). It refers to him as a saint of God, emphasizing his spiritual significance. When attempting to find the date of his death, the stanza provides a cryptic clue: "Deduct five from the following sentence and say: 'May he enter the high paradise!'" This suggests that the solution to determining the date of Shah Muhtaram's passing involves subtracting the number five from the mentioned sentence, likely resulting in a date or a significant clue. The verse, when translated, revealed a message about revered individuals who had passed away, suggesting a method to determine their date of death. It involved subtracting five from their date of death and praying for their admission into the highest paradise.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;">The numerical value of the last verse, according to the Abjad system, was 1107. Following the method in the previous verse, subtracting 5 from this value resulted in 1102, which aligned with the Hijri year of death of the Saint buried in the tomb. This practical application of Ilm-e-Jafar served as an intriguing demonstration of its effectiveness.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;">Ilm-e-Jafar is a structured practice that takes on multiple forms and is not arbitrary. 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.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;">In essence, Ilm-e-Jafar is not just a mystical art, but a structured system that combines symbolism, numbers, and interpretations, reflecting the depth of Islamic traditions and scholarship.</span></p>Ali Usman Baighttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08381715191828076429noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6768237621320593231.post-53739447297362711582024-01-02T22:54:00.007+05:002024-01-02T23:16:24.904+05:00Shrimati Janki Devi Jamiat Singh free Maternity Hospital Macloed Road Lahore <div class="separator"><br /></div><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">Janki Devi Hospital is a maternity care facility on Abbott Road in Garhi Shahu, Lahore, Pakistan. It has been serving the people of Lahore for over 89 years. Dr. Jamiat Singh, an assistant professor at King Edward Medical College, established this hospital in memory of his late wife, who tragically passed away during childbirth in 1935. Dr. Singh's aim was to create a safe place for pregnant women and newborns who faced serious health issues back then. He worked hard to gather donations from generous people and organizations to build a modern hospital with top-notch maternity care services.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">Spanning across a large 15-kanal land, Janki Devi Hospital became a source of hope for many families seeking compassionate care. It had advanced medical facilities like private rooms, gynecology wards, a children's ward, a dental unit, an operation theater, a lab, a medical store, and more, all designed to ensure patients' comfort and well-being.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">Despite challenges, including the difficulties of partition, the hospital continued its mission. Today, Janki Devi Hospital symbolizes kindness, resilience, and innovation, inspiring future generations.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqTYy10dEqQhHZMCVx63S7oEDE0ZsKFB5SufperIA04npLhOfzhDmisnxdKkJsIJML-7z9j4KrprqjnUbxcB0XWFuT-ZXo6-Jt2CvURz533u3J6yLfx4UocRH90vL1oCk3f6O0_nfL9los3FvyWzoMay-BfGlr9oYRgoqcRBXuMx9g_sLAW_qwnOVMH4M/s1173/1.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="915" data-original-width="1173" height="500" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqTYy10dEqQhHZMCVx63S7oEDE0ZsKFB5SufperIA04npLhOfzhDmisnxdKkJsIJML-7z9j4KrprqjnUbxcB0XWFuT-ZXo6-Jt2CvURz533u3J6yLfx4UocRH90vL1oCk3f6O0_nfL9los3FvyWzoMay-BfGlr9oYRgoqcRBXuMx9g_sLAW_qwnOVMH4M/w640-h500/1.png" width="640" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><br /></span><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; 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text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZviHxOsxbGEOmrNpf_N-nz2oPuDpeQIlr3c6h1fA1An9bSC6lwz74xyIOZyoqlJjlGNrkdOohJQpRtCJqz2ssBDK-PC2nKa3-kXBKqGG9KTq5zW9Xyl7UHmOIfEz564bZCmjHvUKew1fWnq8Sn36VdIrSZoX70gBbrDH_KH6QbxcVyvezAex8R0NamUM/s1887/Screenshot%202024-01-02%20222027.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="732" data-original-width="1887" height="248" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZviHxOsxbGEOmrNpf_N-nz2oPuDpeQIlr3c6h1fA1An9bSC6lwz74xyIOZyoqlJjlGNrkdOohJQpRtCJqz2ssBDK-PC2nKa3-kXBKqGG9KTq5zW9Xyl7UHmOIfEz564bZCmjHvUKew1fWnq8Sn36VdIrSZoX70gBbrDH_KH6QbxcVyvezAex8R0NamUM/w640-h248/Screenshot%202024-01-02%20222027.png" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br />Ali Usman Baighttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08381715191828076429noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6768237621320593231.post-24735047905510504702024-01-02T15:10:00.004+05:002024-01-02T21:41:32.936+05:00Hazrat Shah Muhammad Ghous Shrine: A Tale of Resilience and Divine Intervention in Lahore Against Kanwar Nau Nihal Singh<p><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;">The shrine of Hazrat Shah Muhammad Ghous, located along Circular Road beyond the Delhi Darwaza in Lahore, stands as a testament to the city's enduring history. Constructed with burnt bricks, the site is a remarkable example of architectural and spiritual excellence.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;">Hazrat Shah Muhammad Ghous, a venerated religious luminary, was born in Peshawar and spent his life traveling across India, spreading the teachings of Islam. During the reign of Mughal Emperor Muhammad Shah, he settled in Lahore, where he garnered an extensive following. His teachings and practices continue to inspire countless individuals to this day.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;">An intriguing historical episode surrounds the shrine's fate during the reign of Maharaja Kharak Singh, the second Sikh King of Punjab. During a sweeping order to demolish structures beyond Lahore's fortified walls, plans were afoot to raze Hazrat Shah Muhammad Ghous's shrine, inciting uproar among the city's Muslim populace. Appeals to the Sikh Darbar implored a reconsideration of this plan. In a twist of fate, the night before the scheduled demolition, Maharaja Kharak Singh passed away. Subsequently, on the following day, tragedy struck again when Kharak Singh's son Kanwar Nou Nihal Singh met his demise in a freak accident—struck by a falling stone from the shrine's arched gateway. This uncanny sequence of events abruptly halted the planned demolition, a phenomenon widely interpreted as a divine intervention in defense of the revered shrine, ingraining its sanctity in the collective memory of that era.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;">The writings of Hazrat Shah Muhammad Ghous find their place in "Rasala Ghousia," a chronicle that pays homage to luminaries such as Saint Hazrat Mian Mir and other Islamic scholars of his era. To this day, an elaborate festival is convened annually in his honor, underscoring the enduring significance of his shrine as a spiritual beacon not only for the people of Lahore but also for devotees far and wide.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;">Hazrat Shah Muhammad Ghous departed this world in 1739 in Lahore, yet his legacy endures. Hazrat Ghous ul Azam, belonging to the lineage of Piran Dastgir, commands profound reverence throughout Hindustan for his lineage and spiritual wisdom. The grand festival held annually in his honor is a testament to the perpetuity of his spiritual influence and the enduring sanctity of his revered shrine.</span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgR3IpIrgQc2kaFk2VeKM2zOscuTQSMncfNlWkOUQQoJNusuKKlyov8J81ekpMq0Merh1cHvSvC4hHGQRKPRcVMDe_hsMnvniyamZg8QYHgodr6IH6Hx07M-uoBcW5c8aT2VZoW7Qn8v8ppvFbtLRxr2W8P4i7lonj4dKIANGZu5BfWRcVxdeobXUIvePg/s2048/774542_10200353913469984_195847291_o.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1357" data-original-width="2048" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgR3IpIrgQc2kaFk2VeKM2zOscuTQSMncfNlWkOUQQoJNusuKKlyov8J81ekpMq0Merh1cHvSvC4hHGQRKPRcVMDe_hsMnvniyamZg8QYHgodr6IH6Hx07M-uoBcW5c8aT2VZoW7Qn8v8ppvFbtLRxr2W8P4i7lonj4dKIANGZu5BfWRcVxdeobXUIvePg/w640-h424/774542_10200353913469984_195847291_o.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi180H6PkGiSwInPx_94Qowd9CohF_WwbBSDMTJHLq08nGRNcUkyOH4FkSy0gXqITg5Bn5SsydeQFB83f2VVD-bvvqS1DPlm1SQ95kumAk3Vj24c6TzrhmFUjDU2EyQSRlAW5ueOiEdjRl8TQvkcQR0hDLYMuRyNG1y_HLHL6lzTnaH0iW5bnUw6IabWVU/s1229/10929175_1554467418126963_6220619747173225566_o.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="922" data-original-width="1229" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi180H6PkGiSwInPx_94Qowd9CohF_WwbBSDMTJHLq08nGRNcUkyOH4FkSy0gXqITg5Bn5SsydeQFB83f2VVD-bvvqS1DPlm1SQ95kumAk3Vj24c6TzrhmFUjDU2EyQSRlAW5ueOiEdjRl8TQvkcQR0hDLYMuRyNG1y_HLHL6lzTnaH0iW5bnUw6IabWVU/w640-h480/10929175_1554467418126963_6220619747173225566_o.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"><br /></span><p></p>Ali Usman Baighttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08381715191828076429noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6768237621320593231.post-39470534918749327722023-12-31T23:14:00.002+05:002023-12-31T23:14:21.945+05:00A Forgotten Shivala (Hindu Temple) near Suha Bazaar in the walled city<p style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;"><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-size: x-small;">(All pictures and writeup text used in this blog, are author's property, kindly respect copyrights)</span></p><div class="separator" style="background-color: white; clear: both; color: #2b00fe; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px; font-weight: bold;"><span face="Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif" style="font-size: x-small; font-weight: 400;">08-10-2023 (Date of Visit)</span></div><p>While exploring the Walled City, I stumbled upon a stunning arched gateway situated north of Suha Bazar on Chatta Bazaar Street. The locals shared that this site once housed a Hindu temple. Initially hesitant, they eventually allowed us a brief visit when accompanied by a local friend.</p><p>At the entrance is an impressive arched gateway with a finely crafted wooden door composed of two panels. A small, graceful spire was visible, perched atop a square sanctum that used to hold Hindu deities. Unfortunately, this sacred sanctum has now been repurposed into a storage room. The complex was extensive, featuring a space for the priest and followers who journeyed from other cities. The main structure was a single-story square "Sanctum," designed to house the deity. Inside the sanctum, beautiful floral-patterned niches once held statues. Encircling all four sides of the sanctum was an assembly hall for devotees, known in Hindu terms as "Ayatana."</p><p>The temple's main tower, known as the curvilinear spire or sikhara, was built using small bricks, a common feature of Northern Indian Shrines (Latinas). At the top of the sikhara, an ornament called “Amalaki” was originally present but is now missing—this support possibly held a gold-plated spire that might have been stolen over time. The temple's external walls exhibit a double facet and a vertical offset projection, known in Hindu temple architecture as “ratha.”</p><p>This temple's history remains largely unknown, although historian Khanya Lal's book, 'Tareekh Lahore,' vividly describes several Hindu temples within the Walled City, including one at this location before the 1947 partition. This Shivala could likely be the 'Mandir Thakur Dewara Santh Shah,' detailed in his book.</p><p>Despite Hindu text once inscribed on the temple's front, it has faded with time. Regrettably, the temple now lies in ruins, in a sorrowful state of disrepair.</p><p>Before 1947, Lahore thrived as a city where Hindus played a pivotal role in the social fabric. Muslims, Sikhs, and Hindus coexisted harmoniously within its walls. However, the partition of British India in 1947 brought significant change. Hindu families departed from their homes within the Walled City, leaving their cherished temples behind. These sacred spaces were then inhabited by families who migrated from India. Sadly, there were no concerted efforts to preserve these religious sites, and their condition deteriorated further, especially after the demolition of the Babri Mosque in India in 1992.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg973UoEYC7vcgmBU1pF39h1EuzPl9aJvoh21kRUjb6kOXQHphBFYMymXiZmhZW-mjvz64aA6RQsxs0vi_0XRFe0yY86OPRtXOAyeC6FN2vizngpqNfUc0ox76otXhTvtwmcYA9FpSaUMSX7KeNExDJ25SVJmAakyOIlSAMSI1nMQMe8N8rwwdgrL26uXo/s4000/1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="1800" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg973UoEYC7vcgmBU1pF39h1EuzPl9aJvoh21kRUjb6kOXQHphBFYMymXiZmhZW-mjvz64aA6RQsxs0vi_0XRFe0yY86OPRtXOAyeC6FN2vizngpqNfUc0ox76otXhTvtwmcYA9FpSaUMSX7KeNExDJ25SVJmAakyOIlSAMSI1nMQMe8N8rwwdgrL26uXo/w288-h640/1.jpg" width="288" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The temple spire and sanctum</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGxCIZoBjqnlqTMe-Hn03OqM0ob3bHUiZu3vI93H0UVoqDE00pKwpPOystqQmkO8Jj-y6Fv1e1hknVaWm21jWZ2v5e_M-t84kZnfeNwqs0ZUW4AAhwcJx1xMO_hyphenhyphenqOOsnIgKlSugPhdPFg0de80tiEa22jcO9C4hoQEYL521U_08Lk512pBF2pT9OV5pM/s4000/2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="1800" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGxCIZoBjqnlqTMe-Hn03OqM0ob3bHUiZu3vI93H0UVoqDE00pKwpPOystqQmkO8Jj-y6Fv1e1hknVaWm21jWZ2v5e_M-t84kZnfeNwqs0ZUW4AAhwcJx1xMO_hyphenhyphenqOOsnIgKlSugPhdPFg0de80tiEa22jcO9C4hoQEYL521U_08Lk512pBF2pT9OV5pM/w288-h640/2.jpg" width="288" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">arched gateway</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNSIldl7bAbvJhnx96WhTyMnP8MH2ReMK-XWsKpGluspBBfn-7q98T_06rw5twFmV-RApIjvj6ye5h5zIEDD39lTfsybESbB9HGQNArNPAhCb4DLGtQbqDsXae0mKqsEzXSi7WFACBtLjicYbo7P_ZIOmN4t0H81B3wF8tCb8FpyFAbVq_PoQJfUsSGAA/s4000/3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="1800" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNSIldl7bAbvJhnx96WhTyMnP8MH2ReMK-XWsKpGluspBBfn-7q98T_06rw5twFmV-RApIjvj6ye5h5zIEDD39lTfsybESbB9HGQNArNPAhCb4DLGtQbqDsXae0mKqsEzXSi7WFACBtLjicYbo7P_ZIOmN4t0H81B3wF8tCb8FpyFAbVq_PoQJfUsSGAA/w288-h640/3.jpg" width="288" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sanctum room</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1wfFbDHL24H8R61cYK3XlJIVV2NcGioDOOcMaaeqpHQdx1LUbvYwlmCH9Ui-UBXEwO_2dJvBGi7fD7Dq9K5w6QMO_bGuJ-_9iGEUs_-5InQUReaOqO66lP_RVOo5auUrHHuth29utZlejlKNn0WrQAl3BwMRh3Ps27lCfVl_9mLozMCUT9fYr7BnAGvQ/s4000/4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="1800" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1wfFbDHL24H8R61cYK3XlJIVV2NcGioDOOcMaaeqpHQdx1LUbvYwlmCH9Ui-UBXEwO_2dJvBGi7fD7Dq9K5w6QMO_bGuJ-_9iGEUs_-5InQUReaOqO66lP_RVOo5auUrHHuth29utZlejlKNn0WrQAl3BwMRh3Ps27lCfVl_9mLozMCUT9fYr7BnAGvQ/w288-h640/4.jpg" width="288" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">wooden entrance Door</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlWH5NWYg7MjCBSXYEsHhhyphenhyphen5lYvzHdmmTfJHFiFjs13q44jvldfBryrSTLKPMponrmwukWjTq_uaPadMEuf2168XL9Niix9kk3hLcB0Kf3tpOIDgshCgmpIudORuwS6NdnlYlFG3KaJPmFDEodzNcJPA6RKRR9cyhYISkjrLWR1_mlciZQF1EIQJxHFY8/s4000/5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="1800" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlWH5NWYg7MjCBSXYEsHhhyphenhyphen5lYvzHdmmTfJHFiFjs13q44jvldfBryrSTLKPMponrmwukWjTq_uaPadMEuf2168XL9Niix9kk3hLcB0Kf3tpOIDgshCgmpIudORuwS6NdnlYlFG3KaJPmFDEodzNcJPA6RKRR9cyhYISkjrLWR1_mlciZQF1EIQJxHFY8/w288-h640/5.jpg" width="288" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; 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margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="1800" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFCbV14Y79BPca-5r69n0evGEte64lzVm0qbVuIahxHF6CRvldfsl_-5xQUgfvFvQNrk0xFzn8XLG8VSGslrmnl5Queo07ibsCc4GKtczwhVCKG4qZhSJSOluLLWYraS0IviyWipCv_AMKhsxTiq8NcXPf6rfhIS8UzRBEelawiC7s2pAQQOlYHTHnMpk/w288-h640/20231008_112208.jpg" width="288" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjz1wBfu5ZHCVUCgtv5aS2vi0WmNPIbS8lAVqYCx-OLIp5BQam6ynoxga9fLqScMtM2BTdb0B6mbRvH-1PK9ywgwkoOP5VCHOyUZfQ5XbR3YaHRj6kwn0j4sbWS_mBgVtjdETnm-c6lakdZOIbAUA1NwdHy6DVOjLVpYHLxf8xEpLWs3RbI6E2AmtrMakI/s4000/20231008_112407.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="1800" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjz1wBfu5ZHCVUCgtv5aS2vi0WmNPIbS8lAVqYCx-OLIp5BQam6ynoxga9fLqScMtM2BTdb0B6mbRvH-1PK9ywgwkoOP5VCHOyUZfQ5XbR3YaHRj6kwn0j4sbWS_mBgVtjdETnm-c6lakdZOIbAUA1NwdHy6DVOjLVpYHLxf8xEpLWs3RbI6E2AmtrMakI/w288-h640/20231008_112407.jpg" width="288" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyfEOKyDZMgMwauJsLGZ-hG8niccC0h42AYa3Ne8wAQGl60WC3I_a0ZJSwZrhTWn1Cul5Px4hiVH93iDqspekSYFnzUA8ovmZNuTFczhuxmrCWOsRBPNMA3IF4LnmZz3K684usM7u292EWunJrVC9jz92C5tewyg9dEOQw83kbBcUET1qSsZ8Z4cMIYSQ/s4624/20231008_112715.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4624" data-original-width="2084" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyfEOKyDZMgMwauJsLGZ-hG8niccC0h42AYa3Ne8wAQGl60WC3I_a0ZJSwZrhTWn1Cul5Px4hiVH93iDqspekSYFnzUA8ovmZNuTFczhuxmrCWOsRBPNMA3IF4LnmZz3K684usM7u292EWunJrVC9jz92C5tewyg9dEOQw83kbBcUET1qSsZ8Z4cMIYSQ/w288-h640/20231008_112715.jpg" width="288" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvcW8Cn7zTCOeVpJeOIo3lhEuxKIb9aEYmH_CG7h8XPg6NwKJYdE6rp3zEOR_KggsgxORdG2Kc6NrKB4Bv3YIHAZU7vpTolzEX2ktkaLmDoFZAI8xgVtavXj4nj475j-EAUbbZAgY6o3cBkvHBv3pO_tfCNMr-JCq6hR1hdfMlgnu7KaVPI169SjooVDM/s4000/20231008_112926.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="1800" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvcW8Cn7zTCOeVpJeOIo3lhEuxKIb9aEYmH_CG7h8XPg6NwKJYdE6rp3zEOR_KggsgxORdG2Kc6NrKB4Bv3YIHAZU7vpTolzEX2ktkaLmDoFZAI8xgVtavXj4nj475j-EAUbbZAgY6o3cBkvHBv3pO_tfCNMr-JCq6hR1hdfMlgnu7KaVPI169SjooVDM/w288-h640/20231008_112926.jpg" width="288" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p>Ali Usman Baighttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08381715191828076429noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6768237621320593231.post-2818566347032771072023-12-28T22:50:00.003+05:002023-12-29T11:06:49.343+05:00Doodh Wali Maata ka Mandir(temple) Lahori Gate <p style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;"><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-size: x-small;">(All pictures and writeup text used in this blog, are author's property, kindly respect copyrights)</span></p><div class="separator" style="background-color: white; clear: both; color: #2b00fe; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px; font-weight: bold;"><span face="Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif" style="font-size: x-small; font-weight: 400;">08-10-2023 (Date of Visit)</span></div><p style="text-align: justify;"><span face="Inter, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #161719; font-size: medium; white-space-collapse: break-spaces;">In Hinduism, Tridevi refers to the three principal goddesses who embody the feminine energies of the divine. These revered goddesses are Saraswati, Lakshmi, and Parvati. They are considered integral to the Hindu pantheon, symbolizing different aspects of existence, power, and cosmic energy.</span></p><span face="Inter, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #161719; font-size: medium;"><div style="text-align: justify; white-space-collapse: break-spaces;">During my exploration of the Walled City, I discovered a small temple inside Lahori Gate near the Lala Nahal Chand temple. Locals call it the <b>"Doodh Wali Maata Ka Mandir,"</b> but I'm unsure which Hindu deity it belongs to. The temple has a unique square structure with a dome on the roof. Unfortunately, it has been occupied by migratory families. The family who built the temple before British India's partition in 1947 visited it a few decades ago and provided funds for its restoration. The horizontal sill has an inscription in Urdu that reads, "Shiv <b>Savaik Bhan Shah Halvai </b>constructed around 26 October 1936," which possibly indicates the main donor of the temple. There is also Hindu text inscribed on the temple's front, but it has faded with time.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="white-space-collapse: break-spaces;"><br /></span></div><span style="white-space-collapse: break-spaces;"><div style="text-align: justify;">The temple is in a state of disrepair, mostly ruined and in a sorrowful condition. </div></span></span><div style="text-align: justify;"><span face="Inter, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #161719; font-size: medium; white-space-collapse: break-spaces;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span face="Inter, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #161719; font-size: medium; white-space-collapse: break-spaces;">Before 1947, Lahore was a thriving city where Hindus played an essential role in its social fabric. Muslims, Sikhs, and Hindus coexisted peacefully within the walls of Lahore. Historian Khanya Lal's book, 'Tareekh Lahore,' vividly chronicled the existence of several Hindu temples within the Walled City, reflecting the city's diverse and inclusive history. However, the partition of British India in 1947 brought about a significant transformation in Lahore. Hindu families left their homes within the walled city and bid farewell to their revered temples. These sacred places were then inhabited by families who had migrated from India. Sadly, no efforts were made to preserve these religious sites, and their condition deteriorated further, especially following the Babri Mosque's demolition in India in 1992.</span></div><div><span face="Inter, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #161719; font-size: 12.25px; white-space-collapse: break-spaces;"><br /></span></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPQ4o_b6uweh6YjjZ7Dn0M44Ig857wknB0kjLDXjVXExRy5aUYQAtEQz5s3P0-qXLMorGCW_1HlpVZjnHowraVPcPULy58shDEyLyZlELJDDDtqHB0VHPNXAnIKWmWrNj9HQCP71VpPkNNm0RbarFhj5KBbEikAgZaBp8Gchup7KwB12m5dyDqf1t3YQE/s4000/1.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="1800" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPQ4o_b6uweh6YjjZ7Dn0M44Ig857wknB0kjLDXjVXExRy5aUYQAtEQz5s3P0-qXLMorGCW_1HlpVZjnHowraVPcPULy58shDEyLyZlELJDDDtqHB0VHPNXAnIKWmWrNj9HQCP71VpPkNNm0RbarFhj5KBbEikAgZaBp8Gchup7KwB12m5dyDqf1t3YQE/w288-h640/1.jpg" width="288" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">With owner family</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh48ZTw-ufg3fWDzRokz-eL_ogkuvdhrqPcOyuYvkdDVaAWV6lEITzrhFBhL5vELr9lvhdkT6bjq_FpIN5sfMv6TqFe8HFXp1NgfOUvhnvdSxqm_y9dxW6h1DprLIOMshBFK75B0LmYsHvJF7R3oaTcDtEK4LlW5XC4dAB3dZfQNT5CWSMTQN9OjI6DLYg/s4000/20231008_120318.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="1800" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh48ZTw-ufg3fWDzRokz-eL_ogkuvdhrqPcOyuYvkdDVaAWV6lEITzrhFBhL5vELr9lvhdkT6bjq_FpIN5sfMv6TqFe8HFXp1NgfOUvhnvdSxqm_y9dxW6h1DprLIOMshBFK75B0LmYsHvJF7R3oaTcDtEK4LlW5XC4dAB3dZfQNT5CWSMTQN9OjI6DLYg/w288-h640/20231008_120318.jpg" width="288" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">the floor tiles are in original state</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOc1cf13XgMU-mkrf5MnnCBQVN47OoVPS-ZIXFKbjTvmBxFcB8gX-9LfUMxxe1NFkzO64hqjIMSEclE35e0p42UcKRJGPKhRytnRloYsxwr64wLCk90RyLeDb_bpFbvqcgvB1UTsesWtIQG60l8HjIEvFPSbX17rG9AIUCe4yrF2UZFkFJHSGKOb4FzyY/s4000/20231008_120325.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="1800" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOc1cf13XgMU-mkrf5MnnCBQVN47OoVPS-ZIXFKbjTvmBxFcB8gX-9LfUMxxe1NFkzO64hqjIMSEclE35e0p42UcKRJGPKhRytnRloYsxwr64wLCk90RyLeDb_bpFbvqcgvB1UTsesWtIQG60l8HjIEvFPSbX17rG9AIUCe4yrF2UZFkFJHSGKOb4FzyY/w288-h640/20231008_120325.jpg" width="288" /></a></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBUuiT0kAHXpS_iGnlFqhxnJgG3LlmTS6lK5t48WVF5WPLRIjSbMa1Sa95lAF1D7YX-vdE3CSnjJhJHcfn1rgtaLw5zzcYMLOMsV6IqaXii5ktPms9_7e8AC4055F9KR6wBxuG1yYOwXX9PbyUZ8gPbWlBsPKzYran8erqMddhPfGLNJAoD_Y9mS1Kddg/s4000/20231008_120428a.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="1800" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBUuiT0kAHXpS_iGnlFqhxnJgG3LlmTS6lK5t48WVF5WPLRIjSbMa1Sa95lAF1D7YX-vdE3CSnjJhJHcfn1rgtaLw5zzcYMLOMsV6IqaXii5ktPms9_7e8AC4055F9KR6wBxuG1yYOwXX9PbyUZ8gPbWlBsPKzYran8erqMddhPfGLNJAoD_Y9mS1Kddg/w288-h640/20231008_120428a.jpg" width="288" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">with friends</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg913ZuhaEvjXXUbliDjkdtHhL_YXmV1la-mm_8cwlKlte5nDB7Z7SLsbbdLAEVJmR2GcxFX1RSrnjHbD2YtLwL5BqyZ1M_qEa_2TyBHH3bIh1JFIhqE-E7t4bRWHcZ0rHZorACVNMg8gumvG7e-Awb_JiD4xl-3N50Aq2EyypMUSYhTFmFQUxpOHnFCHY/s4000/20231008_120439.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1800" data-original-width="4000" height="288" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg913ZuhaEvjXXUbliDjkdtHhL_YXmV1la-mm_8cwlKlte5nDB7Z7SLsbbdLAEVJmR2GcxFX1RSrnjHbD2YtLwL5BqyZ1M_qEa_2TyBHH3bIh1JFIhqE-E7t4bRWHcZ0rHZorACVNMg8gumvG7e-Awb_JiD4xl-3N50Aq2EyypMUSYhTFmFQUxpOHnFCHY/w640-h288/20231008_120439.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6IqHVr0Cgs6ReYtrw84_KAxIlcEkXWHLOWLDz_hWlO4R881KTXJvQ26btDzubvWGUICXiYhnIBzh2k4KAfIh9gKDf__hsH93vNF7pRuN2mhhNwMkIbVqI5a3PPQKY3AeQ12ej5YhoYY0SnvtiCila0qsEyoMH5z_V5Oeg1J3Rrgen3Y8VmRQETowg8Go/s4000/20231008_120444.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; 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margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="1800" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7id64f70903MCQPVVZtZSUCK39j2FZSBcvr4zK1UtoZa0JnQrhc_hADaJK16Bo3RinG3PS4f2WDOiAtGg4rBUOcNgA-ZCfE_dXztEMrsVedo12zRFg3_3c8eJUaffW-503_qkwW8VSll4IdrMAxzkz29xSaTPU3gA7U5Nexc_cXQUfKBDJEZDvkRA-Eg/w288-h640/20231008_120553.jpg" width="288" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUrjtVWwNn8UEyyswTiJvK33ZXsgUTZacmLRhHLMEe7F0SCQEmlRoFgCWgdqDxxeeM9SgweZK7tWZZTe_wO6xise86Z7IL_onWhpbnL3yXUQioJ0oJVWCv7U2XMhDQSkNO0_8gE7HBjofAnkcw1yIxrIUu_wJgTiRE2N1FmwaoMds8SkMgUKabUSClN3M/s4000/20231008_120606.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="1800" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUrjtVWwNn8UEyyswTiJvK33ZXsgUTZacmLRhHLMEe7F0SCQEmlRoFgCWgdqDxxeeM9SgweZK7tWZZTe_wO6xise86Z7IL_onWhpbnL3yXUQioJ0oJVWCv7U2XMhDQSkNO0_8gE7HBjofAnkcw1yIxrIUu_wJgTiRE2N1FmwaoMds8SkMgUKabUSClN3M/w288-h640/20231008_120606.jpg" width="288" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; 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margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="606" data-original-width="2196" height="176" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhphej3-_39AQlpOWtnOHNll4eNC0jJ8SvZ8WBQzs3N4JDuMcvPeClvSt00n73EeTTTmre-VkhEk4zQgfgBm7Sxz0vNIqKb_yMbwJlbuM8PRWFJTw7krpyPfVAIgOZ3oGUJwSSxSzxVq3umex3SvjtlnV-sIxxm6dNsJT5WJrgd-Cj9ch32nj3ZYdlOs3E/w640-h176/b.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><span face="Inter, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #161719; font-size: 12.25px; white-space-collapse: break-spaces;"><br /></span></div>Ali Usman Baighttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08381715191828076429noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6768237621320593231.post-59042314014334596052023-12-24T16:32:00.006+05:002023-12-31T22:30:28.794+05:00A small Forgotten Shivala (Hindu Temple) inside Lahori Gate in the walled city<p style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;"><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-size: x-small;">(All pictures and writeup text used in this blog, is author's property, kindly respect copyrights)</span></p><div class="separator" style="background-color: white; clear: both; color: #2b00fe; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px; font-weight: bold;"><span face="Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif" style="font-size: x-small; font-weight: 400;">08-10-2023 (Date of Visit)</span></div><div class="separator" style="background-color: white; clear: both; color: #2b00fe; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px; font-weight: bold;"><span face="Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif" style="font-size: x-small; font-weight: 400;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="background-color: white; clear: both;"><span face="Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif">'𝐓𝐮𝐬𝐥𝐢 𝐃𝐞𝐯𝐢 𝐤𝐚 𝐦𝐚𝐧𝐝𝐢𝐫'</span></div><div class="separator" style="background-color: white; clear: both; color: #2b00fe; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px; font-weight: bold;"><span face="Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif" style="font-size: x-small; font-weight: 400;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="background-color: white; clear: both; color: #2b00fe; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px; font-weight: bold;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjh52WH_z_Mb4euRw92rMon1YRK_S1tzX3d_GAgDHUwyuE9pz_eOWz3RW3x_yDFkzJImPVw323LRuEpwb860Kp2nJRbpAFZC8MWLkZc0061Hlg9_jvuiduAeoKD-hSIkmP9WhVoQrmTPd3vVbeRCWo0MkKQTw3bX1TjVVrb6K-ZuaCd5u6ZuYon2KuZLAo/s4000/1.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="1800" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjh52WH_z_Mb4euRw92rMon1YRK_S1tzX3d_GAgDHUwyuE9pz_eOWz3RW3x_yDFkzJImPVw323LRuEpwb860Kp2nJRbpAFZC8MWLkZc0061Hlg9_jvuiduAeoKD-hSIkmP9WhVoQrmTPd3vVbeRCWo0MkKQTw3bX1TjVVrb6K-ZuaCd5u6ZuYon2KuZLAo/w288-h640/1.jpg" width="288" /></a></div><br /><span face="Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif" style="font-size: x-small; font-weight: 400;"><br /></span></div><p>Before 1947, Lahore was a thriving city where Hindus played an essential role in its social dynamics. Inside the walls of Lahore, Muslims, Sikhs, and Hindus coexist peacefully. Historian Khanya Lal's book, 'Tareekh Lahore,' vividly chronicled the existence of several Hindu temples within the Walled City, reflecting the city's diverse and inclusive history.</p><p>However, the partition of British India in 1947 brought about a significant transformation in Lahore. Hindu families bid farewell to their homes within the walled city, leaving behind their revered temples. These sacred places were then inhabited by families who had migrated from India. Sadly, no efforts were made to preserve these religious sites, and their condition deteriorated further, especially following the Babri Mosque demolition in India in 1992.</p><p>While exploring the Walled City, I discovered a small temple near Lahori Gate, near the renowned Lala Nahal Chand temple. The Lala Nahla Chand temple and its surroundings were primarily associated with the families of workers connected to the prominent business of Lala Nahla Chand in the walled city. This small temple might have been constructed for these workers. Unfortunately, it now stands in a state of severe dilapidation. While the spire remains intact, the inner sanctum has been repurposed as a storage area, and a factory has been erected. The surrounding rooms are in a state of disrepair, mostly ruined and in a sorrowful condition.</p><p><span face="Söhne, ui-sans-serif, system-ui, -apple-system, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Ubuntu, Cantarell, "Noto Sans", sans-serif, "Helvetica Neue", Arial, "Apple Color Emoji", "Segoe UI Emoji", "Segoe UI Symbol", "Noto Color Emoji"" style="color: #374151; font-size: 16px; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Adil Lahori, a close friend from Lahore's historic Walled City, informed me that this temple was commonly referred to as the 'Tusli Devi ka mandir'.</span></p><p><br /></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYZHOaKMTKrF23dgJE0iNdgeZemFGTnT4Ein-_mAKNliUeMKjCiySe5iDHfelBr2UE0rCcUDDKljnbjvLIQR6abNG04Bbto2g087OF-NbjPkDiFYBcCjAKq_kgtGAY7TWuxbMJJR598godboEIIp5z7PJN2DKk0Cp6A31hso5oGrZv_aHi0nNBY2FHq8g/s4000/2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="1800" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYZHOaKMTKrF23dgJE0iNdgeZemFGTnT4Ein-_mAKNliUeMKjCiySe5iDHfelBr2UE0rCcUDDKljnbjvLIQR6abNG04Bbto2g087OF-NbjPkDiFYBcCjAKq_kgtGAY7TWuxbMJJR598godboEIIp5z7PJN2DKk0Cp6A31hso5oGrZv_aHi0nNBY2FHq8g/w288-h640/2.jpg" width="288" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; 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text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3r7wqFDl8Gazun7gpNu0vMDFoyG6ykj0Q91RD2O5_Okxlnm7HzvEYs5ABTcu002Q9wsafOUG0ho-7br9o6g4Ydrq6GFddDrttcYlm9RFCoYkA_jAmI-6BmCauhnqFrw2nhECLcWfa_NAnQ_Gt3D7TBSDHOVXhMMOHmpQfeGuXhFu-BL-X_cbNx5hfspo/s4000/20231008_120121.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="1800" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3r7wqFDl8Gazun7gpNu0vMDFoyG6ykj0Q91RD2O5_Okxlnm7HzvEYs5ABTcu002Q9wsafOUG0ho-7br9o6g4Ydrq6GFddDrttcYlm9RFCoYkA_jAmI-6BmCauhnqFrw2nhECLcWfa_NAnQ_Gt3D7TBSDHOVXhMMOHmpQfeGuXhFu-BL-X_cbNx5hfspo/w288-h640/20231008_120121.jpg" width="288" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVhpKvX9pe2Aoo-vjsFr2BnrvnnqFDAthbNYWhrJrl-jLBUbWAa7cLI-Np_-RDWfJ2Qw7Kt4ip17xegOLNsIfwYluoWd5x4adrHtVwJIfiX215wgGJ62jCawqtLOPRWDFHTHrZwsxeK8bidz0z2Rxz4MUn7whnzEzj79UNUd8H3LYsC6F3CkWKqh6S4B0/s4000/20231008_120127.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="1800" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVhpKvX9pe2Aoo-vjsFr2BnrvnnqFDAthbNYWhrJrl-jLBUbWAa7cLI-Np_-RDWfJ2Qw7Kt4ip17xegOLNsIfwYluoWd5x4adrHtVwJIfiX215wgGJ62jCawqtLOPRWDFHTHrZwsxeK8bidz0z2Rxz4MUn7whnzEzj79UNUd8H3LYsC6F3CkWKqh6S4B0/w288-h640/20231008_120127.jpg" width="288" /></a></div><br />Ali Usman Baighttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08381715191828076429noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6768237621320593231.post-10474556187487320612023-12-23T01:41:00.005+05:002023-12-23T01:41:48.984+05:00Remnant of Rai Zada Amir Chand's (1926) Hindu Ashram & Temple in Lahore's Walled City<p style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;"><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-size: x-small;">(All pictures and writeup text used in this blog, is author's property, kindly respect copyrights)</span></p><div class="separator" style="background-color: white; clear: both; color: #2b00fe; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px; font-weight: bold;"><span face="Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif" style="font-size: x-small; font-weight: 400;">08-10-2023 (Date of Visit)</span></div><p><span style="color: #374151; font-family: Söhne, ui-sans-serif, system-ui, -apple-system, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Ubuntu, Cantarell, "Noto Sans", sans-serif, "Helvetica Neue", Arial, "Apple Color Emoji", "Segoe UI Emoji", "Segoe UI Symbol", "Noto Color Emoji"; font-size: 16px; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Before 1947, Lahore was a bustling city where Hindus were integral to its social fabric. They made up the second-largest population and dotted the city with numerous temples. Lahore hadn't sprawled much beyond the walled city, and these temples stood as symbols of religious diversity and cultural richness.</span></p><p style="--tw-border-spacing-x: 0; --tw-border-spacing-y: 0; --tw-ring-color: rgba(69,89,164,.5); --tw-ring-offset-color: #fff; --tw-ring-offset-shadow: 0 0 transparent; --tw-ring-offset-width: 0px; --tw-ring-shadow: 0 0 transparent; --tw-rotate: 0; --tw-scale-x: 1; --tw-scale-y: 1; --tw-scroll-snap-strictness: proximity; --tw-shadow-colored: 0 0 transparent; --tw-shadow: 0 0 transparent; --tw-skew-x: 0; --tw-skew-y: 0; --tw-translate-x: 0; --tw-translate-y: 0; border: 0px solid rgb(217, 217, 227); box-sizing: border-box; color: #374151; font-family: Söhne, ui-sans-serif, system-ui, -apple-system, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Ubuntu, Cantarell, "Noto Sans", sans-serif, "Helvetica Neue", Arial, "Apple Color Emoji", "Segoe UI Emoji", "Segoe UI Symbol", "Noto Color Emoji"; font-size: 16px; margin: 1.25em 0px; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Inside the walls of Lahore, Muslims, Sikhs, and Hindus co-existed in harmony. Historian Khanya Lal's book, 'Tareekh Lahore', vividly chronicled the presence of various Hindu temples within the Walled City. It was a testament to the city's diverse and inclusive past.</p><p style="--tw-border-spacing-x: 0; --tw-border-spacing-y: 0; --tw-ring-color: rgba(69,89,164,.5); --tw-ring-offset-color: #fff; --tw-ring-offset-shadow: 0 0 transparent; --tw-ring-offset-width: 0px; --tw-ring-shadow: 0 0 transparent; --tw-rotate: 0; --tw-scale-x: 1; --tw-scale-y: 1; --tw-scroll-snap-strictness: proximity; --tw-shadow-colored: 0 0 transparent; --tw-shadow: 0 0 transparent; --tw-skew-x: 0; --tw-skew-y: 0; --tw-translate-x: 0; --tw-translate-y: 0; border: 0px solid rgb(217, 217, 227); box-sizing: border-box; color: #374151; font-family: Söhne, ui-sans-serif, system-ui, -apple-system, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Ubuntu, Cantarell, "Noto Sans", sans-serif, "Helvetica Neue", Arial, "Apple Color Emoji", "Segoe UI Emoji", "Segoe UI Symbol", "Noto Color Emoji"; font-size: 16px; margin: 1.25em 0px; white-space-collapse: preserve;">However, when British India was divided in 1947, Lahore witnessed a drastic change. Hindu families bid farewell to their homes in the walled city, leaving behind their sacred temples. These places of worship were then occupied by families who migrated from India. Unfortunately, no efforts were made to preserve these religious sites, and their condition worsened even more after the Babri Mosque demolition in India in 1992.</p><p style="--tw-border-spacing-x: 0; --tw-border-spacing-y: 0; --tw-ring-color: rgba(69,89,164,.5); --tw-ring-offset-color: #fff; --tw-ring-offset-shadow: 0 0 transparent; --tw-ring-offset-width: 0px; --tw-ring-shadow: 0 0 transparent; --tw-rotate: 0; --tw-scale-x: 1; --tw-scale-y: 1; --tw-scroll-snap-strictness: proximity; --tw-shadow-colored: 0 0 transparent; --tw-shadow: 0 0 transparent; --tw-skew-x: 0; --tw-skew-y: 0; --tw-translate-x: 0; --tw-translate-y: 0; border: 0px solid rgb(217, 217, 227); box-sizing: border-box; color: #374151; font-family: Söhne, ui-sans-serif, system-ui, -apple-system, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Ubuntu, Cantarell, "Noto Sans", sans-serif, "Helvetica Neue", Arial, "Apple Color Emoji", "Segoe UI Emoji", "Segoe UI Symbol", "Noto Color Emoji"; font-size: 16px; margin: 1.25em 0px; white-space-collapse: preserve;">During my exploration of the Walled City's Wachowali Bazaar, I stumbled upon a stone inscription. It spoke of an ashram built in 1926 by Rai Zada Amir Chand, dedicated to Ram Nath and Choith Ram. This ashram once stood tall as a temple until it was demolished in 1992. Presently, a small spire temple remains hidden within residential quarters. Families who migrated occupy it and are wary of photography. The surrounding rooms are in a sorry state, mostly dilapidated and ruined.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6Ut9OPhALmPTKyQ9yqC8z-WodfuQfsq1Homh-XW0P2jQO8k9vc9BeIAz2tKh88DxNhlNqKA10BEgFGVrQCm-VXgWFvF-QKQwqmhJ-u7F7okQeoDXOSFMj8qTRFL6VqO5OC7BGEdxOwTmWOlRVPM-tMccPiIIFBWozKOjOgLnPo6lLpl3TQVMjhiXPkJM/s1508/a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="864" data-original-width="1508" height="366" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6Ut9OPhALmPTKyQ9yqC8z-WodfuQfsq1Homh-XW0P2jQO8k9vc9BeIAz2tKh88DxNhlNqKA10BEgFGVrQCm-VXgWFvF-QKQwqmhJ-u7F7okQeoDXOSFMj8qTRFL6VqO5OC7BGEdxOwTmWOlRVPM-tMccPiIIFBWozKOjOgLnPo6lLpl3TQVMjhiXPkJM/w640-h366/a.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Stone Inscription </td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXxJnyIl5Bv9syaZ4d24JCrqw9imJdqI6ba3WvM_ex-0zfILyZi8hG42hIZgr-pzPIUKXs2ipEUH7stLDt3Jy2Wc9eUq666QUYg9HWGqwpxFPZ4Ue_GhuGQEjrovHjkwuh7iZwJKZAcWptczwDK_S0-UhFVocCrUT4EFH-F6an16wTJh-z9NmfqblKrP0/s4624/1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4624" data-original-width="2084" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXxJnyIl5Bv9syaZ4d24JCrqw9imJdqI6ba3WvM_ex-0zfILyZi8hG42hIZgr-pzPIUKXs2ipEUH7stLDt3Jy2Wc9eUq666QUYg9HWGqwpxFPZ4Ue_GhuGQEjrovHjkwuh7iZwJKZAcWptczwDK_S0-UhFVocCrUT4EFH-F6an16wTJh-z9NmfqblKrP0/w288-h640/1.jpg" width="288" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Spire of Temple</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><p style="--tw-border-spacing-x: 0; --tw-border-spacing-y: 0; --tw-ring-color: rgba(69,89,164,.5); --tw-ring-offset-color: #fff; --tw-ring-offset-shadow: 0 0 transparent; --tw-ring-offset-width: 0px; --tw-ring-shadow: 0 0 transparent; --tw-rotate: 0; --tw-scale-x: 1; --tw-scale-y: 1; --tw-scroll-snap-strictness: proximity; --tw-shadow-colored: 0 0 transparent; --tw-shadow: 0 0 transparent; --tw-skew-x: 0; --tw-skew-y: 0; --tw-translate-x: 0; --tw-translate-y: 0; border: 0px solid rgb(217, 217, 227); box-sizing: border-box; color: #374151; font-family: Söhne, ui-sans-serif, system-ui, -apple-system, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Ubuntu, Cantarell, "Noto Sans", sans-serif, "Helvetica Neue", Arial, "Apple Color Emoji", "Segoe UI Emoji", "Segoe UI Symbol", "Noto Color Emoji"; font-size: 16px; margin: 1.25em 0px; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Despite the Lahore Walled City authority being operational for almost a decade now, it's disheartening that no Hindu religious building has been restored or rehabilitated. The temples that once echoed with devotion now stand forgotten, bearing the weight of neglect and time.</p><p style="--tw-border-spacing-x: 0; --tw-border-spacing-y: 0; --tw-ring-color: rgba(69,89,164,.5); --tw-ring-offset-color: #fff; --tw-ring-offset-shadow: 0 0 transparent; --tw-ring-offset-width: 0px; --tw-ring-shadow: 0 0 transparent; --tw-rotate: 0; --tw-scale-x: 1; --tw-scale-y: 1; --tw-scroll-snap-strictness: proximity; --tw-shadow-colored: 0 0 transparent; --tw-shadow: 0 0 transparent; --tw-skew-x: 0; --tw-skew-y: 0; --tw-translate-x: 0; --tw-translate-y: 0; border: 0px solid rgb(217, 217, 227); box-sizing: border-box; color: #374151; font-family: Söhne, ui-sans-serif, system-ui, -apple-system, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Ubuntu, Cantarell, "Noto Sans", sans-serif, "Helvetica Neue", Arial, "Apple Color Emoji", "Segoe UI Emoji", "Segoe UI Symbol", "Noto Color Emoji"; font-size: 16px; margin: 1.25em 0px 0px; white-space-collapse: preserve;">It's crucial to recognize the significance of preserving these cultural treasures. They are not just bricks and stones but symbols of a shared past and communal harmony. By restoring these temples, we could honor Lahore's diverse history and ensure that future generations can embrace and appreciate the city's rich heritage</p><p style="--tw-border-spacing-x: 0; --tw-border-spacing-y: 0; --tw-ring-color: rgba(69,89,164,.5); --tw-ring-offset-color: #fff; --tw-ring-offset-shadow: 0 0 transparent; --tw-ring-offset-width: 0px; --tw-ring-shadow: 0 0 transparent; --tw-rotate: 0; --tw-scale-x: 1; --tw-scale-y: 1; --tw-scroll-snap-strictness: proximity; --tw-shadow-colored: 0 0 transparent; --tw-shadow: 0 0 transparent; --tw-skew-x: 0; --tw-skew-y: 0; --tw-translate-x: 0; --tw-translate-y: 0; border: 0px solid rgb(217, 217, 227); box-sizing: border-box; color: #374151; font-family: Söhne, ui-sans-serif, system-ui, -apple-system, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Ubuntu, Cantarell, "Noto Sans", sans-serif, "Helvetica Neue", Arial, "Apple Color Emoji", "Segoe UI Emoji", "Segoe UI Symbol", "Noto Color Emoji"; font-size: 16px; margin: 1.25em 0px 0px; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_FGgTzmZaSHB_U52bxQL63BBm7UC9kZwlQka3IeCyKMJtlhxzTIBO-3pBxQL9msUc995psUefILdXgyVHYX_knkio5DPFCJczmwq4DiQnm43nWREyZT96aSaggupVVercIC556YjXfDu796mU8lmGzXEYneC8ueHO7TsADjJAiFsQq-QWF5ajU4QGN90/s4624/1a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4624" data-original-width="2084" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_FGgTzmZaSHB_U52bxQL63BBm7UC9kZwlQka3IeCyKMJtlhxzTIBO-3pBxQL9msUc995psUefILdXgyVHYX_knkio5DPFCJczmwq4DiQnm43nWREyZT96aSaggupVVercIC556YjXfDu796mU8lmGzXEYneC8ueHO7TsADjJAiFsQq-QWF5ajU4QGN90/w288-h640/1a.jpg" width="288" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPwRptxuUeuJkHGzjb5etXSOruFnreVhC7sLgrPljMYOnKrWE0azowoff3FTgdmw0pvIUs1pIjd4UGVKRS9E3EGwNdeYjoBZCteXJOmvFwm_UhWNoBmFXE78meJnc6KNnCuf_A-CE2vli3jwlcuMg0QYjEzZ_o3Jw7IEMJoi_lGxzqggvqpy86DXxzcv0/s4624/2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4624" data-original-width="2084" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPwRptxuUeuJkHGzjb5etXSOruFnreVhC7sLgrPljMYOnKrWE0azowoff3FTgdmw0pvIUs1pIjd4UGVKRS9E3EGwNdeYjoBZCteXJOmvFwm_UhWNoBmFXE78meJnc6KNnCuf_A-CE2vli3jwlcuMg0QYjEzZ_o3Jw7IEMJoi_lGxzqggvqpy86DXxzcv0/w288-h640/2.jpg" width="288" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8JGbaCNdu_D18Mn2UYpDxizBLp14RcV7ROooRfS6RVqcwN0aXnYwnrZP34Udo5cMzDX7aLQB38n8E1HcIweEfK0GM4TQlY1WXWH1RuF3SPSM1L0FIeHHTADzZmAcEKhBxViXsdaNxV6CXLVCiPYEPE2eZveB5Vjr6zNTYCrQY5HuFXUpIU_NbaUWISIU/s4624/3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4624" data-original-width="2084" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8JGbaCNdu_D18Mn2UYpDxizBLp14RcV7ROooRfS6RVqcwN0aXnYwnrZP34Udo5cMzDX7aLQB38n8E1HcIweEfK0GM4TQlY1WXWH1RuF3SPSM1L0FIeHHTADzZmAcEKhBxViXsdaNxV6CXLVCiPYEPE2eZveB5Vjr6zNTYCrQY5HuFXUpIU_NbaUWISIU/w288-h640/3.jpg" width="288" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJ-DzHXj_f2qgVK7LGOZRRmttbbzzLECqXmJPFwbTPuPKSgCzJrAlcmbudhD3aYZdMjHFdOLipM2wKJCbMAiYUB2mY1qlU_WQnBcVDQaHeskdW3-j3AMPYSv5u3XZUYm27lSQ8dAAxgjCE6DaIzeKYTtakpEm-SZfrgD_Px8tPafK6zLy97D40OOqTKgo/s4624/4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4624" data-original-width="2084" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJ-DzHXj_f2qgVK7LGOZRRmttbbzzLECqXmJPFwbTPuPKSgCzJrAlcmbudhD3aYZdMjHFdOLipM2wKJCbMAiYUB2mY1qlU_WQnBcVDQaHeskdW3-j3AMPYSv5u3XZUYm27lSQ8dAAxgjCE6DaIzeKYTtakpEm-SZfrgD_Px8tPafK6zLy97D40OOqTKgo/w288-h640/4.jpg" width="288" /></a></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuUay7SM8FV3oB4GJ80q0AeitQO3dDZH5tgpbl2D18KJ-cy0lzt_26owL4bKM46DN_c9d9Hv3eY_9x2y_5cAZ2FuiBePWDv3VUW2sYlcVuU09XyPeklxO2QlA6FDWRKNMatVZJpfYKicSi_TVbgmobCPQbf2F7FL36lfmphKFzad9x9oFy0SmDs23iq2U/s4000/5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="1800" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuUay7SM8FV3oB4GJ80q0AeitQO3dDZH5tgpbl2D18KJ-cy0lzt_26owL4bKM46DN_c9d9Hv3eY_9x2y_5cAZ2FuiBePWDv3VUW2sYlcVuU09XyPeklxO2QlA6FDWRKNMatVZJpfYKicSi_TVbgmobCPQbf2F7FL36lfmphKFzad9x9oFy0SmDs23iq2U/w288-h640/5.jpg" width="288" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Staircase</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiWuG0sDQk0jxnuCFEtAPUoRonaQfkaS75goatIplDNol2jGnLXVIo3Idgtc0Ix0SFdPmSrB5hGyMu4ofbChWoU0F8iUF1OEMbdVrE-vlYQUNXs2sd5cCIg7P6w0ADPa7Fk9pHRZn7pbzPB9J_pwxBfDX3JUq70CPWEuMYFhV9hgMVFynNRhvyA_lI7dM/s4000/6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="1800" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiWuG0sDQk0jxnuCFEtAPUoRonaQfkaS75goatIplDNol2jGnLXVIo3Idgtc0Ix0SFdPmSrB5hGyMu4ofbChWoU0F8iUF1OEMbdVrE-vlYQUNXs2sd5cCIg7P6w0ADPa7Fk9pHRZn7pbzPB9J_pwxBfDX3JUq70CPWEuMYFhV9hgMVFynNRhvyA_lI7dM/w288-h640/6.jpg" width="288" /></a></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4UgjaGmYQPRN0OYNwal5_FAPrq1b5AbMSk5gzXkZztj6BoTf3gEBC7dxDXXqZfEfquUU0ntw1w-Pq4G8zbKv0DH79F1iwMoy06TWlXycxBnOkS6u30kH64zKYpzxoUYHq3pHqt8gQC2pUd7omj4aky8IGQbD7SiBaad2W111pJQ1nZ_xAgJox5qQBVf8/s4624/7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4624" data-original-width="2084" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4UgjaGmYQPRN0OYNwal5_FAPrq1b5AbMSk5gzXkZztj6BoTf3gEBC7dxDXXqZfEfquUU0ntw1w-Pq4G8zbKv0DH79F1iwMoy06TWlXycxBnOkS6u30kH64zKYpzxoUYHq3pHqt8gQC2pUd7omj4aky8IGQbD7SiBaad2W111pJQ1nZ_xAgJox5qQBVf8/w288-h640/7.jpg" width="288" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Main Temple Remains</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg085uwB3MFnKS5qS4gSoHJBZkYYi7WxmY0jVMdf3g5QS6mEk_ZfnrVP62UXBTJlarifY38gX8V9OUYUs1YwldfnFlLMl1s9h8mMb1ISD-in97uEmtIG9VX1wOkyu_iaN5JgorIlFb6PsDuC4BNe2CeWdYkWK28eR2SvrMguUg0CR3Hx_xrBKKcoCEtT3w/s4624/8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4624" data-original-width="2084" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg085uwB3MFnKS5qS4gSoHJBZkYYi7WxmY0jVMdf3g5QS6mEk_ZfnrVP62UXBTJlarifY38gX8V9OUYUs1YwldfnFlLMl1s9h8mMb1ISD-in97uEmtIG9VX1wOkyu_iaN5JgorIlFb6PsDuC4BNe2CeWdYkWK28eR2SvrMguUg0CR3Hx_xrBKKcoCEtT3w/w288-h640/8.jpg" width="288" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_MmTdwblwb5IDHVLB7qWXlMCjBsz7opeWepQKYlO1FqUtA1WcwWpU-QaUnV1KCtl0kQaHFjM6s2dFe1ohJ5WlpNsqZX4gVOLyapVEfYRJTSn1gbL5W-a-gBpYH7prrSH6addlq4jJFSjmw6UW1m-_7Iup6bigzAtvkt7ep6JFiJfmr3GDXFBwuYGI-dI/s4000/20231008_110819.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="1800" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_MmTdwblwb5IDHVLB7qWXlMCjBsz7opeWepQKYlO1FqUtA1WcwWpU-QaUnV1KCtl0kQaHFjM6s2dFe1ohJ5WlpNsqZX4gVOLyapVEfYRJTSn1gbL5W-a-gBpYH7prrSH6addlq4jJFSjmw6UW1m-_7Iup6bigzAtvkt7ep6JFiJfmr3GDXFBwuYGI-dI/w288-h640/20231008_110819.jpg" width="288" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwsZm29hCBibzO7ZB5QUSBV33iWJaxLLnOE1xYIT72b6DWEMvwbklYA6j8sG8AQ_GzCn_iB63D7I10PKDHFMlqQLWRDS2nZQtBqv7lusT4PcMbHLWQc2chyphenhyphenUNwnkAmfnG4CW56pxdXj1QWUjvinGh1g1tL9xXLqa906NIJnkJ1g4HfI5e8aKFAVph6r58/s4624/20231008_110839.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4624" data-original-width="2084" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwsZm29hCBibzO7ZB5QUSBV33iWJaxLLnOE1xYIT72b6DWEMvwbklYA6j8sG8AQ_GzCn_iB63D7I10PKDHFMlqQLWRDS2nZQtBqv7lusT4PcMbHLWQc2chyphenhyphenUNwnkAmfnG4CW56pxdXj1QWUjvinGh1g1tL9xXLqa906NIJnkJ1g4HfI5e8aKFAVph6r58/w288-h640/20231008_110839.jpg" width="288" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvjw46MAgy7t8d28gHqVVF2hb_L_RlMHMU_bVwICJCm7BJdJDNtyk9IQi6uvQ7-iL5QmJOg2uvVhkaSGthJLTipWRMlo_30nr3qv62GouKsUEu_y84j56d57_pDNWpZpa2sJa__ixIAUZnJSd_LQEr0Z5Qqd6eRHfcL0B2jOaii4jn-Q-u_9bzg5Oqa40/s4000/20231008_111813.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="1800" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvjw46MAgy7t8d28gHqVVF2hb_L_RlMHMU_bVwICJCm7BJdJDNtyk9IQi6uvQ7-iL5QmJOg2uvVhkaSGthJLTipWRMlo_30nr3qv62GouKsUEu_y84j56d57_pDNWpZpa2sJa__ixIAUZnJSd_LQEr0Z5Qqd6eRHfcL0B2jOaii4jn-Q-u_9bzg5Oqa40/w288-h640/20231008_111813.jpg" width="288" /></a></div><br /><p style="--tw-border-spacing-x: 0; --tw-border-spacing-y: 0; --tw-ring-color: rgba(69,89,164,.5); --tw-ring-offset-color: #fff; --tw-ring-offset-shadow: 0 0 transparent; --tw-ring-offset-width: 0px; --tw-ring-shadow: 0 0 transparent; --tw-rotate: 0; --tw-scale-x: 1; --tw-scale-y: 1; --tw-scroll-snap-strictness: proximity; --tw-shadow-colored: 0 0 transparent; --tw-shadow: 0 0 transparent; --tw-skew-x: 0; --tw-skew-y: 0; --tw-translate-x: 0; --tw-translate-y: 0; border: 0px solid rgb(217, 217, 227); box-sizing: border-box; color: #374151; font-family: Söhne, ui-sans-serif, system-ui, -apple-system, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Ubuntu, Cantarell, "Noto Sans", sans-serif, "Helvetica Neue", Arial, "Apple Color Emoji", "Segoe UI Emoji", "Segoe UI Symbol", "Noto Color Emoji"; font-size: 16px; margin: 1.25em 0px 0px; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><br /></p>Ali Usman Baighttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08381715191828076429noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6768237621320593231.post-26318491703641787622023-12-21T15:59:00.003+05:002023-12-21T15:59:34.494+05:00A Historical Buddhist bowl at Governor House Punjab in Lahore <p> </p><p style="--tw-border-spacing-x: 0; --tw-border-spacing-y: 0; --tw-ring-color: rgba(69,89,164,.5); --tw-ring-offset-color: #fff; --tw-ring-offset-shadow: 0 0 transparent; --tw-ring-offset-width: 0px; --tw-ring-shadow: 0 0 transparent; --tw-rotate: 0; --tw-scale-x: 1; --tw-scale-y: 1; --tw-scroll-snap-strictness: proximity; --tw-shadow-colored: 0 0 transparent; --tw-shadow: 0 0 transparent; --tw-skew-x: 0; --tw-skew-y: 0; --tw-translate-x: 0; --tw-translate-y: 0; border: 0px solid rgb(217, 217, 227); box-sizing: border-box; color: #374151; font-family: Söhne, ui-sans-serif, system-ui, -apple-system, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Ubuntu, Cantarell, "Noto Sans", sans-serif, "Helvetica Neue", Arial, "Apple Color Emoji", "Segoe UI Emoji", "Segoe UI Symbol", "Noto Color Emoji"; font-size: 16px; margin: 0px 0px 1.25em; white-space-collapse: preserve;">A historical Buddhist bowl, discovered during an excavation in Mundah, Bajaur, is on display outside the Governor House of Punjab in Lahore. The inscription on the attribution stone states that the bowl was unearthed in Mundah and was presented to the esteemed Sir Dennis Fitzpatrick by W.S. Davis, Assistant Political Officer, in 1895.</p><p style="--tw-border-spacing-x: 0; --tw-border-spacing-y: 0; --tw-ring-color: rgba(69,89,164,.5); --tw-ring-offset-color: #fff; --tw-ring-offset-shadow: 0 0 transparent; --tw-ring-offset-width: 0px; --tw-ring-shadow: 0 0 transparent; --tw-rotate: 0; --tw-scale-x: 1; --tw-scale-y: 1; --tw-scroll-snap-strictness: proximity; --tw-shadow-colored: 0 0 transparent; --tw-shadow: 0 0 transparent; --tw-skew-x: 0; --tw-skew-y: 0; --tw-translate-x: 0; --tw-translate-y: 0; border: 0px solid rgb(217, 217, 227); box-sizing: border-box; color: #374151; font-family: Söhne, ui-sans-serif, system-ui, -apple-system, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Ubuntu, Cantarell, "Noto Sans", sans-serif, "Helvetica Neue", Arial, "Apple Color Emoji", "Segoe UI Emoji", "Segoe UI Symbol", "Noto Color Emoji"; font-size: 16px; margin: 1.25em 0px 0px; white-space-collapse: preserve;">During the British rule in Hindustan, Sir Dennis Fitzpatrick served as the 7th Lieutenant Governor of Punjab from 1892 to 1897.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcZmodiTI3R7fWqh_hEbdMe2mRPL23lHtRP7S0Op-r6dkaQixfqqKvCIPOAl382kUx_G2zUlpicLR-0l2jGW5ZdljiG9uEB-ijx0c_avJwESBZf7bPawlLILMYKbFtG1dYF3O00U9PEsmrQk9cJeZQcC8GRhzqnxgACgZe8EGSL7AoubQAiiOiQOyVY-8/s1600/8a44d9af-8b90-4f09-84ca-b37248ab8626.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="721" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcZmodiTI3R7fWqh_hEbdMe2mRPL23lHtRP7S0Op-r6dkaQixfqqKvCIPOAl382kUx_G2zUlpicLR-0l2jGW5ZdljiG9uEB-ijx0c_avJwESBZf7bPawlLILMYKbFtG1dYF3O00U9PEsmrQk9cJeZQcC8GRhzqnxgACgZe8EGSL7AoubQAiiOiQOyVY-8/w288-h640/8a44d9af-8b90-4f09-84ca-b37248ab8626.jpeg" width="288" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgd_B8TX1NWOE30GdXIYG86FJdzfuLTp-ry6CZ8iJQHmMamwG53SnfI5scKRz0c4KVIStuwBYqcCickI3GWLq64vy-f-khfB3sNKXAkbDdk-r-fQFxQkAh_80WFhwqoTtyKCoEAztt0FisbwCYORBS2pQd7G-nYVt88I2udbSF_UXEITbf-odH6XW-wcIg/s1156/WhatsApp%20Image%202023-12-21%20at%2013.20.28.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1156" data-original-width="521" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgd_B8TX1NWOE30GdXIYG86FJdzfuLTp-ry6CZ8iJQHmMamwG53SnfI5scKRz0c4KVIStuwBYqcCickI3GWLq64vy-f-khfB3sNKXAkbDdk-r-fQFxQkAh_80WFhwqoTtyKCoEAztt0FisbwCYORBS2pQd7G-nYVt88I2udbSF_UXEITbf-odH6XW-wcIg/w288-h640/WhatsApp%20Image%202023-12-21%20at%2013.20.28.jpeg" width="288" /></a></div><br /><p style="--tw-border-spacing-x: 0; --tw-border-spacing-y: 0; --tw-ring-color: rgba(69,89,164,.5); --tw-ring-offset-color: #fff; --tw-ring-offset-shadow: 0 0 transparent; --tw-ring-offset-width: 0px; --tw-ring-shadow: 0 0 transparent; --tw-rotate: 0; --tw-scale-x: 1; --tw-scale-y: 1; --tw-scroll-snap-strictness: proximity; --tw-shadow-colored: 0 0 transparent; --tw-shadow: 0 0 transparent; --tw-skew-x: 0; --tw-skew-y: 0; --tw-translate-x: 0; --tw-translate-y: 0; border: 0px solid rgb(217, 217, 227); box-sizing: border-box; color: #374151; font-family: Söhne, ui-sans-serif, system-ui, -apple-system, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Ubuntu, Cantarell, "Noto Sans", sans-serif, "Helvetica Neue", Arial, "Apple Color Emoji", "Segoe UI Emoji", "Segoe UI Symbol", "Noto Color Emoji"; font-size: 16px; margin: 1.25em 0px 0px; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><br /></p>Ali Usman Baighttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08381715191828076429noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6768237621320593231.post-89798933304440689512023-12-21T13:02:00.005+05:002023-12-21T13:02:32.579+05:00Tomri Temple, Baddoki Gosaian, Gujranwala<p style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;"><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-size: x-small;">(All pictures and writeup text used in this blog, is author's property, kindly respect copyrights)</span></p><div class="separator" style="background-color: white; clear: both; color: #2b00fe; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px; font-weight: bold;"><span face="Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif" style="font-size: x-small; font-weight: 400;">23-07-2017 (Date of Visit)</span></div><div class="separator" style="background-color: white; clear: both; color: #2b00fe; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px; font-weight: bold;"><span face="Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif" style="font-size: x-small; font-weight: 400;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="background-color: white; clear: both; color: #2b00fe; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px; font-weight: bold;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8VS_085mkegIKZ7pjR9aD4hkIKrRg7V12TZ9-7zjHur84QtGIIgFQEjY8mzmQALwEV-2WX1kt-ZhVlirzI-S0kj-Rc6jBCtTU0Ytpi7DEp8eMpDw5WsVmv9b-iiv50PFANDX62BgHi2rkz2VtWAIei0tR7v5zWJfXkZ6ojanEeqtXAp8_REge_inOHD8/s2048/20232944_10213706528957026_8877932280585337192_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8VS_085mkegIKZ7pjR9aD4hkIKrRg7V12TZ9-7zjHur84QtGIIgFQEjY8mzmQALwEV-2WX1kt-ZhVlirzI-S0kj-Rc6jBCtTU0Ytpi7DEp8eMpDw5WsVmv9b-iiv50PFANDX62BgHi2rkz2VtWAIei0tR7v5zWJfXkZ6ojanEeqtXAp8_REge_inOHD8/w640-h426/20232944_10213706528957026_8877932280585337192_o.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><span face="Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif" style="font-size: x-small; font-weight: 400;"><br /></span></div><p>Baddoki Gosaian stands proudly as one of the most historically significant villages in the Gujranwala District. Once it was home to Hindus (largely from the Gosain community), Sikhs, and Muslims before the Partition of India in 1947.</p><p>During this pivotal time, numerous Hindu and Sikh families migrated from Baddoki Gosaian to India, while Muslim families from India made the village their new home. Even today, migrant families continue to occupy the homes and lands left behind by those who emigrated.</p><p>One of the village's prized possessions is its distinction as the birthplace of <b>Sidh Baba Sai Das</b>, the revered founder of the Gosain/Goswami community, who lived during the same era as Baba Nanak Dev. In the heart of the village, there used to be a significant square-shaped tank, featuring a temple at its center, surrounded by a tree of berries.</p><p>It is said that the temple, known as Tomri Sahib, is a Shiv Mandir constructed not by the Hindu community, but by Sikh devotees. This grand complex, comprising the main temple and various adjacent rooms, including two ponds, is a place of spiritual sanctity. Its entrance is adorned with ten stairs encircling one of the ponds, which still stands today. Numerous structures, such as Dharamshala, living quarters, Sikh Samadhi, and other notable features, remain intact within the temple premises.</p><p>Tomri Sahib Mandir stands apart from other temples in the area due to its unique characteristics. It lacks primary historical documentation regarding its builder, yet the name "Sahib" predominantly finds usage in Sikh nomenclature, often associated with revered saints, Gurus, or Baba ji figures. Notably distinct, this Mandir boasts a large pond unlike any other in the vicinity, featuring a beautiful walkway constructed with eight arches, all of which have endured the test of time.</p><p>Constructed predominantly with small bricks and adorned with delicate touches of white marble, the Mandir holds an enigmatic charm, drawing visitors with its historical allure and spiritual ambiance. Adjacent to the Mandir stands a Banyan tree, echoing this revered site's tranquility and sacredness.</p><p>Baddoki Gosaian stands as a testament to coexistence and cultural amalgamation, preserving its rich heritage through the remnants of structures that whisper tales of the past. Tomri Sahib Mandir, in particular, stands as an architectural marvel, a testament to faith and history, embodying the essence of both Sikh devotion and the village's diverse past.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjamMpMDT0c3v0a7ibcdQ9gw-pzN8KR5C8NwaVcrPcJfbPk_7AmMyxQz2KZoqM5KHMQ53e2d4apvG_np8aYZKcTtkr_RVLMbylorhaLdXnjABhtxwH7VP0Wd2RKdbLSPWjnIbrM4wiGADwIGW361Yb0CccOW3zchhdW4s88Yc7H8N9AqN7Jgvl9-BrzL8A/s2048/20248021_10213711552602614_8667820786375685814_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1275" data-original-width="2048" height="398" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjamMpMDT0c3v0a7ibcdQ9gw-pzN8KR5C8NwaVcrPcJfbPk_7AmMyxQz2KZoqM5KHMQ53e2d4apvG_np8aYZKcTtkr_RVLMbylorhaLdXnjABhtxwH7VP0Wd2RKdbLSPWjnIbrM4wiGADwIGW361Yb0CccOW3zchhdW4s88Yc7H8N9AqN7Jgvl9-BrzL8A/w640-h398/20248021_10213711552602614_8667820786375685814_o.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlRMT-xtx-LyzTy8TOBI-1WCSbGnCis0jL20MIHAPsp0BU-iXFy0mICnIdloybJkIzOWlI3NIxCaCY1rowKrdYoezvnq2t8CLSqAGfXNirPUWuhpegn-njA9G6xqmqATtPPo5nxMRdpPNc7nqqgsDUPTogt2S4t_rxygARpcjIjETGqbCzUnGuqtDPxzw/s2048/21015811_10213995870190376_7998341781436074889_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1380" data-original-width="2048" height="432" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlRMT-xtx-LyzTy8TOBI-1WCSbGnCis0jL20MIHAPsp0BU-iXFy0mICnIdloybJkIzOWlI3NIxCaCY1rowKrdYoezvnq2t8CLSqAGfXNirPUWuhpegn-njA9G6xqmqATtPPo5nxMRdpPNc7nqqgsDUPTogt2S4t_rxygARpcjIjETGqbCzUnGuqtDPxzw/w640-h432/21015811_10213995870190376_7998341781436074889_o.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4wmhCL8IIdeM0TwALkgq_-AESyOWDoa-eFeA-4cpObHhJ2BUK02nnMQKxPnt9PYkNSc_hn-5-jDqsS5Hv5A7YIKLBgMTzwzJucHUOwZaiGmQ2RF3SzqycAT9XNZcnnfQfOp4-7g6I55ltfTOVCMn-V9xcACUIlIOBX4wATFKmxW2p9YqPV2ETxGH5Xhs/s1490/21427594_10214141412788850_5906122275345959237_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="921" data-original-width="1490" height="396" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4wmhCL8IIdeM0TwALkgq_-AESyOWDoa-eFeA-4cpObHhJ2BUK02nnMQKxPnt9PYkNSc_hn-5-jDqsS5Hv5A7YIKLBgMTzwzJucHUOwZaiGmQ2RF3SzqycAT9XNZcnnfQfOp4-7g6I55ltfTOVCMn-V9xcACUIlIOBX4wATFKmxW2p9YqPV2ETxGH5Xhs/w640-h396/21427594_10214141412788850_5906122275345959237_o.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGN94Dxq1NUjhHRz_7pZS_4_OXsdUG_3q9j9FUCHckQHR-YjM-hZgdWU8vrky1sshehkmHtFGm4DD7duotnPMCv1RAFRcxqngUOmyODDQw0SbQx6O3GyeYf4w1Eg4v8ouVBD7MH24_8zRdXn4qRI_kGFXL-cS5BV2lo98YVCuXc0XBXNY4I9h3DVO0354/s2048/22289996_10214381154982255_4955882060651718106_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1266" data-original-width="2048" height="396" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGN94Dxq1NUjhHRz_7pZS_4_OXsdUG_3q9j9FUCHckQHR-YjM-hZgdWU8vrky1sshehkmHtFGm4DD7duotnPMCv1RAFRcxqngUOmyODDQw0SbQx6O3GyeYf4w1Eg4v8ouVBD7MH24_8zRdXn4qRI_kGFXL-cS5BV2lo98YVCuXc0XBXNY4I9h3DVO0354/w640-h396/22289996_10214381154982255_4955882060651718106_o.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p>Ali Usman Baighttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08381715191828076429noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6768237621320593231.post-76882022496165053312023-12-20T15:40:00.002+05:002023-12-21T17:07:08.246+05:00The Hidden tomb of Mohammad Qasim Khan Lahore<p style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;"><b style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: medium;">#SyedBadruddinGilani #</b><b style="background-color: transparent;">GumbuzKushtiWala</b></p><p style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;"><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-size: x-small;">(All pictures and writeup text used in this blog, is author's property, kindly respect copyrights)</span></p><div class="separator" style="background-color: white; clear: both; color: #2b00fe; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px; font-weight: bold;"><span face="Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif" style="font-size: x-small; font-weight: 400;">17-12-2023 (Date of Visit)</span></div><p>The Governor House Lahore, is a historic edifice shrouded in tales of dynasties and transitions that have shaped its identity over centuries. At the heart of this imposing structure lies a remarkable piece of history—a hidden tomb from the Mughal epoch of the 16th century, reshaped into a dining hall, stands as a testament to the magnificence of Mughal architectural prowess.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhc6_PJRNIMwQHNBK3o23t7d4Ypd00wRIESGsgnPqM_G36PIkE9ovGLjFoui7SdWv7EeKGFydjZfobMGkP13pW3Ggmjifxmgb5pLcRvHgQ_eFl30mCpwxlYNG0pWOTA4_WRl_-bSxn_vLXm4zpzav5tABs9V1wyVd-73wYUD0tTuY1w3G9csgV_rS-BvRQ/s4000/1.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1800" data-original-width="4000" height="288" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhc6_PJRNIMwQHNBK3o23t7d4Ypd00wRIESGsgnPqM_G36PIkE9ovGLjFoui7SdWv7EeKGFydjZfobMGkP13pW3Ggmjifxmgb5pLcRvHgQ_eFl30mCpwxlYNG0pWOTA4_WRl_-bSxn_vLXm4zpzav5tABs9V1wyVd-73wYUD0tTuY1w3G9csgV_rS-BvRQ/w640-h288/1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><p>Dating back to the 16th Century, the upper story of what is now the dining room in the Governor House was initially the final resting place of <b>Mohammad Qasim Khan</b>, a revered maternal cousin of the illustrious Mughal Emperor Akbar. The tomb's sanctity is underscored by the fact that Khan's grave still lies beneath the very room that once echoed with Mughal legacies and regal splendor.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjK9KekgdhYkLf-XTA5Xm3cpFcnhQPrSI63O5afqP7Y0Brd_I1Ewv8UPH_1kVReQuZAH9MfhJTr0y39Vzk8ZJ_wLgCovdyhDgRNbe12rV3hyE82S7hmf4b4Wou8l3-Pm4VnwzjZIC0nuWUFuSNhrPwJVZmdD920UvsfDWUSVD39v0QAkDPZWzgtjkgpu-U/s4624/20231217_162456.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2084" data-original-width="4624" height="288" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjK9KekgdhYkLf-XTA5Xm3cpFcnhQPrSI63O5afqP7Y0Brd_I1Ewv8UPH_1kVReQuZAH9MfhJTr0y39Vzk8ZJ_wLgCovdyhDgRNbe12rV3hyE82S7hmf4b4Wou8l3-Pm4VnwzjZIC0nuWUFuSNhrPwJVZmdD920UvsfDWUSVD39v0QAkDPZWzgtjkgpu-U/w640-h288/20231217_162456.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrD8l-ZTh5SK2dO_vQmJ1sH0mWHxx1Q5ml2Td2_qOwkhNXBe3r8gc1VC0VnQmO8lk2kvUUnilB-S972ZiErgAJ7ff8oh1jAIfWOFT0BP5HuMxnL0pOF8lFLLdSSmlbbTt6HcmAPS2cGyHvSLkaORkDPlw9-OXoQCfj7FfGTAH58oWSRLp6kLbEG-3Kz3E/s4000/20231217_162727.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1800" data-original-width="4000" height="288" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrD8l-ZTh5SK2dO_vQmJ1sH0mWHxx1Q5ml2Td2_qOwkhNXBe3r8gc1VC0VnQmO8lk2kvUUnilB-S972ZiErgAJ7ff8oh1jAIfWOFT0BP5HuMxnL0pOF8lFLLdSSmlbbTt6HcmAPS2cGyHvSLkaORkDPlw9-OXoQCfj7FfGTAH58oWSRLp6kLbEG-3Kz3E/w640-h288/20231217_162727.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><p>However, the tomb's narrative has been steeped in intriguing controversies, sparking debates among eminent historians. Syed Muhammad Latif and Kannahiya Lal, two renowned scholars, have presented conflicting accounts regarding the tomb's occupants. Lal insists that Saint <b>Syed Badruddin Gilani</b> was interred here, while Latif credits Qasim Khan for the honor.</p><p>The historical backdrop surrounding the tomb extends beyond its spiritual significance. Once an adjacent ground used for wrestling matches, known as 'akhaara,' the tomb was also referred to as <b>Gumbuz Kushti Wala</b>—a testimony to its multifaceted past.</p><p>During the reign of Ranjit Singh, the tomb underwent a transformative phase when Jamadar Khushal Singh erected a residence around it. Eventually, this property transitioned into the possession of Deputy Commissioner Major MacGregor, who, in 1859, converted it into the distinguished Government House during the lieutenant governorship of Robert Montgomery.</p><p>The evolution of the structure continued, retaining the original tomb on the ground floor. John Lockwood Kiping, along with his protege Bhai Ram Singh, curated the interior and furnishings of this revered site. Today, the tomb of Muhammad Qasim Khan remains within the precincts of the Governor House, Lahore, echoing the majesty of its Mughal origins.</p><p>The architectural magnificence of the tomb is evident in its design—four doorways enclose the two-story structure, with a stairway adorning its northern facade. Delicate craftsmanship adorns the interior with four columns rising majestically, creating a split-level appearance. The exterior boasts twelve arched niches in bricks, while the interior features four doors adorned with eight mehrabi dar around.</p><p>The dome, a masterpiece in itself, showcases four skylights illuminating the sanctum. Following the province's annexation, the British acquired this hallowed structure and the surrounding land for a meager sum of Rs. 2,500. Remarkably, while maintaining the mausoleum's integrity, additional rooms were constructed atop the square platform encircling the tomb, elevating its stature and necessitating a grand, sweeping staircase as the main entry point.</p><p>Since the inception of Pakistan, the Governor of Punjab/West Pakistan has inhabited and conducted official duties within this hallowed building, signifying its enduring significance in the region's administrative landscape.</p><p>The Governor House stands not just as a symbol of governance but as a custodian of heritage, preserving tales of nobility, transitions, and architectural finesse that resonate through the annals of time.</p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzz1QFQDRL8eG6UyDouwLSeRM2ig8MLhROdsTNXmVU-JPmsYeZVpLisxbYouIBvYfUFf_ymXhyphenhyphenKCBkauDnvpaIcAGJcIk0Zcx0NoZRYLC2u6vlRsZTjMqoeF_VpZjRcz2SdmqXRaHrOCJTXxtFvVFKFcWBAgyOHoT91Pqh9yv34vs9fVhv7C3yPUBdphE/s4000/2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; 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margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="1800" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDN7tsGFrnbQ2jLA64ROn_lEqqcj4skNx1XxrQ_ib-nfxnngX0JTj5Gfa6XJKYYyVVi558j_lboJZ1NwahFfwJLIoBVCiDU0XMNHNK9wZcpLEx7ORsWM2r6eHc00gApUVBkqPctwNDy4UwM_juOTxGrcEprYykPaLjRKUFOUP8bJMTZi0-QRl1EQaUnXU/w288-h640/20231217_162753.jpg" width="288" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgL3GsOAkB7aZPQxjlSc-szq3CJikpfuHmWxdQvl_XjNp4Jo81w655y3bYp9VUyPPVSWYaBthixxWEm7oNm5ggbcRM5jO_0kBxbVoQzuYllAw0eRSmdIRxUEy9wz3xxghkrEnHI86f1NyiAYNh9sdqDXayOVg5-G6VyQSnmxkZLP_OnvXmGuiuw6XrtZE4/s1156/WhatsApp%20Image%202023-12-21%20at%2017.03.47_f0d1cccd.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1156" data-original-width="521" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgL3GsOAkB7aZPQxjlSc-szq3CJikpfuHmWxdQvl_XjNp4Jo81w655y3bYp9VUyPPVSWYaBthixxWEm7oNm5ggbcRM5jO_0kBxbVoQzuYllAw0eRSmdIRxUEy9wz3xxghkrEnHI86f1NyiAYNh9sdqDXayOVg5-G6VyQSnmxkZLP_OnvXmGuiuw6XrtZE4/w288-h640/WhatsApp%20Image%202023-12-21%20at%2017.03.47_f0d1cccd.jpg" width="288" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p>Ali Usman Baighttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08381715191828076429noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6768237621320593231.post-56726863531454189482023-12-13T13:10:00.000+05:002023-12-13T13:10:12.026+05:00Echoes of St. Mary Magdalene: Tales from Lahore's Past and Colonial Dynamics<p style="text-align: justify;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqFczvQGCo_V06vj-Eq5purSoLbnkjraQOS_RMN2jOimayE4vHtix_IB1bOBMOluCGE9MUWaIpQIwpd_gK9GyL5l9Q9LzgNHvtq68cF1DgMXOlv3qEFROyCi6ZwZ6NfvZHjJl0hK6KPDMLX8cOUa5olaPN8hMIOkdBXIL7iYCfgTGUhs4jXn46Udjb1Jw/s640/FB_IMG_1533055206711.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="427" data-original-width="640" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqFczvQGCo_V06vj-Eq5purSoLbnkjraQOS_RMN2jOimayE4vHtix_IB1bOBMOluCGE9MUWaIpQIwpd_gK9GyL5l9Q9LzgNHvtq68cF1DgMXOlv3qEFROyCi6ZwZ6NfvZHjJl0hK6KPDMLX8cOUa5olaPN8hMIOkdBXIL7iYCfgTGUhs4jXn46Udjb1Jw/w640-h428/FB_IMG_1533055206711.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">St. Mary Magdalene Church is one of Lahore's largest and oldest worship centers. Its construction in 1856 AD spanned six years and cost Rs. 90,000 at that time. </span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">A visitor named Kim Whysall-Hammond, also known as The Cheeseseller Wife, commented on October 3, 2020, on my article on St. Mary Magdalene Church. She shared the discovery of a prize awarded to her mother in 1934 for regular attendance at St. Mary Magdalene Church when her mother was merely 6 years old. Her father served in the RAF.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Expressing gratitude for the information and the beautiful photos of the church, Kim shared that her mother often recounted her childhood in Lahore. She mentioned her mother's expulsion from school due to befriending individuals from the local community. </span><span style="text-align: left;">During my childhood, I also attended school there for twelve years.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">This narrative also illustrates the Colonial British's behavior towards locals, depicting a segregationist stance where interaction with the local population was discouraged.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglOINsuq1X6YaNsoJQUaMayLUj1rMPuub6j6maVP8kqqmFBcX7xWfYUH-dmvkKDDF2R5wMNggRzldPVmxXQdmZGbRwMeSUvZcTaxQcY4m0NIyfvinwALuhM1WY0EsI8Jbzx6LqEkZ0oe3wndo9c182OJg6XQweYLLX3LI9Fg64M-ZPeEizrSAvWzGt7BY/s1307/Screenshot%202023-12-13%20124803.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="627" data-original-width="1307" height="308" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglOINsuq1X6YaNsoJQUaMayLUj1rMPuub6j6maVP8kqqmFBcX7xWfYUH-dmvkKDDF2R5wMNggRzldPVmxXQdmZGbRwMeSUvZcTaxQcY4m0NIyfvinwALuhM1WY0EsI8Jbzx6LqEkZ0oe3wndo9c182OJg6XQweYLLX3LI9Fg64M-ZPeEizrSAvWzGt7BY/w640-h308/Screenshot%202023-12-13%20124803.png" width="640" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span><p></p>Ali Usman Baighttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08381715191828076429noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6768237621320593231.post-16913201492298866482023-12-12T16:47:00.000+05:002023-12-12T16:47:09.966+05:00Exploring the Historical and Architectural Marvels of St. Andrew's Church Empress Road Lahore<p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjad4-_NeWOjD8vPxUmPvmmo8Vda3UXq1lTckwiqAoBoDKy9RuVt4rDwEBmaBGb5h4BnQGctryhUVEvPfLDtWjVvD4hyxaPvxi0z0RrBQjvciTmHqvvZeom3Lmah_QBeoS7_j_bkv15za2XgXpCLDmUY6HlvHgO6TwMXUMXBl34J3bma8Xr8N_l3ROTA5k/s5556/1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3765" data-original-width="5556" height="434" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjad4-_NeWOjD8vPxUmPvmmo8Vda3UXq1lTckwiqAoBoDKy9RuVt4rDwEBmaBGb5h4BnQGctryhUVEvPfLDtWjVvD4hyxaPvxi0z0RrBQjvciTmHqvvZeom3Lmah_QBeoS7_j_bkv15za2XgXpCLDmUY6HlvHgO6TwMXUMXBl34J3bma8Xr8N_l3ROTA5k/w640-h434/1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p>Located gracefully along Empress Road in Lahore, St. Andrew's Church stands as a remarkable blend of architectural finesse and historical significance. It encapsulates not only a rich past but also showcases exquisite craftsmanship.</p><p>More than just an architectural marvel, St. Andrew's Church holds deep significance in catering to the spiritual needs of the Christian community, particularly the railway workers seeking solace and unity in their faith. Its establishment in 1860, coinciding with the construction of the Lahore Railway Station, marked not only progress in transportation but also symbolized regional development.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFuilwl7EG-d4lKPHIm9y4u2SzSOGEPecPw2W8tHeBhYckUDv9QfMUOu_R3Nsdbd3_EVqIkreiqPfqEiq95eTUeFe_W45vkLwqKK62RUXlfWy_ys-DAYOocKoOW54LHx3grbd4QBwZRH94W7CvdU0A9GXtW_EDrV5qWyQ5G1vgI7-qHjSFTLQUPA8vhpA/s6000/2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFuilwl7EG-d4lKPHIm9y4u2SzSOGEPecPw2W8tHeBhYckUDv9QfMUOu_R3Nsdbd3_EVqIkreiqPfqEiq95eTUeFe_W45vkLwqKK62RUXlfWy_ys-DAYOocKoOW54LHx3grbd4QBwZRH94W7CvdU0A9GXtW_EDrV5qWyQ5G1vgI7-qHjSFTLQUPA8vhpA/w640-h426/2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p>Commencing within a modest room in 1872, the church steadily expanded to its present grandeur, culminating in its completion in 1910—an enduring testament to exceptional architectural finesse and unwavering dedication.</p><p>The church's architectural splendor is evident in its intricate details, adorned with elaborate designs reflecting the craftsmanship of Lahore's Colonial era. Its soaring spires represent faith and hope, while the commanding facade bears witness to time's passage and the resilience of this revered structure.</p><p>Beyond its physical presence, St. Andrew's Church embodies interconnected narratives of faith, history, and architecture. Its enduring presence on Lahore's skyline serves as a symbol of continuity and reverence for all touched by its profound legacy.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6qjQ2yzWxJ9fi3NaEM2aWJtQ8H0b7smigRxv-ptnnWQW-Rf4ThhTnNYuvdHH5FWlyBxcZpsihVO78AqGVcVRynhmIkkvFKefrlPERJI3SoladRGi0ik71cDvF3wze13k9O0Z20Y2tsJhWTV8puV3ISEPEOUL3bfCgxdeGQZSND-EgtlGsZEr9PbPyE3g/s6000/3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6qjQ2yzWxJ9fi3NaEM2aWJtQ8H0b7smigRxv-ptnnWQW-Rf4ThhTnNYuvdHH5FWlyBxcZpsihVO78AqGVcVRynhmIkkvFKefrlPERJI3SoladRGi0ik71cDvF3wze13k9O0Z20Y2tsJhWTV8puV3ISEPEOUL3bfCgxdeGQZSND-EgtlGsZEr9PbPyE3g/w640-h426/3.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSAJuggZQ1IqBAL7qZRFw8n5DSA27cX5UTYGkrCJ97h7SWXR9sDsdW3OvC9pqUGeY51jnV_vHud0-mOC_eelPQqVdiIgj1gMXsu0xqjHWP49W7nZPV0c04eqSi6O7JiLCqf44Ua3qJwgtVW89i2NukIPP2pmdoK7KOAIF10cZFnKjkw-iv9K64lBqErtY/s6000/5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSAJuggZQ1IqBAL7qZRFw8n5DSA27cX5UTYGkrCJ97h7SWXR9sDsdW3OvC9pqUGeY51jnV_vHud0-mOC_eelPQqVdiIgj1gMXsu0xqjHWP49W7nZPV0c04eqSi6O7JiLCqf44Ua3qJwgtVW89i2NukIPP2pmdoK7KOAIF10cZFnKjkw-iv9K64lBqErtY/w640-h426/5.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p>Architecturally, the church epitomizes the Neo-Gothic style, also known as Gothic revival—a prevailing style introduced by the British in Lahore during the mid-1800s. Recognizable for its lofty elevations, domes, arches, and columns, this style significantly influenced numerous colonial-era buildings in Lahore, including the nearby Railway Headquarters.</p><p>The crucial role played by British General Officer Sir James Abbott in the church's construction is commemorated in Lahore through Abbott Road and Abbottabad city in Pakistan, named in his honor. Differing from traditional Gothic Church construction, this church's design complements the adjacent Railway Headquarters, featuring similar arches and sloping elements. Bricks were predominantly used in its construction, a hallmark present in most colonial-era buildings in Lahore, such as the Town Hall and Aitchison College.</p><p>With nearly 150 years of existence, renovations occurred a century later, incorporating galvanized roofing for weather resilience, a transition from DC to AC electrical wiring, and flooring replacements. The bell tower, distinguished by its dome instead of a conical roof, proudly displays a St. Andrew cross at the front. The dome, resting on ribbed columns and arched windows of varying heights, stands out as a captivating feature.</p><p>Another notable aspect is the use of red stone in the steps, reminiscent of the Redstone seen in Lahore's Badshahi Mosque, echoing elements of Mughal architecture. The interior design mirrors the Neo-Gothic style, integrating domes and Ionic columns. Stained glass artifacts, depicting biblical stories through painted glass, serve as a unique educational element referred to as the "poor man's Bible." Certain entrances feature Roman and Greek-style glass designs, further enriching the church's architectural diversity.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEga91_lEHB066WGUOm_MvjKtVc6QNRfxXnDcHXJW27iLBuXAIUn6Ud3paKOt0HUCCQZjQOxXSvfarkVK9STnK3RkNTazjCbyQ_e6LIIEkuB100S7poHy9bL_VPQdexAvPIFnmoVlNq2YNGvEEQO1BzLVafRp5LfuwfeSjtjbvR8MBbIJetYeJIbmS5IZxs/s1157/Screenshot%202023-12-12%20163420.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="623" data-original-width="1157" height="344" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEga91_lEHB066WGUOm_MvjKtVc6QNRfxXnDcHXJW27iLBuXAIUn6Ud3paKOt0HUCCQZjQOxXSvfarkVK9STnK3RkNTazjCbyQ_e6LIIEkuB100S7poHy9bL_VPQdexAvPIFnmoVlNq2YNGvEEQO1BzLVafRp5LfuwfeSjtjbvR8MBbIJetYeJIbmS5IZxs/w640-h344/Screenshot%202023-12-12%20163420.png" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFldUh1fYqy5-EbHdtNb-k6QACc4NMP8cRdLkWWmuIeg2MUV-O9UOHIrS8ZUL9aWrm9Q1q_4ZkM3j8jTZpVwIJsoPdYST9AdXrY7xL-k1NP4Q0oSFnDPRHnlAXiuJWIqd9I1qSTKnNUSKWVANXnHEtps2iLcJPiTvQmIPmWWo6kEylb7V46CieeDXpFS0/s910/Screenshot%202023-12-12%20163445.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="690" data-original-width="910" height="486" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFldUh1fYqy5-EbHdtNb-k6QACc4NMP8cRdLkWWmuIeg2MUV-O9UOHIrS8ZUL9aWrm9Q1q_4ZkM3j8jTZpVwIJsoPdYST9AdXrY7xL-k1NP4Q0oSFnDPRHnlAXiuJWIqd9I1qSTKnNUSKWVANXnHEtps2iLcJPiTvQmIPmWWo6kEylb7V46CieeDXpFS0/w640-h486/Screenshot%202023-12-12%20163445.png" width="640" /></a></div><p><br /></p><p>St. Andrew's Church stands not only as a testament to architectural brilliance but also as a living embodiment of the merging of cultures, histories, and faiths—a revered icon in Lahore's vibrant heritage.</p><p>Additionally, within the precincts of St. Andrew's Church in Lahore lies the mausoleum of Mullah Muhammad Saleh Kamboh. The tomb had a varied history; during the Sikh rule, its dome was used to store gunpowder. Later, when the British took over, it was converted into a residential quarter. Stories suggest that when the church was built in 1872, a priest moved in. Some accounts indicate that the British relocated the coffins of Muhammad Saleh and Inayat Ul Lah to the shrine of Hazrat Ali Rangrez before repurposing the area as a residence.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8DOkDtrVEecGgDuOw4Yzlahvn4FAj-J9LDjIoQZBaddLrbn5qSUBE2PBTK-rccnoDAtHy4zy3pTWTNZqTtKuQL_3g4NnON1AvjpFMDqfkUOdZj8QAXyenr_BlMhQ8Crz7xoHLuLd0WdUNSH4LctFDU8aYN8moTmDjPGii6NBGGyWZU28ytCHO17z-WBY/s960/33945648_1910730149216943_3603710782363140096_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="960" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8DOkDtrVEecGgDuOw4Yzlahvn4FAj-J9LDjIoQZBaddLrbn5qSUBE2PBTK-rccnoDAtHy4zy3pTWTNZqTtKuQL_3g4NnON1AvjpFMDqfkUOdZj8QAXyenr_BlMhQ8Crz7xoHLuLd0WdUNSH4LctFDU8aYN8moTmDjPGii6NBGGyWZU28ytCHO17z-WBY/w640-h426/33945648_1910730149216943_3603710782363140096_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p><br /></p>Ali Usman Baighttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08381715191828076429noreply@blogger.com0