#SyedBadruddinGilani #GumbuzKushtiWala
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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.
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 Mohammad Qasim Khan, 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.
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 Syed Badruddin Gilani was interred here, while Latif credits Qasim Khan for the honor.
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 Gumbuz Kushti Wala—a testimony to its multifaceted past.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
