Lahore, a city steeped in history, once cradled the splendid tombs of Abul Hasan and his wife, Makhdoomah Begum. Unfortunately, these historical marvels have fallen victim to the relentless march of time, leaving only fragments of their existence.
Originally positioned near the shrine of Hamid Qari, where Hamid Qari served as the caretaker, Abul Hasan's tomb now dwells in the realm of lost treasures. The remnants of its former glory share tales of Mughal-era architecture. Abul Hassan, the uncle of Queen Noor Jahan, was a significant state official during the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan's reign. He earned the title 'Baradar Bajana Barabar Khananay Bazoa Rast Dault Chugtai.' He constructed a grand tomb costing ten lakhs of rupees, which, unfortunately, was later converted into gunpowder storage during Ranjit Singh's era by one of his French Generals. The tomb met its end in a sky-lighting incident, with the dome's roof demolished, and Sikh rulers sold its bricks, causing the site to vanish.
Adjacent to Abul Hasan's Mausoleum, the tomb of his wife, Makhdoomah Begum, once stood proudly. This mausoleum, adorned with four intricately designed mihrabs and a beautiful ceiling, serves as a reminder of great Mughal craftsmanship. Interestingly, it is said that Makhdoomah Begum, during her lifetime, directed the construction of her tomb, a modest counterpart to her husband's grand memorial, reflecting her respect to her husband.
The mausoleum was initially surrounded by a garden with a canal irrigating lush greenery. Between the Shalamar Gardens and the railway line leading to Amritsar lies a forgotten well, reminiscent of Iranian design. Later, this land became the site for the Western Railway locomotive in the Colonial Era.
The tomb of Makhdoomah Begum, a square-shaped testament to the splendor of its time, sadly saw its demise during Sher Singh's rule. The dome of Makhdoomah Begum's tomb suffered damage, and subsequently, the tomb was demolished, repurposed for bricks, and lost to history.
Historical records depict Makhdoomah Begum as a woman of literary taste and poetic sensibilities, known for her contributions to the cultural tapestry of the era.
Following the instructions of her son Shaista Khan and in a gesture of humility and reverence, Makhdoomah Begum assigned a thousand Hafiz to continuously recite the Quran at her husband's mausoleum. This sacred tradition persisted during the reign of Hamed Qari, who served as the administrator of the charitable house connected to the tomb. Interestingly, a shrine was constructed a few years back at the grave of Hamid Qadri, and his mosque also stands close to this vicinity.
As the pages of history unfold, the lost tomb of Abul Hasan and the enduring legacy of Makhdoomah Begum weaves a tale of love, devotion, and the inexorable passage of time. The remaining fragments serve as a testament to Lahore's rich history and the cultural gems it once cradled.
