Ali Usman Baig : historical

Showing posts with label historical. Show all posts

Wednesday 8 June 2022

A HISTORICAL MOSQUE of LODHI ERA in EMINABAD (2020)

32° 2'18.27"N 74°16'7.21"E

Relevance: Historical Mosque

Date of Visit:- 23 August 2020

(All pictures are owned, kindly respect copyrights)

Article No. 8 on Eminabad

Eminabad, situated about 10 to 15 kilometers southeast of Gujranwala city, holds a rich historical legacy dating back to ancient times. According to historical accounts, the town is believed to have been inhabited as early as the first century BCE by Raja Salavan of Sialkot, marking its ancient origins.

Before the partition of Hindustan, Eminabad was home to a diverse community of Hindus, Sikhs, and Muslims, living together in harmony. The echoes of this multicultural past can still be witnessed through the remnants of stunning architecture scattered throughout the town. Havelis, gardens, gateways, temples, and gurdwaras stand as testimony to the vibrant and diverse heritage that once thrived in Eminabad.

The town has witnessed significant historical events as well. In 1521, the Mughal Emperor Babar invaded Eminabad, leaving his mark on its history. It is also documented that during this period, Baba Guru Nanak, the founder of Sikhism, resided in Eminabad, further adding to its historical significance.

Located on the outskirts of Eminabad is a monument that continues to stand tall. Respected Pakistani architect and historian, Kamil Khan Mumtaz, has attributed this structure to the Lodhi era, which spanned from 1451 to 1525. The monument is believed to be a mosque, showcasing the architectural style of that era.

The mosque exhibits a rectangular shape, measuring 32 x 60 feet. Its roof is supported by arches placed at regular intervals of 20 feet along its width. Rising from the center of the structure is a dome, adding an elegant touch to its design.

As a professional civil engineer, I was intrigued by Kamil Khan Sahib's assertion that this mosque belonged to the Lodhi era. To satisfy my curiosity, I visited the site and discovered that the dome's interior showcased both squinches and pendentives, unique features of the Lodhi era architecture. The Lodi dynasty, part of the Delhi Sultanate, made significant contributions to the architectural heritage of the region during their rule. They constructed numerous magnificent mosques and tombs, leaving an indelible mark on the architectural landscape.

Exploring Eminabad allows us to delve into the town's rich historical tapestry. The presence of diverse religious structures and architectural remnants provides a glimpse into the harmonious coexistence of different communities in the past. It is essential to appreciate and preserve these historical treasures, ensuring that future generations can connect with their roots and appreciate the cultural diversity that has shaped the region over centuries.

Sunday 2 May 2021

Sadhu Bella (2020)

(Pictorial Blog)

Date of Visit 23rd February 2020

It was established in 1823 by Swami Brakhandi Maharaja and is located in Sukkur on the Indus River. Swami Brakhandi Maharaj migrated from Nepal and settled in this part of Sindh. It is believed that he spent almost 40 years worshiping the goddess of food Mata Anporna, who blessed the land with abundant food

Tuesday 6 April 2021

Poonch House Lahore (2021)

(All pictures are owned, kindly respect copyrights)

29-03-2021

Poonch House Lahore was a residential building, which was constructed in 1849 for Lord Lawerence, who was the commander of Sikh forces during the tenure of the last Sikh ruler of Punjab Maharaja Duleep Singh. After Lord Lawerence, Poonch House was under the use of Charles Boulnois who was a Barrister at chief court, and then it becomes a residency of Chief Justice Sir Merdeith Plowden.

The total area of this building is 199 square feet. According to the records of the revenue department, Poonch House land was a property of Raja Jagat Singh. In 1962 this building was handed over to the Federal Government of Pakistan.

On 5th May 1931, Poonch house becomes the trial house of the great Indian freedom fighter Bhagat Singh.

After Pakistan came into being, Industrial department offices were shifted to Poonch house. In 1950, the building was converted to the Industrial Museum, which ended in the year 1985. After this directorate of the industry library shifted to the Poonch House. Now the building is considered a national heritage.

Tuesday 12 January 2021

Thokar Niaz Baig Less Explored (2017)

(All pictures taken by the author shall not be used anywhere without permission)

Date of visit:- 14 October 2017

The extension building of the main Bhadrakali Mandir supposed to be constructed on the Instruction of Raja Ranjit Singh

Before the partition of 1947, the town of Thokar Niaz Baig was located 7 miles outside of the city of Lahore.

The history of this town is not much known; however, some references can be found in Tahrikh-e-Lahore, written by Kanhaiya Lal about a Bhadrakali Mandir, which was the main attraction of the town.

Dome of tall monument constructed on the instruction of Raja Ranjit Singh

On every Baisakhi, a major festival was celebrated at this temple. Baisakhi also has religious significance for the Sikhs community as the foundation of the Panth Khalsa on this day by the Guru Gobind. There was a place dedicated in town especially for this festival. It used to have a large pond and an old Banyan tree on the temple premises. Luckily, this Banyan tree still standing at this place. However, the pond disappeared from the scenes due to the construction of newly built houses.

Banyan tree in front is the place where Bhasaki festival used to celebrate before partition

Another close view of a Banyan tree

Before Pakistan came into being, the land of Niaz Baig belongs to Bhadrakali Mandir. The area has somehow an equal population of Sikh, Muslim, and Hindu communities. After 1947 most of the houses of this area allotted to migrated Mewati families. An old man of this cast told us that this place has many fruit gardens in which many seasonal fruits were available used to be available some sixty years back.

Around the Bhadrakali temple, many ancillaries’ buildings used to exist; also, there were four small temples (remains of one which still can be found), a step-well (Baoli), a Baradari-like structure for Pandits, an arched gateway, and the town was fortified as well.

The Stepwell Building

Stairway to step wells

Baradari like Construction (image 1)

Baradari like Construction (image 2)

Another prominent historical building of this town was a Mughal Serai. It used to be at present Katar bund road. Still a landmark of 'Serai' present on Google maps for this site. I visited Niaz Baig ten years back in search of this site but could not found any trace. This place has been long gone.

Also, there is a tall monument having a dome roof still present in Niaz Baig. This building looks more like a hall. Its construction attributes to Maharaja Ranjit. Singh. He orders in the early 18th century for this construction. The purpose of this structure was to provide food and shelter to pilgrimages. Unfortunately, the structure converted into a school building. From the top of this building,

Inside view of Tall Monument constructed in Raja Ranjit Singh Tenure (image 1)

Inside view of Tall Monument constructed in Raja Ranjit Singh Tenure (image 2)

Inside view of Tall Monument constructed in Raja Ranjit Singh Tenure (image 3)

Inside view of Tall Monument constructed in Raja Ranjit Singh Tenure (image 4)

Inside view of Dome

Inside view of Tall Monument constructed in Raja Ranjit Singh Tenure (image 5)

Inside view of Tall Monument constructed in Raja Ranjit Singh Tenure (image 6)

Inside view of Tall Monument constructed in Raja Ranjit Singh Tenure (image 7)

Inside view of Tall Monument constructed in Raja Ranjit Singh Tenure (image 8)

Inside view of Tall Monument constructed in Raja Ranjit Singh Tenure (image 9)

view of Tall Monument constructed in Raja Ranjit Singh Tenure

Inside view of Tall Monument constructed in Raja Ranjit Singh Tenure (image 10)

Inside view of Tall Monument constructed in Raja Ranjit Singh Tenure (image 11)

I also saw a Samadhi surrounded by new house constructions.

At present, no trace of the main temple has left. One can only found remains of some ancillary buildings, which are also in an extremely dilapidated state.