Sher Shah Suri Mosque Shergarh

06-03-2018

30°49'51.21"N

73°44'21.66"E

The Tarikh-i-Sher Shahi (history of Sher Shah) dating 1580 CE, is a historical work compiled by Abbas Khan Sarwan. In this book Abbas highlighted that, after few years of Conquering of Multan by Afghans; Sher Shah Suri Nominated Fateh Jang Khan Governor of Multan. Fateh Jang Khan, named the town of Shergarh after the Afghan ruler of India, Sher Shah Suri, who built a mud fort in town.

Fateh Jang Khan also constructed a Jamia Mosque in Shergarh Town the mosque is known as ‘Sher Shah Suri Mosque’. This mosque constructed in middle of tenth Hijri. Most of the structure of this mosque collapsed in 1955 and turned into ruins.  In 1958 the last two entrance gates located on left portions were also fallen.  

The original dimension of mosque was 100 feet in length and 25 feet in width.  It has five entrance doors and also consists of five domes in roof. The middle dome was of larger diameter and height.  Four Octagonal columns of 30 feet height constructed on each corner of mosque. There was stairs constructed on south and north side of mosque. The central courtyard was 30 feet in length and 100 feet in width. The internal walls of mosque were decorated with floral artwork. There was also a well constructed in courtyard.

The new mosque rebuilt on 11^th march 1977 by the Auqaf Department.

HARAPPA OLD MOSQUE

04-04-2018

This ruined mosque appears to have been built in the Mughal period (1526-1707 AD)originally referred to as an Eid-Garh.This structure was probably built as a place for prayer to commemorations of a renowned person from the local community and it may be associated with the tomb of Baba Noor Shah Wail to the west. 

The mosque measures 12 meters north-south and may have had a rectangular shape, no indication of the roof have been found. It has five arches in the western wall which are found only in a few other early mosques generally associated with family burial structures. The mosque was constructed with reused Harappan bricks and is built on the top of a massive city wall of the Harappan period (2600-1900 B.C) that enclosed the part of the site called Mound 'AB": The Harappan city wall was constructed of mud bricks with baked bricks facing and superstructures. Conservation of the mosque began after detailed documentation of the original structure and excavation of the adjacent areas. Decayed bricks were replaced and a supporting foundation revetment was built along the existing walls. 

The preserved walls have been strengthened by re-pointing with kanker lime plaster and the arches were constructed Clay plaster has been applied over the eastern face to limit further damage to the underlying Harappan period structures until additional conservation measures can be implemented. Excavation and conservation is made by  Dr. R.H  .Meadow and Dr. J.M.

Masjid Al-Hassan Lahore, a 18th Century Building Constructed by Qizilbash Family

21-01-2018

(All images copyright 2018 Mirza Ali Usman Baig, text written in this article is the author's Research and shouldn't be reproduced)

Hidden within the premises of private property on Empress Road lies the remarkable Masjid Al-Hassan, accompanied by an adjacent madrasa. This architectural gem is concealed, offering a sense of intrigue and exclusivity. As you journey northward on this bustling road, just beyond the renowned St. Anthony's (Don Bosco) Church and prior to reaching the prominent Pakistan Railway Headquarters, a sharp turn leads you into a narrow street, where a petrol pump stands at its inception.

The land on which this magnificent structure stand is owned by Lahore's esteemed Nawab Qizilbash family, adding a touch of aristocracy to its surroundings. Initially, I mistakenly believed that Saleh Sindhi Mosque and this particular edifice were one and the same, only to discover that Saleh Sindhi Mosque resides on the opposite side of the Pakistan Headquarters.

Adorned with Nanak Shahi bricks, symbolizing its historic charm, the building itself exudes a timeless allure. To gain access and explore the premises, one must obtain special permission, heightening the sense of exclusivity associated with this hidden treasure.