30th June 2023
The legendary horse known as Laili, held a special place in the heart of Maharaja Ranjit Singh, the Sher-e-Punjab (Lion of Punjab), and resided within the Lahore Fort. Originally belonging to Yar Muhammad Khan Barakzai, the Sikh tributary governor of Peshawar, Laili was renowned for its exceptional beauty and graceful demeanor. Maharaja Ranjit Singh, known for his profound love for horses, was captivated by Laili's presence, and acquiring it came at the cost of a kingdom (Rs 60,00,000) and the lives of 12,000 soldiers.
In the royal stable overseen by Bakun/Bukun Khan, an official responsible for Maharaja Ranjit Singh's prized horses, Laili was among the many esteemed breeds. Little information is available about Bakun Khan, aside from the existence of a mosque near Mochi Gate in the Mohallah Dhal neighborhood that is attributed to him. According to references in Kenya LAL and Latief's writings, the mosque was constructed in 1841, two years after the death of Maharaja Ranjit Singh, during a turbulent period for the Sikh Empire in Punjab. The mosque has a garden and madrassa, although these have since disappeared over time. While the outer wall and gateway, constructed with old Nanak Shahi bricks, remain intact, most of the original components of the mosque have been replaced with new construction material.
The mosque, though small, features three arches leading to its prayer hall. A Persian verse is engraved on its main entrance. The translation of these verses into English reads, "Bukan Khan constructed this mosque of great significance, and a voice from the heavens was heard, 'This is the parallel of the Kaaba.'" This inscription signifies the grandeur and importance of the mosque in its heyday in the past.
Additionally, the mosque holds historical significance as the location where Anjuman-e-Himayat-e-Islam, an intellectual and social welfare organization, was founded. Established on September 24, 1884, in Lahore, within the same mosque attributed to Bakan Khan inside Mochi Gate, Anjuman-e-Himayat-e-Islam was founded by Khalifa Hameed-ud-Din.
Overall, the mosque associated with Bakan Khan is a testament to the rich history, architectural splendor, and cultural significance that characterized the era of Maharaja Ranjit Singh and the Sikh Empire in Lahore.
