27-05-2018
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The
revered mausoleum of Mullah Muhammad Saleh Kamboh stands almost unknowingly
adjacent to the Pakistan Railway Headquarters on Empress Road, encapsulated
within the precincts of the St. Andrews Church in Lahore, and holds enduring
historical significance. Serving as the resting place not just for Mullah
Muhammad Saleh Kamboh but also for his elder brother Inayat Ullah Kamboh and
their other family members, this site underwent multiple transformations over
time. Initially known as Gunbad Kambohan, it transitioned from a residence
during the British era to an Anglican church and was later repurposed into a school
managed by the Christian community.
Despite
these transitions, the mausoleum's unique Mughal architecture, characterized by
its octagonal shape and majestic domes, stands as a testament to its glorious
past. However, its current use as a school limits public access, veiling its
historical significance from the general populace. The lack of preservation
efforts by the Archaeology Department underscores the urgent need to safeguard
and restore this invaluable heritage site.
The tomb possessed bad faith and it started during the
Sikh rule, this dome was used to store gunpowder. Then, when the British took
over, it was converted into a resident quarter. Later, when a church was built in
1872, a priest moved in, some stories suggest the British relocated the coffins
of Muhammad Saleh and Inayat Ul Lah to the shrine of Hazrat Ali Rangrez before
turning the place into a residence.
As
Lahore evolves and modernizes, landmarks from its past confront the threat of
fading into obscurity. Authorities must recognize and protect
these remnants of history, ensuring their preservation for future generations.
Mullah
Muhammad Saleh Kamboh, the son of the esteemed scholar Mir Abdullah Kamboh,
shared a familial legacy steeped in scholarly pursuits. His elder sibling,
Sheikh Inayat Ullah Kamboh, stood as an erudite historian, while Muhammad Saleh
Kamboh himself emerged as a luminary in the Mughal court under Emperor Shah
Jehan's patronage. His multifaceted roles included serving as a mentor to
Aurangzeb and holding the prestigious position of 'Shahi Dewan' for Lahore's
Governor, establishing his residence near Mochi Gate, albeit
the exact location still needs to be clarified.
Muhammad Saleh displayed versatility, commanding a contingent of 500 horsemen, showcasing both scholarly and martial prowess. Historical records even portray him as a commander leading a Mughal fleet in the Bay of Bengal against rebellious forces. During this maritime duty, he penned his masterpiece 'Amal-e-Saleh' in 1659 AD, a period after the completion of the renowned Wazir Khan Mosque in 1641 AD. Accounts suggest the mosque bearing Saleh Kamboh's name emerged posthumously in 1675 AD or even as late as 1680, now holding a rich history spanning over 341 years.
Beyond
his military and scholarly feats, Muhammad Saleh Kamboh exhibited skill in
poetry, adopting the pen names Kashfi for his Persian compositions and Subhan
for Hindi verses. Some sources even hint at his proficiency as a classical
singer. Yet, despite the remarkable achievements of the Kamboh brothers in
Lahore, their prominence in both military and scholarly realms remains somewhat
obscured in modern times.
Muhammad
Saleh Kamboh attained lasting renown as the court chronicler entrusted with
recording Shah Jahan's reign. However, the exact date of his passing remains
uncertain, with S. M. Latif suggesting his demise in AH 1085 (1675 AD), a
stance echoed by certain scholars.
Another
historical monument attributed to Muhammad Saleh Kamboh is ‘Saleh Kamboh Mosque’, also known as the
'Chinianwali Maseet' locally, is renowned for its unparalleled marvel of marble
adorned with exquisite precious stone inlay work, famously referred to as
'Kashi kari' standing inside
the Mochi Gate.
The
legacy of Mullah Muhammad Saleh Kamboh, celebrated for his literary prowess and
multifaceted contributions, deserves recognition and preservation. The
mausoleum on Empress Road symbolizes not just a physical structure but a
testament to a glorious era, urging attention and restoration to reclaim its
significance in Lahore's vibrant history.
