Friday, 10 June 2022

REMAINS OF A WALLED GARDEN in EMINABAD (2020)

32° 2'11.80"N 74°15'44.28"E

Relevance: architecture

Date of Visit:- 23 August 2020

(All pictures are owned, kindly respect copyrights)

Article-No. 9 on Eminabad

Eminabad is a town located 10 to 15 kilometers southeast of Gujranwala city. The history of this town is quite ancient, it is believed that the town was inhabited during the first century BCE by Raja Salavan of Sialkot.

In Eminabad, before the partition of Hindustan, a large community of Hindus and Sikhs used to live alongside Muslims. One can still find remains of many beautiful architectures of that era present in the forms of Havelis, Gardens, Gateways, Temples, and Gurdwaras.

In the south of Eminabad remains of a pre-partition Walled Garden in decrepit conditions are still present, this garden belonged to some Hindu family before 1947. It used to have a large entrance gateway and wall constructed of small bricks extracted from the adjacent mound.

My other articles on #Eminabad

https://aliusmanbaig.blogspot.com/2020/09/old-eid-gah-eminabd.html

https://aliusmanbaig.blogspot.com/2022/06/a-historical-mosque-of-lodhi-era-in.html

https://aliusmanbaig.blogspot.com/2020/10/an-ancient-mound-of-eminabad.html

https://aliusmanbaig.blogspot.com/2022/06/a-pre-partition-sikh-haveli-in-eminabad.html

https://aliusmanbaig.blogspot.com/2022/06/the-five-pre-partition-hindu-temples-of.html

https://aliusmanbaig.blogspot.com/2022/06/an-unknown-pre-partition-sikh-samadhi.html

https://aliusmanbaig.blogspot.com/2022/06/a-dilapidated-pre-partition-shamshan.html

https://aliusmanbaig.blogspot.com/2022/06/remains-of-crumbling-mausoleum-in.html

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, 5 June 2022

A PRE-PARTITION SIKH HAVELI IN EMINABAD (2020)

Relevance: Pre-Partition Haveli

Date of Visit:- 23 August 2020

(All pictures are owned, kindly respect copyrights)

Article No. 7 on Eminabad

In the middle of this town, a pre-partition Haveli still stands, its construction attributed to some Sikh family before 1947. One still can see the splendor of craftmanship in this architecture, multifoil arched gateways, cut bricks arranged in lancet arches pattern around the windows, and Wooden doors with different floral arrangments. Nanak Shahi bricks are used in this building construction.

The building is occupied by some migrant families and not much care has been given to the conversation in this building.

Friday, 3 June 2022

Remains of a crumbling Mausoleum in Eminabad (2020)

32° 2'16.35"N, 74°16'7.85"E

Relevance: Muslim Architecture

Date of Visit:- 23 August 2020

(All pictures in this blog are taken by me, kindly respect copyrights)

Article-No. 6 on Eminabad

Eminabad is a town in Pakistani Punjab, which is situated 10 to 15 Kilometers southeast of Gujranwala city. It is believed that this place was inhabited during the first century BCE by Raja Salavan of Sialkot.

On the outskirts of the Eminabad, a 15th Century Lodhi era historical mosque is present. Next to which, a graveyard is located. In the middle of this graveyard, remains of a mausoleum-like structure is present. Mughal era brick masonry was used in the construction of this edifice, however, most of the part of this structure crumbled down with time. Along this edifice, there are other graves present in the graveyard which were constructed of the same bricks.

A Dilapidated Pre-partition Shamshan ghat (Cremation Ground) in Eminabad (2020)

32° 2'18.85"N 74°16'0.81"E

Relevance: Hinduism

Date of Visit:- 23 August 2020

(All pictures in this blog are taken by me, kindly respect copyrights)

Article No. 5 on Eminabad

In Eminabad, before the partition of the Hindustan, a large community of Hindus and Sikhs used to live alongside Muslims. One can still find remains of many beautiful architectures of that era present in the forms of Havelis, Gardens, Gateways, Temples, and Gurdwaras.

Southeast of the Eminabad a large pond having the dimension of 166 m x 196 m is present. On one side of this pond, a brick pathway of Nanak Shahi bricks still can be seen. In the center of this pathway, a Shamshan Ghat (Cremation ground) was present. One still can see supportive pillars that were built along the pond so ashes can be disposed of after cremation in accordance with Hindu traditions. According to the rituals, the son of the deceased lights the pyre fire at the shamshan ghat.