Aerial combat between birds of Prey (Marsh Harrier and Black Kite)

 Location: Lahore

Aerial combat between birds of prey, such as the Marsh Harrier and Black Kite, is a fascinating and intense display of nature's survival instincts and territorial behavior. Both these raptors are known for their impressive aerial skills and predatory prowess. The Marsh Harrier (Circus aeruginosus) and the Black Kite (Milvus migrans) are birds of prey belonging to different genera, but they share similar habitats and often compete for the same resources, including territory and food. The conflict typically arises during the breeding season when these birds become particularly territorial. Each species seeks to establish and defend its own territory, ensuring access to suitable nesting sites, feeding grounds, and other essential resources. As the two birds encounter each other in the sky, a series of intricate aerial maneuvers ensue. The Marsh Harrier, known for its agility and swift flight, may use its sharp talons and powerful beak to fend off the intruding Black Kite. The Black Kite, on the other hand, is characterized by its soaring flight and adaptability, and it may employ evasive maneuvers to avoid direct confrontation. The combat often involves high-speed chases, spiraling ascents, and sudden dives. Both birds may emit distinctive calls and vocalizations, signaling their determination to defend their territories. The clash is not necessarily about causing harm but serves as a means of establishing dominance and delineating boundaries.

A pre-partition Hindu house in old Depalpur city.

Sunday, 4 December 2016

In Depalpur city, numerous pre-partition houses, dating back to the period before the 1947 partition, quietly narrate a story of how people from diverse backgrounds once coexisted harmoniously.

As one explores present-day Depalpur, the weathered facades of these Hindu buildings provide a glimpse into an era when the city thrived on a vibrant mix of cultures. However, the narrative has evolved, and the homes that once hosted a diverse population have undergone a transformation.

Today, these historic structures house new residents – families who sought refuge in Depalpur post-partition. Although the occupants have changed, the essence of these buildings endures, with each brick and archway preserving the legacy of a city that once celebrated diversity.

Birds of Lahore: A Century Apart - A Comparative Study from Currie's Chronicles of 1916 to transformations in 2024

AJ Currie included the Yellow Lapwing in his checklist in 2016, but the first photographic record of the bird in the city dates back to 2019, photographed by me and this record later being published in 'Bird Asia.'

Abstract:-

In 1916, A. J. Currie published a comprehensive account titled 'The Birds of Lahore' and its Vicinity,' documenting avian sightings in the outskirts, including Attari and Mureedka. His detailed bird sightings were compiled into a checklist of 200 species, and this valuable contribution was featured in 'The Journal of the Bombay Natural History.'

Engaging in bird photography within the Lahore area from 2010 to 2024, this article aims to assess the current avian landscape and compare it to Currie's observations made 108 years ago. In categorizing the birds encountered, those commonly seen are termed as "Common," while species with records less than Five in recent years are labeled as "Uncommon." Birds that have become rare, with no recent sightings, are classified as having "No recent records."Additionally, I specifically considered birds for which photographic records are available.

To ensure a thorough examination, I cross-referenced my observations with data from other Lahore-based photographers in the "Birds of Pakistan" group and monitored eBird sightings. This multi-faceted approach enhances the reliability and comprehensiveness of the findings, providing a nuanced perspective on the avian population in Lahore over the past century. I also consulted the works of several other researchers besides Currie (1916), including Mirza (1965, 2005), Ali and Ripley (1983), Roberts (1991, 1992), Chaudhry et al. (1992), Mahmood (2000), Hussain and Afzal (2005), as well as Grimmett and Inskipp (2006).

Categories and Counts:-

Category	Count
A. Total Birds found in Lahore (In 1916, A. J. Currie)	200
B. Status of Birds documented in Lahore by A.J. Currie  in 2024
- "Common"	101
- "Uncommon"	59
- "No recent Records"	40
C. Impact Factor due to habitat loss	50% decline in birding population in 108 years

Common Birds Encountered:- 

1. The Indian House-Crow

2. The Indian Treepie

3. The Common Babbler

4. The Jungle Babbler

5. The Yellow-eyed Babbler

6. The Indian White-Eye

7. The Punjab Red-vented Bulbul

8. The Black Drongo

9. Clamorous Reed-warbler

10. Blyth's Reed-warbler

11. The Indian Tailorbird

12. Zitting Cisticola

13. The Rufous-fronted Prinia

14. The Indian Lesser White-throated Warbler

15. Chiff Chaff

16. The Ashy Prinia

17. The Plain Prinia

18. The Bay-backed Shrike

19. The Rufous-backed Shrike

20. The Indian Oriole

21. The Rose-coloured Starling

22. The Central-Asian Starling

23. The Common Myna

24. The Bank Myna

25. The Red-breasted Flycatcher

26. The White-browed Fantail Flycatcher

27. A common Pied Bushchat

28. The Isabelline Chat

29. The Brown Rock Chat

30. The Indian Redstart

31. The Indian Blue-throat

32. The Indian Robin

33. The Magpie Robin

34. The Baya – Ploceus baya

35. The White-throated Munia Indian silverbill

36. The Yellow-throated Sparrow

37. The House Sparrow

38. The Indian Sand Martin

39. The Swallow

40. The Wire-tailed Swallow

41. Sykes's Striated Warbler

42. The White Wagtail

43. The Masked Wagtail

44. The Large Pied Wagtail

45. The Grey Wagtail

46. The Yellow Wagtail

47. The Citrine Wagtail

48. The Indian Tree Pipit

49. The Paddyfiled Pipit

50. The Indian Sand Lark

51. The Singing Bush-Lark

52. The Crested Lark

53. The Ashy-crowned Lark

54. The Purple Sunbird

55. The Golden-backed Woodpecker

56. The Common Wryneck

57. The Indian Roller

58. The European Roller

59. The common Bee-eater

60. The Blue-tailed Bee-eater

61. The Indian Pied Kingfisher

62. The Common Kingfisher

63. The White-breasted Kingfisher

64. The Common Grey Hornbill

65. The Indian Hoopoo

66. The Common Indian Swift

67. The Cuckoo

68. The Pied Crested Cuckoo

69. The Asian Koel

70. The Common Coucal

71. The Rose-ringed Parakeet

72. The Barn Owl

73. The Spotted Owlet

74. The White-eyed Buzzard

75. The Black Kite

76. The Black-winged Kite

77. The Long-legged Buzzard

78. The Shikra

79. The Sparrow-Hawk

80. The Kestrel

81. The Indian Blue Rock Pigeon

82. The Spotted Dove

83. Collared Dove

84. The Grey Quail

85. The Grey Partridge

86. The Red-wattled Lapwing

87. The White-tailed Lapwing

88. The Black-winged Stilt

89. The Green Sandpiper

90. The Spotted Redshank

91. The Greenshank

92. The Common Snipe

93. The Black-bellied Tern

94. The Grey Heron

95. The Little Egret

96. The Indian Pond Heron

97. The Night Heron

98. The Gadwall

99. The Common Teal

100. The Pochard

101. The Indian Little Grebe

Uncommon Birds Encountered:-

1. Cinereous Tit

2. The Long-tailed Grass warbler

3. The Bristled Grass-warbler

4. The Brown Willow-warbler

5. The Green warbler

6. The Pale Brown shrike

7. The Common Wood-shrike

8. The Short-billed Minivet

9. The small Minivet

10. The Brahminy Myna

11. The Grey-headed Flycatcher

12. The Indian Paradise Flycatcher

13. The Indian Bushchat

14. The Desert Chat

15. The Red-tailed Wheatear

16. The Indian Red Munia

17. The common Rose-Finch

18. The Spanish Sparrow  

19. The Eastern Meadow Bunting  

20. The Grey-necked Bunting

21. The Red-headed Bunting

22. The long-billed Pipit

23. The Indian Sky-larks

24. The Yellow-fronted Pied Woodpecker

25. Syke's Nightjar

26. The Alexendrine Parakeet

27. Plum-headed Parakeet

28. The collared Scope Owl

29. Egyptian Vulture

30. Steppe Eagle

31. The Indian Tawny Eagle

32. Bonelli's Eagle

33. The Brahminy Kite

34. The Crested Honey-Buzzard

35. The Red-headed Merlin

36. The Southern Green Pigeon

37. The Little Brown Dove

38. The Red Turtle Dove

39. The Black-breasted Quail

40. The Black Partridge

41. The Little Button-Quail

42. The Common Crane

43. The Lapwing

44. The Curlew

45. The Black-tailed Godwit

46. The Black Ibis

47. The Spoonbill

48. The Woolly-necked stork

49. The Black Stork

50. The Bar-headed Goose

51. The Ruddy Shelduck

52. The Mallard

53. The Spot-billed Duck

54. The Wigeon

55. The Pintail

56. The Garganey

57. The Shoveler

58. The Red-crested Pochard

59. The White-eyed Duck

"No recent records" Birds Encountered:- 

1. The Raven

2. The Rook

3. The Jackdaw

4. The Himalayan Black Bulbul

5. The White-eared Bulbul

6. The Himalayan Treecreeper

7. Western crowned warbler

8. The Streaked Wren-warbler

9. The Indian Grey-shrike

10. The White-headed Chat

11. Strickland's Chat

12. The Grey-winged Blackbird

13. The Black-throated Blackbird

14. The Green Munia

15. The Eastern Linnet

16. The Rufous-backed Sparrow

17. The Drongo Cuckoo

18. The Long-eared Owl

19. The Short-eared Owl

20. The Mottled Wood-Owl

21. The Dusky Horned Owl

22. The Black Vulture

23. The Eurasian Griffon Vulture

24. White Rumped Vulture

25. The Short-toed Eagle

26. The Crested Serpent-Eagle

27. Pallas's Fishing Eagle

28. The Pied Harrier

29. The Peregrine Falcon

30. The Shaheen Falcon

31. The Laggar Falcon

32. The Cherrug Falcon

33. Yellow Eyed Pigeon

34. The Black-bellied Sandgrouse

35. The Common Sandgrouse

36. The Houbara Bustard

37. The Sociable Lapwing

38. The Jack Snipe

39. The White Stork

40. The Smew

My Birdwatching Journey and diverse Birding hotspots in Lahore:- 

From 2010 to 2024, I immersed myself in the enchanting world of bird photography in Lahore. Our home, the first in the colony, with a spacious garden and abundant fruit trees, became a frequent haven for many bird species. Nurturing my lifelong hobby of bird identification, our surroundings, surrounded by fields, attracted a diverse array of birds year-round. Every day began with the sweet call of a tailor bird on my window. After 2010, I transitioned from being a birdwatcher to a bird photographer. Armed with my trusted companions – the Nikon D500 and D7100, along with Nikkor lenses 70-300 and 200-500 – I had the honor of capturing and documenting the vibrant avian life in and around Lahore. I documented and photographed 200 birds in the Lahore region, presenting a checklist distinct from A. J. Currie's, which I plan to publish in a separate journal.

Here are some of the locations where I dedicated numerous hours to observing and capturing the enchanting world of birds. It is pertinent to mention that from 2018 to the present day, I have spent more than 140 days each year, mostly on weekends, engaging in bird watching and bird photography in the hotspots in Lahore mentioned below.

- Pakistan Kidney Liver Hospital Site in Phase 7 of DHA Lahore

- Various Sites of DHA

- Bedian Road Outskirts

- Shalimar Garden

- Lawrence Garden

- Race Course

- Lahore Safari Park

- Shahdara Reserve Forest

- Sialkot Ring Road

- Jallo Park Lahore

- BRB Canal Batapur

- Punjab University Botanical Garden

- River Ravi

- My Home in Lawan (Behind Shalimar Garden)

- Safari Park

Conclusion:- 

To understand the changes in Lahore's biodiversity over the past century, we need to examine various factors such as alterations in the environment, habitats, weather patterns, and human activities. These factors encompass deforestation, urbanization, pollution, climate change, and conservation efforts. Despite Lahore's historical title as the 'City of Gardens,' it has evolved into more of a concrete jungle. In the past, Lahore was confined to the Walled City and a few small areas outside. However, urbanization has sprawled beyond the old city boundaries, with new colonies stretching to the Indo-Pak border. This expansion has contributed to a decline in avian biodiversity. More than 50 percent of the birds documented by A. J. Currie in 1916 are now categorized as uncommon, and some have no recent records. This transformation underscores the substantial impact on Lahore's biodiversity witnessed over the years.

"𝗙𝗼𝗿𝗴𝗼𝘁𝘁𝗲𝗻 𝗦𝘁𝗼𝗿𝗶𝗲𝘀 𝗼𝗳 𝗟𝗮𝗵𝗼𝗿𝗲: 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗙𝗶𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝗖𝗹𝗮𝘀𝗵 - 𝗥𝗮𝗷𝗮 𝗛𝗶𝗿𝗮 𝗦𝗶𝗻𝗴𝗵 𝘃𝘀. 𝗨𝗻𝗰𝗹𝗲 𝗦𝘂𝗰𝗵𝗲𝘁 𝗦𝗶𝗻𝗴𝗵 𝗗𝗼𝗴𝗿𝗮 𝗮𝘁 𝗠𝗶𝗮𝗻 𝗪𝗮𝗱𝗱𝗮 𝗠𝗮𝗱𝗿𝗮𝘀𝘀𝗮, 1844"

Mian Wadda, or Shaikh Muhammad Ismail, was a revered figure who established the Madrassa during the reign of Akbar near Shalimar Garden in Lahore. This educational institution was renowned for providing comprehensive theology, jurisprudence, Hadis, and Tafsir education. Despite Shaikh Muhammad Ismail's passing in the year 1095 A.H. (1683 A.D.) during Aurangzeb's rule, his Madrassa continued to serve as a renowned Islamic institute and a refuge for the homeless, needy, disabled, and helpless for almost 150 years after his death. Generous donations from noble Muslim courtiers sustained the institution.

However, the Madrassa faced a tragic turn of events during the reign of Raja Hira Singh Dogra, the prime minister of the Sikh Kingdom of Lahore in the mid-19th century. Hira Singh responded decisively after the assassination of Maharaja Sher Singh and Raja Dhian Singh, orchestrating the killing of the Sandhawala brothers, Attar Singh and Lehna Singh. Subsequently, Maharaja Duleep Singh, Ranjit Singh's five-year-old son, was proclaimed the new ruler, with Hira Singh assuming the role of prime minister.

Hira Singh's aggressive pursuit of justice involved confiscating the properties of Sandhawalia sardars and exiling his uncle, Suchet Singh Dogra. Tensions escalated as Raja Suchet Singh sought to assume the prime ministerial position, seeking refuge with students and the needy at Mian Wadda Madrassa. Ignoring the vulnerability of the population within the Madrassa, Hira Singh ordered cannon fire at the site, resulting in a tragic loss of lives, including followers and students.

The conflict between Hira Singh and his uncle not only led to the death of numerous individuals but also caused significant damage to the Madrassa and mosque. The article highlights the collateral damage suffered by cultural and educational institutions during power struggles, underscoring the devastating impact on Mian Wadda's legacy and the lives of those associated with the Madrassa."

𝐇𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐥 𝐓𝐚𝐥𝐞𝐬 𝐨𝐟 𝐋𝐚𝐡𝐨𝐫𝐞: 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐕𝐚𝐧𝐢𝐬𝐡𝐞𝐝 𝐓𝐨𝐦𝐛𝐬 𝐨𝐟 𝐀𝐛𝐮𝐥 𝐇𝐚𝐬𝐚𝐧 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐌𝐚𝐤𝐡𝐝𝐨𝐨𝐦𝐚𝐡 𝐁𝐞𝐠𝐮𝐦

Lahore, a city steeped in history, once cradled the splendid tombs of Abul Hasan and his wife, Makhdoomah Begum. Unfortunately, these historical marvels have fallen victim to the relentless march of time, leaving only fragments of their existence.

Originally positioned near the shrine of Hamid Qari, where Hamid Qari served as the caretaker, Abul Hasan's tomb now dwells in the realm of lost treasures. The remnants of its former glory share tales of Mughal-era architecture. Abul Hassan, the uncle of Queen Noor Jahan, was a significant state official during the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan's reign. He earned the title 'Baradar Bajana Barabar Khananay Bazoa Rast Dault Chugtai.' He constructed a grand tomb costing ten lakhs of rupees, which, unfortunately, was later converted into gunpowder storage during Ranjit Singh's era by one of his French Generals. The tomb met its end in a sky-lighting incident, with the dome's roof demolished, and Sikh rulers sold its bricks, causing the site to vanish.

Adjacent to Abul Hasan's Mausoleum, the tomb of his wife, Makhdoomah Begum, once stood proudly. This mausoleum, adorned with four intricately designed mihrabs and a beautiful ceiling, serves as a reminder of great Mughal craftsmanship. Interestingly, it is said that Makhdoomah Begum, during her lifetime, directed the construction of her tomb, a modest counterpart to her husband's grand memorial, reflecting her respect to her husband.

The mausoleum was initially surrounded by a garden with a canal irrigating lush greenery. Between the Shalamar Gardens and the railway line leading to Amritsar lies a forgotten well, reminiscent of Iranian design. Later, this land became the site for the Western Railway locomotive in the Colonial Era.

The tomb of Makhdoomah Begum, a square-shaped testament to the splendor of its time, sadly saw its demise during Sher Singh's rule. The dome of Makhdoomah Begum's tomb suffered damage, and subsequently, the tomb was demolished, repurposed for bricks, and lost to history.

Historical records depict Makhdoomah Begum as a woman of literary taste and poetic sensibilities, known for her contributions to the cultural tapestry of the era. 

Following the instructions of her son Shaista Khan and in a gesture of humility and reverence, Makhdoomah Begum assigned a thousand Hafiz to continuously recite the Quran at her husband's mausoleum. This sacred tradition persisted during the reign of Hamed Qari, who served as the administrator of the charitable house connected to the tomb. Interestingly, a shrine was constructed a few years back at the grave of Hamid Qadri, and his mosque also stands close to this vicinity.

As the pages of history unfold, the lost tomb of Abul Hasan and the enduring legacy of Makhdoomah Begum weaves a tale of love, devotion, and the inexorable passage of time. The remaining fragments serve as a testament to Lahore's rich history and the cultural gems it once cradled.

𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐒𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐲 𝐨𝐟 𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐢𝐭 𝐑𝐚𝐦 𝐰𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐞𝐝 𝐜𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐋𝐚𝐡𝐨𝐫𝐞

09th April, 2023

 (All pictures and writeup text used in this blog, are author's property, kindly respect copyrights)

Let's explore the story of Chait Ram in the streets of Lahore's Walled City. The Taxali Gate, now a distant memory, was once named after a mint established by Shah Jehan and served as the exclusive western entrance to the city. However, our journey through time focuses on the intricate lanes branching off Taxali Gate.

Chait Ram Road unfolds just beyond Taxali Gate, where the home of Ustaad Daman, a revered Punjabi poet, stands as a cultural landmark. The road then divides into 'Nicha Chait Ram Road' and 'Uncha Chait Ram Road.'

Chait Ram, a devout monk who once resided in Taxali Gate during the Sikh era, transcended conventional religious boundaries by embracing diverse spiritual practices. His religious affiliation remains a mystery, as local beliefs suggest that he may have been a Hindu who converted to Islam before his passing, as documented in historical accounts.

In Nicha Chait Ram, a small enclosure still houses Chait Ram's grave, reinforcing the local belief that he embraced Islam.

During my visit last year, I sensed a profound gratitude in this small area adorned with incense sticks and oil lamps. Chait Ram's grave stood there, a reflective symbol. The roads bear his name, and locals continue to regard him as a spiritual figure with mystical powers.

Chet Ram Road, on the other hand, gained fame for its mastery of crafting musical instruments. The twin Chet Ram Streets and adjacent thoroughfares form the nucleus of one of the Subcontinent's most recognized red-light districts. With historical roots in the Mughal and Sikh eras, this district has served as a cultural hub for centuries, known for its association with classical music, dance, and traditional performing arts. The structures along these historic streets, standing as silent witnesses to bygone eras, weave together tales of the past, contributing to the rich social and cultural fabric of Lahore.

Hazrat Syed Mitha (R.A): An Islamic Figure from Lahore of 13th Century

"Hazrat Syed Mitha (R.A), originally known as Syed Abdul Ghaffar, hailed from a family that migrated from Khwarazm to India. After traversing the landscapes of India, they chose Lahore as their settling ground. Amid invasions, killings, and looting by Genghis Khan, Hazrat Pir Syed Mitha's father, Syed Jamaluddin, migrated from there to India and eventually found a permanent residence in Lahore. The family's noble demeanor earned them admiration among the people, leading to their popularity and a decision to make Lahore their permanent home. Through devotion, austerity, and nobility, the family became well-known and attracted many individuals to join their circle, influenced by Syed Jamaluddin.

Following the passing of Syed Jamaluddin, his son Hazrat Pir Syed Mitha continued the legacy. Renowned for his eloquent speech and engaging conversations, he acquired the name Syed Mitha, which endures to this day. The streets and markets are named after him, preserving his legacy in the people's hearts. Belonging to the ancestral lineage of Hazrat Imam Hussain, Syed Mitha was a revered and honorable personality in Lahore with an extensive constituency in Ardlat.

The Poetic Inscription of Hazrat Syed Mitha (R.A) Grave:- 

The poetic inscription on the grave of Saeed Mitha (R.A) exemplifies the translation of a Farsi stanza into Urdu & English. 

سید مٹھا ولی باصفا تھے

جو کہ ہر خاص و عام کے لئے شیریں( طبیعت کے مالک) تھے۔

آپ کی وفات کا سال یوں ہے۔ " صاحب نعمت دگر شیریں کلام"

یعنی آخری مصرعے سے علم الاعداد کے ذریعے سال وفات نکل آئے گا

"Saeed Mitha Wali was pure and benevolent,

who was sweet (nature's owner) for everyone, both special and common.

The year of your demise is such,

'Owner of other blessings, sweet words,'

meaning the year of death can be deduced through numerology from the last verse"

In the past, poets in the sub-continent often included the dates of significant events, births, or deaths within their verses, demonstrating their literary expertise and scholarly status, and celebrating these moments same can be seen on this gravestone.

Hazrat Syed Mitha departed during the reign of Sultan Naseeruddin Mahmood Shah I, a year before the ascension of Sultan Ghiyasuddin Balban in November 1262 in the Gregorian calendar (664 Hijri). His shrine, located in Bazaar Syed Mitha, serves as a place of reverence for the public and specific devotees. Recently, efforts have been made to renovate the shrine, revealing its original location one level below the road. The route from Lohari Mandi to Pir Nogaza passes through Bazaar Syed Mitha, connecting this significant location's historical and spiritual aspects.

Near the Syed Mitha Shrine, the Government Syed Mitha Hospital stands as a symbol of the legacy, inaugurated in 2011 by PML-N chief Nawaz Sharif. This teaching hospital, equipped with 100 beds, features two emergency theaters, a well-equipped labor room, a state-of-the-art chemical laboratory, and a cutting-edge CT scanner."