Haveli Bhalki Shah, also known as Blakki Shah, is an old pre-partitions building that stands in the heart of Gumti
Bazaar within Lahore's walled city. The building's front side bears an
inscription indicating that it was built on April 17th, 1929. I had the
opportunity to visit and photograph this historic structure back in 2013.
Back in its day, this haveli (mansion) was a remarkable piece
of architecture. With three stories and elegant hanging balconies adorned with
intricate wooden carvings, it was truly a sight to behold. The front of the
building was originally painted entirely in white, giving it the appearance of
a beautiful white pearl standing gracefully. Unfortunately, today the front
view is marred by numerous electric cables crisscrossing the area.
Interestingly, Hindu symbols, including the sacred symbol
"Ōṃ," are visible at various spots on the building's façade,
indicating its connection to Hinduism. The rear elevation of the haveli
features simpler wooden balconies on the first and second floors.
There's another inscription on the front façade, although a
few of the words at the front have faded over time. It reads, "Messrs
Brothers Kimal & Son Bankers Lahore."
The stories surrounding Bhalki Shah vary. Some say he was a
wealthy Hindu banker, while others depict him as a somewhat notorious figure of
his time, known for lending money in the city. One common tale from the walled
city recounts how, when Bhalki Shah fell ill, people were afraid to visit him,
thinking he might demand repayment of their loans. Those who had borrowed
smaller amounts took the risk and visited him. Upon learning of their modest
debts, he magnanimously forgave them. Learning of this benevolent act, even
those who owed larger sums were encouraged to check on his health. When they
visited, he inquired about their loans through his assistant, and upon
discovering their substantial debts, he instructed his worker to hold them in
his house until they settled their loan obligations.
My friend Adil Lahori, who is from the walled city, told me an interesting fact about Bhalki Shah. It's said that almost everyone in Lahore borrowed money from him, except Mian Iftikharuddin and Mian Miruddin. He had three bank branches in Lahore, one near Chori market close to Pani Wala Talab, and another near Neela Gumbad, and the location of the third one is unknown. They weren't exactly bankers but offered high profits on people's money. Being close to Lahore Heera Mandi, many visitors borrowed money from them and returned with significant interest.
Several quotes related to Bhalaki Shah are popular in the
walled city, with one still echoing: "Tu bara Bhalki Shah bana phirta
hain" (You act like a big shot, just like Bhalki Shah). However, concrete
historical references about Bhalki Shah are hard to come by.
It is crucial to urgently preserve and restore this precious
gem of Gumti Bazaar before it fades away into oblivion.
