The Story of Sadhu Chor

 

Fakir Syed Saifuddin, the Director of Fakir Khana Museum, holds a prominent position as the custodian of the largest private museum in Pakistan. During my visit to the museum in 2015, he graciously shared numerous captivating historical tales about Lahore, providing insights into its rich heritage.

One such story dates back to the 17th century, during the reign of Mughal Emperor Mohammed Shah when Lahore was under the governance of Nawab Zakriya Khan. In those days, a famous and notorious character known as Sadhu Chor roamed the streets of Lahore. He was renowned for his audacious crimes and larger-than-life persona. In the bustling marketplace of Bazaar Machi Hatta, Sadhu Chor's friend owned a popular pakora shop. The delectable fried delicacies served there captured Sadhu's attention, and he began stealing food from the shop openly and regularly.

One fateful day, while on his usual pilfering mission, Sadhu noticed his friend's shop being dismantled. Curiosity piqued, he inquired about the reason behind this unexpected turn of events. The shopkeeper, with a heavy heart and a voice laden with despair, cursed Sadhu, lamenting how his relentless thefts had left him destitute. The losses incurred due to Sadhu's actions had forced him to close his business and seek refuge elsewhere, hoping to escape the haunting presence of the notorious thief.

Struck by the profound consequences of his actions, Sadhu implored the old man to wait for him at the shop until his return. Hours later, as darkness enveloped the city, a figure emerged from the shadows. It was Sadhu, carrying two large bags on his shoulders. He handed over the bags to the shopkeeper, declaring, "Here, today we settle our accounts." Intrigued and astounded, the shopkeeper opened the bags to find them filled with precious jewels. Before he could gather his wits and express his gratitude, Sadhu had vanished into the depths of the night.

The following morning, the city awoke to a state of frenzy. A grand heist had taken place at the palace of the Governor of Lahore, Nawab Zakriya Khan. Suspicion immediately fell upon Sadhu as all the evidence pointed in his direction. He was swiftly apprehended and ordered to return the stolen jewels. Refusing to comply, Sadhu faced the dire consequences of his actions. The Governor ordered a public hanging, determined to make an example out of Sadhu. After all, raiding the palace of a powerful ruler was a far cry from pilfering food from a humble shopkeeper.

On the day of the hanging, Sadhu was led to the gallows outside the Mori Gate, accompanied by a massive procession. Sadhu, with his larger-than-life persona, attracted a considerable crowd. Along the way, the procession passed by the very shop where the shopkeeper stood, his face etched with worry. Raising the two bags he had received from Sadhu, the shopkeeper made gestures indicating something to the condemned thief. In response, Sadhu firmly gestured back, rejecting whatever suggestion the shopkeeper had put forth. Undeterred, the shopkeeper took hold of the bags and joined the procession. By this point, Sadhu had reached the gallows, surrounded by a sea of spectators. Suddenly, his eyes caught sight of the old man as he maneuvered through the crowd, desperately signaling to Sadhu through gestures. The shopkeeper intended to convey that Sadhu should return the jewels, thus sparing his own life. However, before the old man could do more, Sadhu burst into a passionate speech, addressing the multitude before him. He proclaimed, "Whoever possesses the stolen items should keep them, for even their return would not save me. I have but one request. After my demise, use your share of the loot and construct water wells and temples throughout the city in my name. In this way, I hope to be remembered and forgiven for my misdeeds." The guards grew vigilant, attempting to locate the individual to whom Sadhu was speaking. It was akin to finding a needle in a haystack.

Sadhu's life was tragically cut short as the noose tightened around his neck. True to his request, wells and temples were subsequently built across Lahore, serving as lasting reminders of his tumultuous life and seeking redemption for his misdeeds.