Archaeological dept to conserve historic mosque

Building resembling Babri Masjid was built by Lodhi family in 1451

LAHORE: The Punjab Archaeological Department has decided to take steps to preserve the remains of a five-and-a-half-century-old historic mosque located in Eminabad in Gujranwala.

The mosque resembling Babri Masjid was built by the Lodhi family in 1451.

Even before the formation of Pakistan, there were a few remnants of the mosque, which are still preserved.

The town of Eminabad is the inheritor of Muslim, Sikh and Hindu civilisation and architecture.

These include three oldest Shiva temples, Gurudwara Rori Sahib and the Usmani Mosque. The mosques and temples are in a very dilapidated condition.

Adeel Ahmad, a resident of Eminabad, said the mosque is a masterpiece of architecture as no pillars and lanters have been used in its construction. “Today, only the central part of the mosque stands, the dome of which can be seen from miles away,” he remarked. He maintained that the ruins of the mosque existed in the same condition even before the establishment of Pakistan.

“It is one of the oldest mosques in Pakistan. There is a large pond near the mosque and the ruins of a royal guest house are a few metres away from the pond,” he said.

Punjab Archaeological Department Director Malik Maqsood said there are traces of archeological sites of hundreds of buildings in Punjab, of which the most important ones have been preserved and renovated.

“Our plan is to build a wall around the mosque and install a gate to preserve the existing monument,” he said. “As soon as the funds are released, the work will start,” he added.

The pond is enclosed by a brick wall. From one side, stairs lead into the pond. The middle door of the mosque is large, while there are two small doors on its right and left. Stairs on the right side lead to the roof of the mosque.

Many anecdotes are also linked with the mosque. Locals state that it is the tomb of a girl named Eman who was martyred while giving water to soldiers in a battle. However, nobody knows what that battle was about and who fought it.

According to local people, the town was named Eminabad after the same girl.

However, archaeologists do not support the claim. Tourists from the nearby areas visit the ruins on holidays.

Apart from them, when Sikh pilgrims from different countries, including India, visit Gurudwara Rori Sahib, they also visit those ruins.

Mostly young people who are fond of tourism visit the place and take selfies, while for those interested in historical sites, the mosque is an important destination.

Published in The Express Tribune, June 7^th, 2020.