More than just a place to pray

Apart from being an author and researcher of twelve books on fiction, poetry and history in Punjabi and Urdu literature, Mudassar Bashir is an expert in the history of the walled city of Lahore.

Keeping alive his rich, investigative literary tradition, Bashir’s comprehensive Punjabi language book Maseetaan ― Lahore Di Var II on Lahore’s spirituo-cultural heritage, offers profound knowledge about the city’s ancient mosques.

This is the second volume of his 2011 venture Lahore Di Var and it explores the cultural and historical background of Lahore’s mosque in terms of architecture, interior designing and efficacy. Bashir highlights the socio-political influence of mosques on contemporary society and other related fundamentals and phenomena. As we read and get acquainted with the various mosques discussed in different chapters of this book, we come to know that in the past, mosques were used not only for offering prayers or exercising purely religious musters, but also for holding socio-political meetings in times when day-to-day affairs of communities were discussed, responsibilities shared and decisions were taken based on collective opinion. These mosques would serve as forums for community gatherings, where problems and issues were resolved in a smooth and peaceful manner.

Basheer explains how mosques of pre-Mughal, Mughal and Victorian epochs are considered for sightseeing on the basis of not only their rich heritage and architecture, but their charismatic appeal and mystic interpretations as well. This is perhaps one of the reasons why apart from being a hub of aesthetics, arts and literary edification, Lahore has always been associated with Sufism and spiritualism.

Bashir discusses how a number of historical mosques and sites no longer exist in their original design, shape and condition. The ups and downs of the time and the rotation of ruling dynasties, communities and religious groups have immensely affected these architectural masterpieces, sometimes playing havoc with their past glory, grandeur and majesty. Many mosques were rehabilitated and renovated in different spans of time, and subsequently, renamed after different personalities or families who happened to be the major caretakers or donors in the process of funding the repair and renovation.

Hence, a confusion has been created due to the misinformation about these archaeologically significant treasures, and it has led to a quagmire of oblivion and ignorance. It would not be hyperbolic if we assert that our successive governments and the relevant state officials and institutions have always been entirely negligent and insensitive in this regard. Even if it is a tough and challenging task for a state or the government to preserve these archaeological sites in terms of huge budgeting, campaigns can be initiated and organised with the help of philanthropists and international agencies for technical assistance and fund raising for renovation and rehabilitation of this historical heritage.

Although a reasonable and comprehensive bulk of intellectual and scholastic work has been done on the history and architectural treasures of Lahore in several other languages besides Urdu and English, strangely enough, we hardly find books on Lahore or Punjab’s history and culture in Punjabi language. This is even more surprising as Lahore has been not just the capital of Punjab, but the pulsating heart of the entire subcontinent, leading multi-dimensional lingo-cultural and literary accomplishments and festivities in the region.

During last 12-13 years, Bashir has taken the initiative and endeavoured to produce more than twelve books in Punjabi. Apart from Punjabi novels, short stories and poetic bouquets, he has written well-researched volumes on Lahore’s tombs, families of traditional wrestlers, the film industry, actors, musicians, singers and saints.

References and information from history volumes penned down by Muhammed Saleh Kamboh, Kanhayia Laal Hindi, Molvi Noor Ahmad Chishti and other historians indicate that Bashir has researched and studied this sensitive subject thoroughly to avoid any discrepancies and confusions.

Muttahir Ahmed Khan is an educationist, author and analyst. He can be reached at muttahir_khan@hotmail.com. All information and facts provided are the sole responsibility of the write