Sunday, June 19, 2011

Zaib-un-Nisa Street, Karachi

Via Flickr:
British ear building on Zaib-un-Nisa street. Original name of this street is Elphinstone Street, in honour of a British official Monstuart Elphinstone (1779–1859). It should be remembered that British finally left Subcontinent in 1947 after their debacle in World War II, a war which emptied their coffers.

Imam's musala (stone work), Thatta masjid

Via Flickr:
Every masjid in the world has a stone or a slab or a marking on marble for Imam. But it was the genious of Shah Jehan, one the greatest emperors of the world, who designed such a beautiful musala (place where Imam stands while leading prayers) for his beautiful Thatta masjid. There are two musalas for Imam. One is within the main chamber whereas this one is outside.

Tuesday, June 14, 2011

Princess feeding antelope, Sheikhupura Fort

I am not really sure about the history of this fort. It is clear, though, that the fort was initially built by Emperor Akbar and later developed by Emperor Jehangir.

This wall painting withing the fort depicts a princess feeding a pet black antelope. It must be noted that during time of Mughal Rule Sheikhupura had ample flora and fauna. Among the most noted was this specie of antelope. Later, Jehangir constructed a Minar (minaret) commemorating the death of his favourite antelope, who was killed accidentally while on a shoot. Therefore, till Jehangir ruled the empire it was forbidden for everyone to shoot antelopes in the areas around Sheikhupura.

It must also be noted that Akbar used to call Jehangir by the name of Sheikhu. Therefore, the name Sheikhupura.