Hindu heritage of Hyderabad, Pakistan

Hindu heritage of Hyderabad, Pakistan
Originally uploaded by Ameer Hamza

Via Flickr:
Real name: Unknown.
Now named: Kashan-e-Amjad, Heerabad, Hyderbad, Sindh province, Pakistan.

Hindu banyas, as the Brahmin caste is known in Urdu and Hindi, knew little while constructing such beautiful entrances that their time in up-coming Pakistan was running short. In 1947, British litrally ran away from British India, dividing the country into Hindu India and Muslim Pakistan, jumbling up the borders to their own likes and dislikes, putting to sword the lives of millions. Many died in Punjab bloodbath and Pakistan's founder, Mr. Jinnah, wondered whether he done it right by creating a homeland for Muslims of India? He, like millions across the border, were dumbstruck by the results. The results were understood long before blood letting was allowed by the British but to no avail. Rapes, looting and murder were the order of the day. The peaceful Muslims in newly created India were either killed or forced to relocate. Same thing happened to Hindus, people who'd lived here since last 4,000 years or so. But they were to move enmasse. Even personal appeal from Mr. Jinnah was unable to stop Hindus of Sindh from vanishing overnight. But something good also happened here: As against thousands of killed daily in Punjab province hardly anyone was killed or maimed here in Sindh province. It remained largely peaceful except for some isolated incidents in Karachi and elsewhere. Even Parsis, followers of Zarathustra, felt insecure and left for greener pastures. Their places were eventually filled by Delhi wallas, Hyderabadis and Lucknawis, people who claimed big properties in India and who now got such beautiful havelis in return (see this and other photographs).

How sad is our history! But only if we knew.

Buddu tomb, Lahore

Buddu tomb, Lahore
Originally uploaded by Ameer Hamza

One of the numerous historical sites found in Lahore. I love Lahore and I love the fact that it has 1000-year worth of historical places, many of which were delibrately destroyed by the British post-1857 clean-up operation. Many more have been destroyed by land mafia and exploding population of the metropolis. How sad that we cannot preserve our brilliant historical buildings and parks.

Princess feeding antelope, Sheikhupura Fort

Princess feeding antelope, Sheikhupura Fort
Originally uploaded by Ameer Hamza

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.