Despite thinking that we have explored Lahore enough, its hidden treasures tell a different story.
Fakir Khana Museum
Situated in Bhatti Gate, Lahore, Fakir Khana is the private museum of the Fakir Family of Lahore. It houses the treasures of the Faqir family, who have lived in Lahore since the 18th century. It is said to be the largest private collection in South Asia, with over 13,000 pieces of art
Tomb of French General Allard and her Daughter
The tomb exists on a mound to the east of main road from old Anarkali to Jain Mandir. The daughter of General M. Allard named Marie Charlotte died on 5th April, 1827 in Lahore, and she was buried on a mound in the north west corner of this garden. It is small tomb with a dome octagonal in plan. On the top of the main entrance, a tablet with Persian script is fixed bearing the name of the bidder and the death date of Marie Charlotte. The grave was built in 1827, on the order General Allard for his daughter, and twelve years later in 1839, when he died, he was buried alongside her beloved daughter in the tomb. The tomb was built by Maharaja Ranjit Singh to honor him, with typical Sikh era cupola dome structure on a raised platform.
Kos Minar
Kos was an ancient measure of the territory distance which varied from time to time. In 1609, the Emperor Jahangir ordered a small minaret like monuments to be built at every Kos along the Grand Trunk Road. Remains of a 4 Kos Minars of Mughal period still exist in the environs of Lahore, among which the typical example at Shahu-ki-Garhi near the railway line just outside Lahore station is prominent.
Bhadrakali Mandir
Bhardrakali Mandir, an ancient Hindu temple is situated inside the famous Thokar Niaz Baig. According to the writer Kanhiya Lal, the largest Hindu festival of Lahore used to be held in this temple. Dedicated to an incarnation of the Hindu deity, Durga Mata, the temple was once a grand complex comprising various smadhs (stupas), baoli (well), banyan tree, a pool and two temples.
Tomb of Anarkali
According to the legend, she was executed for her amorous folly in 1599 A.D. Six years later, when Salim came to the throne, he in the memory of his beloved, constructed a monument known as Anarkali Tomb. The mausoleum stands within the enclosure of the Punjab Civil Secretariat, and was completed in 1615 A.D. It has undergone great changes from time to time that it has lost all its original decorations. In 1891 A.D. it was converted into Punjab Records Office, and still serves the same purpose.
Ramsha Tofique is an avid reader, a crazy foodie and a dedicated sportsperson. Her one true dream is to pack up and go on a road trip, apart form playing doubles with Rafael Nadal. She has a degree in Media Studies from Kinnaird College, Lahore, and writes for Kluchit.com
