This weekend, my friend from Islamabad visited Chiniot for one day for some personal work. After completing his work, we had some hours to spend together, so we decided what we could do to make this time memorable. We started to search for things we could do to make this day memorable. We decided to visit any historic place, and then we searched on Google Maps for the historic places near us.
As Chiniot is infamous for its woodcraft and historical buildings. We chose Omar Hayat Mahal, a historic site that looked fascinating. Without wasting time, set our directions, and started our little adventure.
The First Impression of Omar Hayat Mahal
When we reached the (haveli)Mahal. And the first gaze fell upon the Mahal leaving us speechless because of its grand wooden exterior and beautifully carved details. It was wonderful and truly unique, unlike anything I had seen before. Unfortunately, when we are going to enter the Mahal, the guide of the Mahal stops us and asks us to wait for some time because the cleaning work is going on inside the Mahal.
So instead of waiting outside, we started to ask about the history of the Mahal, and he told us a little bit of intro that how it was built and how much money was used to build the Mahal.
After that, we spent time exploring the Haveli, admiring the intricate designs, and capturing the beauty in photos. This short visit sparked my curiosity about the story behind this magnificent structure.
The Vision Behind Omar Hayat Mahal
Shiekh Omar Hayat Vohra, a successful businessman who made his fortune in Calcutta, his first son Gulzar Vohra, was born in 1920 so he dreamed of building a Mahal that would feature the best of Chiniot's craftsmanship.
He assigned Syed Hassan Shah the task for the construction of the Mahal. Then he gathered the best artisans from Chinot and other places, and they worked tirelessly for over 10 years to complete this masterpiece.
The Grandeur of the Architecture
Originally the Mahal was a five-story building, Omar Hayat Mahal was a stunning example of Mughal Revival architecture. The wooden doors and windows were adorned with intricate carvings, while the ceilings and balconies showcased extraordinary craftsmanship, which made the Mahal a true work of art. It was described as a 'local wonder' by the British authors of the "District Gazetteer of Jhang".
A Tragic Legacy
But sadly, Omar Hayat passed away shortly after the completion of the Mahal in 1935. Tragedy struck when his son Gulzar Vohra, died on the day of the wedding die due to excessive carbon monoxide because of the burning of a large volume of coal for celebration. He was buried alongside his mother Fatima on the ground floor of the Mahal who later passed. After the tragic incident, the family members abandoned the Haveli associating it with bad luck.
Restoration and Preservation Efforts
After all this time finally, someone heard its cries for help in 1989, the efforts for the restoration of the Mahal began under the supervision of M. Athar Tahir who was the Deputy Commissioner of Jhang at the time. With the help of the local communities and fundraising scheme, significant parts of the building were repaired.
But in 1990, the Haveli was converted into a library and a cultural centre for the public to visit to keep its legacy alive. However, the fun of artists that was done in the 1920s, is challenging to repair.
Omar Hayat Mahal Today
Today, Omar Hayat Mahal stands as a symbol of rich heritage in Chinot. The Lower levels have been preserved, and the small details of the woodwork still amaze the visitors just like I was amazed by the structure and the small things how they are done. Although the Haveli has lost some of its original charm, it remains a landmark and a pride for the local community.
My Final Reflections
After visiting the Haveli and capturing the beauty on camera, I couldn't help but feel inspired to learn more about its history. It is not just a building is an artistry and ambition of a bygone era. Whether you love history or not, its architecture and wooden structure amaze the person who sees it first time. In the end, I think that preserving gems like these ensures that the stories of our past continue to inspire us.
