On the evening of October 5, I had seen almost all the historical places of Lahore that I had included in my list. It was 4:30 in the evening and I decided to pay a visit to the Lahore Museum. When I reached the Lahore Museum's gate, I found that the museum was closed at that time. I requested the watchman standing at the gate of the museum, "Please let me visit the museum,I have come from a long way."
The watchman did not allow me to enter, giving the appropriate justification of the time. The watchman clearly told me that since it is the closing time of the museum, we cannot allow anyone at that time. It will be open at 9:30 in the morning, so you will visit the museum with peace of mind.
I was quite disappointed when I heard that I could not go inside the museum. But then I thought that I will visit the museum in next morning and after that I will go back home.
As it was evening, I went back to my friend's hostel. My friend is becoming a dentist in Lahore.He is studying in Dental college over here. When I thought of Lahore tour, I chose my same friend where i can stay two nights. The strange thing is that his room is five floors up for which one has to climb a lot of stairs. Climbing the stairs makes a person tired, just like how a person exercises to get slim.
I had the urge to visit Anarkali Bazaar at night too, but it rained at night, moreover, I was tired. That's why i slept with heavy eyes. Before going to sleep, I slept by reminding my friend that the first thing after waking up ,in the morning ,is to visit the museum.
Sleeping at night is just like a hobby. I woke up late in the morning and when I opened my eyes it was nine o'clock. That means I was late.My friend was still asleep like a sluggish cat. First of all I woke up my sleeping friend and then got ready myself.
When we both got ready, we left for the museum without breakfast. The museum is located at a two minute walk from my friend's hostel. Believe me, if I were so close to the museum, I would probably visit this museum daily for antiques. But it always happens that if a historical building is located near locals, the local people do not value it that much.
We were probably among the first people to enter the museum as there were no other people with us in the morning who were buying museum tickets. First we parked our bike in the parking lot and then entered the museum entrance. We proceed to the ticket booth to purchase tickets.
I also took my return bag with me. The security guard was a bit surprised to see this bag. Security guard requested me to place my bag in the counter. My friend bought two tickets and these tickets are very economy froendly. You can buy one ticket with just 50 Pakistani rupees.
Even the museum ticket looks very historically touched with a picture of Queen Noor Jahan who was the wife of Mughal Emperor Jahangir along with a gold coin and some artefacts from the Indus Civilisation.
The sprawling red building of the museum is enough to captivate your heart. The red-tiled building is a reminder of the colonial times.
There is a cafe outside the museum where you can sit and enjoy your meal with the red building of the museum and with your friends. Since we had nothing to eat and didn't want to eat, we avoided sitting there.
The interesting thing is that we came to have breakfast with historical artefacts placed in the museum.
Along with the red brick wall of museum, there are many standing figures from history. These figures are from different religions. The one which you are seeing in the picture above is standing figure of Vishnu with broken arms. The Vishnu wears a high decorated head dress, ear rings and a necklace. Hair style shows the ringlets hanging down on shoulders. The two deities smaller in size stands on the either side of the Vishnu, which are so badly damaged that their identification is not possible. Even the face of Vishnu is damaged.
This sculpture was discovered in the month of August, 1996, from right bank of the river Chenab, near village CHOPALA, close to Jalalpur Jattan, District Gujrat. The ancient name of river Chenab was Chandra bhaga, โthe one devoted to sun & moonโ.
It appears that in ancient times, there was a Hindu temple on the site of discovery dedicated to Vishnu or the sun god Surya. The temple was eroded several centuries back when the river shifted its course. This sculpture was buried underneath. The floods have re exposed the foundation and two damaged sculptures lying there on. This sculpture is one of them.
There is also a shop attached to the wall of the museum where you can buy historical items. I don't shop there very often because I know the rates are a bit high.
My heart wanted to take a picture of the inside of the shop too, but the shopkeeper sitting inside the shop clearly forbade me to take pictures from the inside. The rule is simple, the shop belonged to him and I couldn't do anything else without permission, so I just took a picture from outside and moved on to my main work.
Wait, is this a cannon? But there is no need to panic because the operator is no longer there and there are more dangerous weapons these days.
Well, I'm going to warn you all now to fasten your seat belts because we're going to time travel. Now we're going to go back in time and examine things from the past. ๐
I was happy that there was no restrictions to take pictures.
Even if there was no permission, I still had to get permission somehow. Last time I went to Lyallpur Museum in Faisalabad city where photography was not allowed at all.
I wrote an application to the officer in which I told him that I had come from a long way and that I would not misuse the photos at all, after which he allowed me to take pictures. Here too, I was thinking that if it is not allowed to take photos here, then I will still ask permission from them by application.
On my first two steps, I stuck at a door from 17th century. A wooden door depicting hindu mythology. There are many hindu gods inlaid in the door. With excellent wood carving, this marvelous architectural piece was made.
This wooden carving is diminishing in the Punjab region of Pakistan. Previously, it was dominat but now people are conveniently shifting to steel doors. Punjab is blessed with many rivers which are enough to water many jungles are produce so many trees.
This wooden craving is the real tradition but It's in mourning stage. Now, I just see a few of such doors. People have changed their mentality. They think that wooden doors are backward. They have forgotten their roots. In turn, forgetting their culture.
There was another wooden door from Sikh period. That another door was from Lahore and had floral patterns on it. Woods and flowers have a strong connection. Wherever you will find woods,there are flowers blooming on nearby flowering plants.
I walked further but the gallery was under revision. New findings and foundings are being installed in the gallery. We both friends were so engrossed in observing things that we left each other's hand and walking on our own journeys.
A seated Buddha was sitting. It reminded me of my tour to Peshawar where I have seen so many sculptures of Buddha as there is biggest Gandhara Civilization Museum.
Infront of Buddha, A Sitar,An Asian Musical Instrument, was resting. Sitar is from lute family and it's very popular in South Asian Region.
Along with Sitar, there was Dholak which is also an musical instrument. Music of South Asia is vibrant in which you can catch a vibe. Go and listen bro!
I didn't dare to touch anything because i am aware of their worth. What if, any sculpture or ancient piece is standing at just one click? Then it can ruin my life.... Probably. Government would be running behind me that you ruined our historical and ancient piece.
Leave all this, I am over thinker and over- observer.
My sincere reader, I am sorry that i forgot the detail of this pillar. I am not even sure that Is it a pillar or not? Allah knows better!
Before delving much into details, I want to make one thing clear that the whole Museum is divided into many galleries. It's better to explain things with respect to galleries otherwise it will be a paradox for me and for you.
Jain Gallery
I entered Jain Mandir(Temple) Section.If are not aware then let me narrate you that Jainism is a religion. I was not aware of it until I learned about it in my sixth standard. It was my history book which provided me just a drop of knowledge about this religion. Later on, In 2020, When i was studying in Lahore, I saw on a board "Jain Temple". That board always made me scratch my head. After that, I started taking interest in it. There are many many religions which bloomed from South Asia.
These all belongings of temple are from Gujranwala Jain Temple from 19th century. In my point of view, The temple should be preserved on it's original place so that people can feel the real worth of it. Now, it's not the same.
In the center of the temple, I found White marble shrine of Mahavira(24th Tirthankara-a spiritual teacher in Jainism). On this Marble, there are four pairs of Mahivra's foot. These pairs of foot are printed to be worshipped. I learned from Jainism that non-violence is a way to life. Moreover, live life by recognizing self control and seek spiritual growth.
I always confuse Jainism with Buddhism. I saw Tirthankara meditating in lotus pose.
The intricate jali(screen) is fine example of exceptional craftsmanship. I was astonished to see all these things. At a single time, It was hard for me to absorb so much of history. If i would have ample time, I would spend one day on just one section. In this way, I could learn and memorize everything that i saw there.
Islamic architecture has made a big space in the world of architecture. It is so focused and detailed that now i am eagerly wishing for my tour to Iran to see Islamic architecture.
Jainism pilgrimage scene on marble plaque from seventeenth century.It is acquired from Jain temple in Gujranwala.
Wooden craftmanship is identical to Punjab region of Pakistan. Still, this tradition is alive a bit in some regions. I hope people will start embracing their roots.
Right next to Jain gallery, the gallery of Arms and armoury.
Arms & Armoury Gallery
In arms and armoury gallery, I saw artifacts and weapons from colonial times to present times. The main object that captured my attention was a part of Indian jet which fell in the region of Pakistan during Indo-Pak war.
Queen Victoria was seated there. That was bronze statue of Queen Victoria. This bronze statue was seated under the iconic Charing Cross of Lahore but after Independence of Pakistan, this bronze statue came to Lahore Museum.
I usually take few selfies. The reason is not that i am shy but my mobile's camera is not supportive to take clear pictures. Still, I cannot resist myself to take a selfie with iconic bronze statue of Queen Victoria.
In arms and armory gallery, there were many swords to fight. All these swords and guns are behind the glass so i cannot take one.
Sikh Gallery
Before colonial times in Punjab, there was Sikh empire. That Sikh empire was started and glorified by Maharaja Ranjit Singh who is considered as the real king of Punjab. He is heroic character for Punjab.
In the Sikh gallery, I saw Gurudawara, the holy place where followers of Sikhism do worship.
Sikh Gallery is also loaded with Maharaja Ranjit Singh's belongings. There are many things which are attributed to Maharaja Ranjit Singh.
Golden temple which is situated in Amritsar City of India was also showed in Gallery. It's small model was impressive to observe.
Punjab cannot be properly defined without considering the contribution of Guru Nanak Sahib and Sikhism. The whole punjabi literature is sparked with Guru Nanak Dev ji efforts to spread Sikhism.
Behind the glass, there was a chair and table made with elephant's teeth. There were different Sikh manuscripts written in Gurmukhi script of Punjabi language.
I enjoyed the Sikh gallery most because i have a virtual friend from Indian Punjab. I clicked so many pictures and sent all of them to my friend. She became so much happy to see all these things.
Gandhara Civilization Gallery
Gandhara civilization started and emerged from Northen Pakistan and Afghanistan. I have visited Taxila where you can find remains of Gandhara Civilization. Peshawar Museum is largest spot of Gandhara civilization.
In the Gandhara gallery, there were stucco heads of Buddha and different ancient figures. I was passing by every figure but i was mentally consumed as i already have read so much detail. At last, I was just seeing things with a little focus.
Sikri Stupa is a beautiful product of Buddhist art and it dates back to 3-4th century. This Stupa is known as Sikri Stupa as it was found from Sikri area of Pakistan. This stupa depicts the life phases of Buddha.
Buddhism Gallery was loaded with sculptures of Buddha. Buddha was seated in different positions.
One main reason of popularity of Lahore Museum is Fasting Buddha. I was curious to know that why Buddha was shown in fasting stage. After search, I found that after reaching the enlightenment stage, Buddha fasted for forty nine days. This fasting is related to enlightenment.
Hinduism & Other religions gallery
In Hinduism and other religion gallery, I was fascinated to see intricate and complex patterns of deities. I was seeing everything with a smile on my face because i can relate to all this culture. I have watched Indian movies and dramas so i can easily click to this part of museum.
From 17th 18th A.C.E, It's a figure of Ganesha in stone seated on the back of a rat (his vehicle) holding an axe, a flower, a lotus & flower-pod in his four hands. He is wearing an ornamental crown & has a halo at the back. Two Apsaras are flanking him at the top.
Nandi is bull vahana of Shiva. He is guardian deity of Kailash. Kailash is also located in Pakistan.
The Devi Basohli as Sarada stand on a golden stool, holding in her six hands a sword, an arrow, a beggar's bowl, a trident, a bow and a twin- drum. Facing her stands a male devotee with his hands clasped before him.
Ethnological Gallery
Ethnology Gallery (recently re-established in 2021) is one of the most important cultural Gallery of Lahore Museum. In this gallery I saw Traditional Arts and Crafts of different cultural regions of Pakistan like Kalash, Kashmir, Punjab, Cholistan, Sindh, Dera Ghazi Khan, Baluchistan, K.P.K, Swat including Northern Areas of Pakistan.
The musical instruments were also displayed in the gallery. These traditional musical instruments are rubab, Tablas, ik taras and flutes.
This gallery displays different types of Fabrics including Kashmiri shawls from Kashmir, beautiful Phulkari work from Swat and Punjab, most remarkable specimen of traditional Gindi and / Rallis from Cholistan, Sindh and Baluchistan.
Wooden furniture from different regions of Pakistan is also displayed in the section. It didn't take much time to understand all these things as i am part of this culture. Although this culture is shifting and transitioning into something new.
Every province of Pakistan was represented in this section. Here I found some things that I have never seen in my life but they must have been a part of the lives of the old people of this country. For example,There were many items of furniture and daily life that we don't use in modern times, but they have been in use before.
Pakistan-China Friendship Gallery
Both Pakistan and China are friendly countries. You can see this friendship in different ways in different places of Pakistan. I was very surprised to see the gallery as i wasn't expecting this sort of gallery.
As soon as I entered this gallery, I had a smile on my face because I was seeing the Chinese culture.
I had already flooded my gallery by taking pictures so I didn't take too many pictures in this gallery and after just a quick look I moved on to the next section of the museum.
Indus Valley civilization
I was very happy to see the Stone Age depiction of human. A human is sitting and trying to light a fire with the help of two stones.
The Indus Civilization Gallery is currently undergoing compliance under the supervision of the museum and there are still many things to be added. Of course, the gallery is open to all, but there are many sections that are empty and the museum. By the way, you can see my face in the picture above. It means that I am also included in this museum.
The Indus Valley Civilization is one of the oldest civilizations in the world that flourished in the Indus Valley. This section of the museum houses various artifacts of the Indus Valley Civilization.
Pakistan Movement Gallery
I never knew that the top floor of the museum was also worth visiting. I suddenly saw the stairs going up, so I walked up them. I was thinking in my heart that maybe the top section was closed and forbidden.
But when I went to the upper section, there I saw that the whole section is known as Pakistan Movement Gallery. In this gallery, I saw pictures of heroes who fought to make Pakistan.From gold coins to recent era currency was also displayed in this gallery.
Also what I found the best section was the post cards section. I was very surprised to see that the museum had all the postcards from the start of Pakistan to the recent times.
I have always thought that I will also collect postcards and take this thing as my hobby, but doing so seems impossible to me in today's era, because nowadays no one writes letters to anyone.
Time was running out and I had to go back home. I had kinda lost my friend in the museum but the real struggle was to find my friend.
Well somehow I found my friend and then I suggested him to take the way back. My friend didn't want to leave because he also has a lot of interest in history.
To tell you the truth, I didn't want to leave the museum either. I also wanted to go around the museum all day. But I had to go home and I was getting very late. The interesting thing is that I visited this museum in more than two hours. I have never spent so much time in a museum.
On our way back we took lots of pictures of the outside of the museum. Also took some pictures of ourselves so that we could keep it as a memory.A visit which will always be in top of my memory book.
I took my bag and went back home.
This is the longest blog ever. It took almost four days to write bit by bit.
See you next ๐บ๐
All these images are clicked by me