Jani khan Tomb | Army cheif of Mughal Empire
- 2 years ago
Through the erasure of garden land, much of the history that encompassed the gardens also faded into obscurity. One such example is that of Jani Khan’s tomb, located in the southwest garden of Mahabat Khan Baghbanpura, which has a contentious history. Prominent British-era historian Kanhaiya Lal mentioned Jani Khan in his book, Tareekh-e-Lahore (History of Lahore) as the son of minister Nawab Qamar-ud Din Khan and brother of Moin-ul-Mulk, the latter being a Mughal governor and military general. Lal wrote that Jani Khan and his brother carried out a violent attack against the Afghan ruler Ahmed Shah Durrani in the mid 18th century, causing Durrani to retreat to Kabul. When Moin-ul-Mulk became Governor of the Punjab, he appointed Jani Khan as Commander of the Army till Khan’s death in 1778.
Other historians dispute this claim because it is not verified by historical records, and most probably Jani Khan was Moin-ul-Mulk’s father-in-law, not brother. When Ahmed Shah Durrani invaded Lahore in 1748, Jani Khan might have fought off the Afghan, but it is probable that he died in battle or a year later. Historians think that the real Jani Khan may be buried in another garden in Lahore.
However, when we asked the local caretaker about the tomb, his was a completely different story altogether. Instead of referring to Jani Khan as a Mughal noble, he spoke about Jani Khan as a local saint, and referred to the building as Neela Burj (Blue Tower). But this story seems to only exist in oral tradition, and has not verified by a written source, although locals do call it the Shrine of Jani Khan. For the sake of continuity, this tomb will still be referred to as Jani Khan’s Tomb.
What makes Jani Khan special is not its disputed story, but its unique architecture and intricate fresco work. The bright, dazzling colors can still be seen on the walls and the roof, although they are chipped. Even inside, one can find Mughal era frescos and arches that were quite typical for their time. The pyramidal dome sits on top of the shrine with a low neck decorated in patterns quite similar to the Cypress Tomb of Sharf-un-Nisa Begum, which was constructed in 1735 and is located in the same vicinity.
❤️ Must share your thoughts in the comments below.
Other historians dispute this claim because it is not verified by historical records, and most probably Jani Khan was Moin-ul-Mulk’s father-in-law, not brother. When Ahmed Shah Durrani invaded Lahore in 1748, Jani Khan might have fought off the Afghan, but it is probable that he died in battle or a year later. Historians think that the real Jani Khan may be buried in another garden in Lahore.
However, when we asked the local caretaker about the tomb, his was a completely different story altogether. Instead of referring to Jani Khan as a Mughal noble, he spoke about Jani Khan as a local saint, and referred to the building as Neela Burj (Blue Tower). But this story seems to only exist in oral tradition, and has not verified by a written source, although locals do call it the Shrine of Jani Khan. For the sake of continuity, this tomb will still be referred to as Jani Khan’s Tomb.
What makes Jani Khan special is not its disputed story, but its unique architecture and intricate fresco work. The bright, dazzling colors can still be seen on the walls and the roof, although they are chipped. Even inside, one can find Mughal era frescos and arches that were quite typical for their time. The pyramidal dome sits on top of the shrine with a low neck decorated in patterns quite similar to the Cypress Tomb of Sharf-un-Nisa Begum, which was constructed in 1735 and is located in the same vicinity.
❤️ Must share your thoughts in the comments below.