he Walled City of Lahore holds a wealth of captivating tales in its confines. Here, every nook and cranny resonates with the splendour of bygone days. Strolling along its narrow alleys, one can almost hear the murmurs of its ancient walls and streets, narrating stories of triumph and sorrow.

Mochi Gate, one of the thirteen gates constructed during the reign of Emperor Akbar is a marvel of that era. These gates were linked and a thirty-foot-high fortified wall, safeguarded the city. However, many of these gates were demolished during the British colonial rule.

It wasn’t until the early 1900s that initiatives to rebuild those began. Regrettably, Mochi Gate succumbed to degradation and fire. While the gate no longer exists, the streets, neighbourhoods and buildings that once surrounded it continue to bear witness to Lahore’s opulent architectural history.

A historically significant structure, the Barkat Ali Islamia Hall, stands close by. Located on the Circular Road near Mochi Gate, this hall played a pivotal role in the pre-partition politics of the Punjab. It served as a gathering place for activists and freedom fighters during various movements, particularly those concerning the Muslim community.

Following the passage of the Lahore Resolution in March 1940, the Barkat Ali Islamia Hall became a prominent meeting point for the Muslim League. The gatherings were held both within its walls and on the adjacent open ground.

Over the years, like numerous other heritage sites in the Walled City, Barkat Ali Islamia Hall has endured encroachment, vandalism and neglect. While the main entrance facing the Circular Road remains visible, the other sides have been encroached upon. The building has been conserved and restored by the Walled City of Lahore Authority. The ownership of this historical site is vested in the Auqaf Department.

According to the record meticulously preserved at the Chughtai Museum, the illustrious Barkat Ali Hall is a testament to the vision of Khan Bahadur Muhammad Barkat Ali Khan, a distinguished luminary of Lahore.

Khan’s family hailed from Afghanistan and had arrived in the region during the Seventeenth Century reign of Emperor Shah Jehan. In 1847, Barkat Ali Khan was appointed thanedar in Mukerian in Hoshiarpur district. He rendered commendable services to the British during the Sikh War of 1848.

Within two years, he ascended to the position of Risaldar in the military police. By 1860, he had secured the post of tehsildar. This marked the commencement of forty years of dedicated service in Lahore.

In 1868, while he was still a tehsildar, the title of Khan Bahadur was conferred upon him. It was a rare honour. In 1870, he was promoted to the rank of extra assistant commissioner in Lahore, a position he held until his retirement in 1882.

Barkat Ali Khan’s reputation as a capable administrator was underscored in 1873 when he earned the government’s commendation for resolving religious disputes in Lahore. His responsibilities extended beyond official duties, as he was often entrusted with receiving prominent foreign visitors to the provincial capital. In 1872, for instance, he escorted an envoy of the Shah of Bukhara to and from Calcutta.

Upon his retirement, Khan chose Lahore as his abode and immersed himself in public service. His primary arena of engagement was the Anjuman-i Islamiyah. He also held the position of vice-president in the Lahore branch of the Indian Association, presided over by Sardar Dayal Singh — the luminary behind Dayal Singh College, Dayal Singh Library and The Tribune.

Khan may have had a role in the warm reception accorded to Sir Syed Ahmad by non-Muslim citizens in Lahore. Sardar Dayal Singh Majithia was among those present at the railway station to welcome him in 1873 and 1884.

His public engagements extended to various bodies, such as the University of the Punjab and the Lahore Municipality.

The need for a hall to promote Islamic values and cultural activities became apparent during a conference attended by Sir Syed Ahmad Khan in Lahore in 1887. This led to the construction of the Mohammedan Hall outside Mochi Darwaza in 1888, at an estimated cost of Rs 1,800. The contract for the construction was awarded to Mistri Manga of Lahore, a member of a renowned maimar (mason) family known for their contributions to several Mughal buildings in Lahore and Delhi. Mistri Manga was an ancestor of MA Rahman Chughtai, the distinguished artist associated with the Chughtai Art Gallery and Museum in Lahore.

Khan Bahadur Barkat Ali Khan passed away in 1905, leaving behind a remarkable legacy, which includes the Barkat Ali Islamia Hall. Sadly, both Khan Bahadur Barkat Ali Khan and the hall have faded from public memory. It is crucial to illuminate their historical significance so that future generations can gain an appreciation for the man and the purpose behind this hall.

The meticulously restored and carefully preserved Barkat Ali Islamia Hall is poised to reinvent itself as a contemporary hub for communal gatherings. Kamran Lashari and the acclaimed architect, Ayzzad, the custodian of the hall’s restoration, passionately advocate for its sustained and consistent utilisation, underscoring the imperative nature of such an approach for its enduring relevance.

Furthermore, the proposal to establish a compact museum within the hallowed hall is an enticing prospect. This curated space could serve as a window into the city’s illustrious past, illuminating the diverse spectrum of activities that have graced its premises. Such an initiative can be a homage to the legacy of Khan Bahadur Barkat Ali Khan and ensure that his contributions to Lahore’s cultural tapestry remain etched in the collective memory for generations to come.

After a prolonged hiatus spanning over two decades, Barkat Ali Hall has been resurrected through the efforts of the WCLA. The commendable feat deserves recognition. With its doors reopened, the hall beckons with a promise of dynamic vibrancy. A comprehensive slate of activities, ranging from poetry symposiums and musical evenings to literary sittings and theatrical performances, has been curated. The thoughtful planning behind these events reflects a sincere dedication to infusing life into the historic space.

There is little doubt that such well-intentioned initiatives will not only breathe new life into the Barkat Ali Hall but will also yield other enriching outcomes. The cultural reawakening of this venerable edifice is a testament to the fusion of preservation and progress, fostering an environment where the echoes of the past harmonise with the aspirations of the present and future.

The writer is Professor in the faculty of Liberal Arts at the Beaconhouse National University, Lahore