Nakodar’s ustad-shagird tombs cry for attention

Residents of Nakodar have urged the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) to take steps for restoring frescoes adorning the two historic tombs in the town.

The town is famous for the historic tombs, which are among the 30 listed monuments and archaeological sites in Punjab. The ASI is looking after the twin tombs of guru-shagird — of Ustad Mohammad Momin and his pupil Haji Jamal. While some of the frescoes on the tombs have faded with time, a few paintings have disappeared altogether.

The tomb of Ustad Mohammad Momin was erected over his mortal remains in 1623. Momin was a tambura player in the service of Abdul Rahim Khan-i-Khanan in the court of Akbar. The tomb is learnt to have been built in the reign of Jahangir in 1612, as identified by an inscription on the tomb.

The tomb is squarish in shape from inside and octagonal on the outside. Its structure is decorated with titles and red plaster bricks with intricate designs.

Opposite to Mohammad Momin’s tomb is the tomb of his disciple Haji Jamal. As historians point out, the tomb is learnt to have constructed in 1657. Unlike the first tomb, it has an octagonal chamber inside and is squarish from inside.

It is said the tombs were a part of the once famous Mughal Garden of the town called Hadironwala Bagh (Garden of Tombs). But the garden has virtually disappeared now.

The Dakhni Gate, which served as entrance to Mughal Garden, is also in a bad shape and its condition is deteriorating with every passing day. A garden is being maintained in this ancient complex by the Nakodar sub-circle of the ASI. The ASI experts say if the rest of the Mughal Garden is also handed over to them, they can start with proper restoration work.

Appreciating the conservation work being carried out by the ASI, BJP district president Munish Dhir demanded that frescoes decorating the historic tombs should also be restored. He said encroachment in Mughal Garden should be removed to revive its old glory.

ASI’s Nakodar officials said restoration of frescoes is a specialised work and only Director (Science), ASI, is the competent authority to take the decision in this regard.

Heritage promoter Harpreet Sandhu who paid a visit to the site recently said he was fascinated by the archaeological marvel that came up in Punjab about 300 years ago. “I discussed about the heritage structure with the officials and suggested that this structure should be developed for tourism the way Rajasthan is doing. Jalandhar is a hub of NRIs and it is such a beautiful location for pre-wedding shoots, royal weddings and even Punjabi song videos. The Punjab government can make some aerial shots and ask people interested in such projects to come forward. I think that can also be the best way to preserve and popularise such heritage sites,” Sandhu said.