Written by: Asif Nawaz
Posted on: June 19, 2019 | 
| 中文
Entrance of the Shahi Masjid
In the first article, I wrote in depth about the magnificent Omar Hayat Mahal / Gulzar Manzil in Chiniot. When you’re in Chiniot, it’s only natural to top up your trip by visiting the splendid Shahi Masjid, located at a stone’s throw from the Mahal.
But before we cover this minute distance, it’s relevant to shed some light on the hefty historical baggage that the city claims. It is believed that the city was founded by a Hindu princess, Chandanvatti, who was a regular visitor to the banks of Chenab. Like many Sufis and romantics in this part of the world, she was also allured by the charm of the river, and decided to build a city on its bank. That city was called Chand Niyot, which eventually came to be known as Chiniot. This may not be true, but it is suggested that the city finds itself mentioned not only in Al Beruni’s Kitaab-ul-Hind, but also epic tales like the Ramayana. From the times of Muhammad Bin Qasim to the Mughal Empire, the city became known for its art and artisans - the Shahi Masjid being one prime example of its splendour.
Unlike the Mahabat Khan mosque in Peshawar or the Wazir Khan mosque in Lahore, the history of Chiniot’s Shahi Masjid is quite vague. It cannot be said for sure who had it built, but the most widely known story involves Hakim Saad Ullah Khan, the Governor (Wazir) of the province during Shah Jahan’s era. This could be plausible, given Shah Jahan’s well-documented love for architectural wonders, visible in monuments like the Taj Mahal in Agra or the Shalimar Gardens in Lahore. Moreover, the design of this mosque is said to resemble that of the Jamia Masjid in Dehli, and the arches strongly resemble those in the Red Fort. Both of these were not only built during the reign of Shah Jahan, but also under the supervision of the aforementioned Governor. Therefore, for all practical purposes, Saad Ullah Khan is credited with the construction of this mosque.
The tale goes that Hakim Saad Ullah Khan was born in destitution in the village of Pataraki near Chiniot. Before shifting to Delhi, he lived for a while near the Wazir Khan Masjid in Lahore. This could also be the reason behind the similarities in the frescoes and side-structures of the Wazir Khan Mosque and the Shahi Masjid. After being appointed the Wazir by Shah Jahan on the basis of his knowledge and wit, Khan had a mosque built in Chiniot since it was an important territory at the time.
The construction of the mosque took about nine years from 1646 - 1655 AD, which was due to the Wazir’s ability to get the job done without excessive spending. The mosque was built on a single podium about 15 feet above ground, and was connected to the bazaar in which it was situated via two lanes on the side. An ablution pool is present in the middle of the courtyard, and four minarets dot the corners of the structure. It is said that these minarets were originally built with a special stone called Sang-e-Lazraan (literally translated as trembling stone) and they used to sway slightly with strong winds. This, however, isn’t true anymore as ordinary stone was used during the eventual restoration of the structure. Sang-e-Abadi, a local stone found in the vicinity of Chiniot, was used for the majority of its construction. The main prayer hall, topped by three domes, has four rows of right pillars each, and if their majestic beauty wasn’t enough, the spaces between them have been duly garnished with floral patterns and intricate designs.
The mosque continued to exist in all its glory during the Mughal era, but when Punjab fell to the Sikhs, the mosque was converted into a stable by the armies of Ranjit Singh in 1816. It’s also of political importance as one of the imams of the mosque, Noor Ahmed, was allegedly involved in the War of Independence in 1857, and was subsequently arrested by the British. After the creation of Pakistan, it was handed over to the Auqaaf Department in 1960, and restoration work started soon after. The department exercised immense caution to keep the renovation and restoration as close to the original structure as possible, but some frescoes, especially on the main entrance, seem visibly reconstructed.
Today, the mosque is in fairly good condition, and offers a serene respite from the chaos of the busy town in which it’s nestled. It seems simplistic in its overall structure, yet its artwork and geometrical patterns are something to behold. Given the recent onslaught of v-loggers and the revival of interest in Pakistan’s tourism, it should be promoted and hailed as a site of interest. This will not only bring the Shahi Masjid of Chiniot to the forefront of our tourist sites but also may aid in the further management and maintenance of the mosque.
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