Destruction looms over Dai Anga's mausoleum

 

By: Jam Sajjad Hussain

LAHORE - The mausoleum of Zeb-un-Nisa commonly known as Dai Anga, wet nurse of great Mughal emperor Shahjahan, is in danger of complete collapse, as despite the directives by the DCO to preserve the monuments, the rehabilitation work has not been started.
The ever-increasing encroachments have covered most of the tomb area situated behind the Ghulabi Bagh. The mausoleum, comprising of a central tomb chamber and 8 rooms around, was once decorated magnificently with enamelled mosaic work. But now, it gives a devastated look with flaccid walls and vanishing inscribed work including the Quranic calligraphy.
The sources say in the past whenever the media highlighted the arrogance shown by the government, the authorities took measures for renovation and preservation of the tomb. But the current situation is much more disastrous because the local population is constructing new buildings within the premises of the historical tomb inspite of receiving at least show cause notices.
An official disclosed that the authorities had demolished the cottage of deceased Abdullah Khan, the curator of the tomb, who served for more than 60 years. The cottage was located in front of the gate so it was the best way to show media that the authorities concerned were working on the preservation, but actually they were enjoying facilities provided by the government instead of discharging their duties.
It is said that an area of 200 feet wide area on each side of the tomb was a part of mausoleum’s land, but now hardly 30 feet space is visible.
“The question arises that why the securities are mum over the looming destruction as we are losing our cultural heritage rapidly,” commented a visitor.
Another visitor Shahzad Akhtar said the place was complete ignored and owing lack of supervision, it was being used for negative activities, adding that the marriage halls had been using the courtyard for wedding ceremonies and parties. The sources also disclosed that Federal Government Director Archaeology Salim-ul-Haq was taking keen interest in preservation work. But when contacted, he said he was busy in a high-level meeting.

The Nation:July 23, 2009