THE 167TH DEATH ANNIVERSARY OF SALAH MIMAR CHAUGHATA – 
THE CREATIVE LEGACY IN LAHORE OF M.A. RAHMAN CHUGHTAI

The ancestral background is amazing in its perspective. Two architects of Herat, namely Yusuf Mimar and Isa Mimar, sought guidance under Mimar Sinan of Turkey. Historians speak of their journey to Hindustan with Emperor Zaheer ud din Baber. Infatuated with Lahore, they sought their residence here and moved to other areas of the region. However Ahmad was born in Lahore and the affix Lahori was attached to his name forever. Our archives are full of facts about this creative family. A whole almarih of manuscripts and documents on them.

This is pay homage on the 167th death anniversary of Mian Salah Mimar Chaughata, who was born in Lahore and died here on 11th May, 1858. He was reputed to have attained the age of 120 years plus. Many Sikh buildings as well as of later Mughal period are attributed to him. References are there. Khalsa Darbar Records also tells us the obvious. But his two sons Mian Raheem Baksh and Natha (Mian Elahi Baksh) were also amazing in their own rights. Mian Raheem Baksh also an able architect, carries as a record certificates of many English administrators and engineers. Mian Raheem Baksh was father of Mian Kareem Baksh, again a hardworking Mimar, as also the father of Abdur Rahman Chughtai, Mussawar e Mashriq, National artist of Pakistan, and Modern Master of Twentieh century Islamic Civilization.

Fathers and sons leaving a legacy of creativity. A house in Chabuk Sawaran where only one portion is left, and the land still there, with a blue plaque on it, courtesy of a Lahori organization, and sensitive architect, Ms Fauzia Quraishi. Where we find so many unconcerned persons, there is pride in the fact that sensitive people still exist and surely keep the flag flying of creative endeavours anywhere. Lahore may not remember in its official organizations, but  certainly people keep things alive. 

Ever since the day I got my hands on the miniature of my great great grandfather, I fell in love with him. Imagine in those difficult days, could he imagine a great great grandson, loving him, with the image in front of him. BABA SALAH I LOVE YOU! And as long as I live your memory will remain fresh in my heart.  

We write about the family all the time. This is a day to remember their contributions to culture of Lahore.