Quaid-e-Azam’s House: A walk through History
Cherish the remains of history in Karachi till they last as
the concrete jungle is taking over the entire metropolis like wild fire; no
matter what direction you look at, all you see is a 15 or 16 storey building
erected as a monster (though some even look nice), thus blocking sunlight and
affecting wind direction substantially. These make you wonder where we got such
an abruptly growing massive population that old properties need to be sold for
new and uglier projects.
Amidst this entire construction lie some very old houses
that take you back in history thus making your curiosity question the existence
of humankind in different eras. If you look
at the old construction in Saddar, especially the Parsi Colony, old churches or
the Cantt Station vicinity, you would fall in love with the yesteryears and
admire the 18th and 19th century for its invaluable
treasures. Unfortunately time travel is limited to movies and books only so you’re
left with no choice but to admire what’s left of it.
What I have in mind right now is the
Quaid-e-Azam Museum House located near the Frere Hall, ironically not many
people are aware of its existence or worse yet, are even totally oblivious
about the history that lies inside it. Even I myself got to know that it’s a
museum and is open to the general public when I read an article by the photojournalist, Danial Shah. This museum is open
for the general public from 9 AM to 4 PM on a daily basis other than on Wednesdays;
it is guarded by the Rangers that are stationed for its security as they perform
their duties under the scorching sun or the shade of a giant tree (thankfully,
old trees have not been chopped down as per the general habit of our locals) killing
time into whiffs of smoke. Outrageously enough, you would even see the packets of
cigarettes studded into the tree roots that have surfaced on the ground, you
can simply acquaint yourself with all cigarette brands they consume and decide
not to discard them properly.
Anyway, I planned up to visit with a friend of mine and
admired the place so much that I visited it again with my niece and nephews
after three weeks. There is a tour guide, Mr. Rasheed at the Quaid-e-Azam
Museum House who has been serving this piece of history since 40 years or so,
his knowledge is at par with any history aficionado as he discusses historic
topics and asks some questions about topics we have long forgotten after
getting done with schooling. His
down-to-earth nature is among the attractions of the stunning architectural
monument that would lure you further into knowing this piece of history.
 |
| Rasheed - The tour guide |
What now is known as the Quaid-e-Azam Museum House was
designed by the British Architect, Moses Somake (June 6, 1875 - April 6, 1947)
and was built in 1868, covering a massive land worth 10,241 square yards. This legendary
architect is famous for his various other historic projects in Karachi, some of
which are Karachi Goan Hall, Edward House, Mules Mansion, and Bai Virbaijee
Soparivala Parsi High School. This house was termed as the Flagstaff House as
from 1940 onwards it was rented by the British Indian Army and allotted to
senior officers, including General Douglas D. Gracy who later became the
Commander-in-Chief of the Royal Pakistan Army.
There is a stone slab placed that has brief information
printed upon its surface, underneath it are the words, ‘Gift from Pakistan
Army’. It states that the Quaid purchased this house from Sohrab Katrak (former
mayor of Karachi) in 1943 for a price of Rs. 115,000. He would visit it often,
though he lived at the Governor General House. After Jinnah’s demise, the house
was inhabited by his family; his sister, Fatima Jinnah shifted here on
September 13, 1948 and continued living at his residence until 1964 when she
decided to move to the Mohatta Palace. Upon the demise of Shirinbat, Jinnah’s
last surviving sister; the house was given under the supervision and care of
the Quaid-e-Azam Trust. Later, the Government of Pakistan decided to buy it
from the Trust in February 1985 and renamed it as the Quaid-e-Azam House. It
was opened for public on November 25, 1993 although most of us are still
unaware about this splendid structure we pass watching quite often during our
daily commute.
 |
| A picture collage of the stone slab and the facade of the museum |
Mr. Rasheed walked us through the historic place through
the back entrance as the front gates were closed and the balcony above sealed
for some time bound preservation purpose. “Our Quaid was a very sophisticated
person and a highly dignified personality, he never bowed down in front of
anyone irrespective of his/her designation,” says he, “Unlike the politicians
of the present era, he led a life that was an example for everyone.” He then
sighs at the present day situation of the country and the political chaos that
has engulfed us all in it vicious jaws. He tells us about the visit of the
Quaid’s daughter at the invitation of General Pervaiz Musharraf back in 2004
and how she broke down at the very history in front of her that she was part
of. To our surprise he tells us that there was a time when the sea was visible
from here.
“Who coined the name, Pakistan?” Mr. Rasheed asks us, shame
on our forgetfulness and ode to the history lessons long forgotten, he then
tells us that it was Choudhry Rehmat Ali who named our motherland, Pakistan in 1933.
 |
| Archway towards the back entrance |
As we walked inside, the relics from many years ago seemed
to welcome us with their hopeless hollow outlook yet highly attractive in their
vintage glory. There was a dining room with a dining table that had a seating
arrangement eight people; the walnut tree wood dining table was beautifully
carved to add to the sophistication of the entire place. There hung a beautiful
pen drawing of Fatima Jinnah that was drawn by Sara Akhlaq in 1963, I don’t
know why it has been labeled as a pencil sketch because it’s not a pencil
sketch at all but rather a very well made pen drawing. So I hope they correct
it soon.
 |
| Pen Drawing by Sara Akhlaq - 1963 |
Below are some photographs mounted on the walls of the museum. Pakistan has not witnessed such great politicians ever since this time.
Below is Jinnah's cup that had a very unique characteristic, it would tell through a change of beverage colour if it was poisoned. This particular tea set was a gift from Japan.
 | ||
| Jinnah's Tea Cup - A Gift from Japan |
Know your history, know your roots and get to acquaint yourself with the treasures of your homeland ... This, ladies and gentleman is the Quaid-e-Azam Museum House!
Hiba,you beautifully ppn down history of Quaid-e-Azam and a monument linked with him.I will make my children read this article to give them awareness about prwsence of an historic monument in their own city.Appreciate your efforts.Keep up the good work
ReplyDeleteRasheed's version of the name Pakistan is false. It was NEVER BPakistan. As for the reality, please see: http://indianexpress.com/article/opinion/columns/a-tale-from-karakalpakstan/
ReplyDeleteOtherwise, excellent work, Hiba. Well done and keep it up.
Thanks for the correction. I've edited it. And just read what you've shared ... history is controversial.
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