KARACHI, June 5: The Indian opposition leader and chief of the Bharatiya Janata Party, L.K. Advani, took a leisurely trip down memory lane on Sunday as he was guided around the Mohatta Palace Museum that is currently holding the exhibition “Jewel in the Crown: Karachi under the Raj 1843–1947”.

Clad in white shalwar kameez and a maroon waistcoat, Mr Advani seemed most interested in the gallery where artefacts from the now defunct Karachi Metropolitan Corporation are on display. Known for his retentive memory, he recognized a couple of old faces.

The exhibition’s co-curators, Hameed Haroon and Hameed Akhund, gave him an overview of the show. Members of the executive committee of the Board of Trustees of the Mohatta Palace received Mr Advani, who was accompanied by wife Kamla Advani, daughter Prebta Advani, son Jayant Advani and daughter-in-law Geetika Advani.

Mr Advani took a great deal of interest in the artefacts belonging to former independent Muslim states, such as Kalat, Hyderabad, Khairpur and Bhawalpur. On the first floor of the Mohatta Palace, he spent some time in the rooms where the contribution made by the Hindu elite towards the establishment and progress of Karachi is highlighted.

Mr Advani seemed to have a great time in the room where the personal effects of Attiya Begum and Fyzee Rahamin are on display. He greatly admired Mr Rahamin’s paintings.

Mr Advani was then taken to the “barsati” of the Mohatta Palace where he and his family members partook of specially prepared refreshments — vegetable pakoras, dal samosas, dahi bhindi, aloo ki puri and lassi.

Mr Haroon presented Mr Advani with CDs and books specially published for the exhibition, including the Raj Quartet – Visions of Empire, Pillars of Empire, and two-volume Beyond Empire — Requiem for an Unsung Messiah and Kurrachee: Past, Present and Future.

Impressed with the exhibition, Mr Advani wrote these words in the visitors’ book: “It is really a remarkable collection, very tastefully displayed. I wish it included glimpses of Sindh’s struggle against colonial rule also. Anyway well done, Dawn. L. K. Advani 5.6.2005”.

The Indian opposition leader also made an emotional visit to his ancestral home in Karachi, on Sunday, add agencies

Mr Advani, born in the Parsi Colony in 1927, had lived in the premises until 1947 when he migrated to India after the partition of the subcontinent.

He told reporters he was feeling quite emotional after visiting his birthplace after 58 long years. His original two-storey home is now a five-storey building.

Mr Advani was accorded warm welcome, when he reached his birthplace. Hundreds of people on their balconies cheered him and his family. They waved back to the crowd.

“I am surprise to find that the palang (bed) and almirah which we had left while migrating are still in good shape,” said Mr Advani.

“I spent a good deal of my childhood in these streets and today I feel myself extremely nostalgic but elated to return here,” he said as he stood in the street.

Earlier on Saturday, Mr Advani attended a dinner reception hosted by the Karachi Hindu Panchayat in his honour here, at a hotel.

Mr Advani’s wife Kamla Advani, daughter Prebta Advani, son Jayant Advani and daughter-in-law Geetika Advani also accompanied him.

He was warmly welcomed at venue by a large gathering of members of the Hindu community and was presented traditional Sindhi cap and Ajrak.

President Karachi Hindu Panchayat Mukesh Bhagwandas Chawla, host of the event, was also present.

On the occasion renowned folk singer Shazia Khushk with other artistes of her group presented several of her famous songs composed with folk music and poetry.

Mr Advani was also presented a Latif jo Ganj — a book of Shah Abdul Latif’s poetry by the Hindu Panchayat.

Muttahida Qaumi Movement’s Deputy Convenor and MNA Dr Farooq Sattar, opposition leader in the Sindh Assembly Nisar Khuhro, Illahi Bakhsh Soomro, Qaim Ali Shah were also present.

Nazim: The City Nazim, Niamatullah Khan, called on the Indian opposition leader, at the State Guest House here on Sunday.

The nazim remained with Mr Advani for sometime.

Ms Mangla Sharma, Chairperson Pakistan Hindu Welfare Association and a member of the city government, was also present on the occasion.