A new kind of small necropolis is in the making in Lahore. The Goristan-i-Firdausia is laid out over 70 kanals purchased by a philanthropist
Lahore has been a Muslim settlement for over 1,000 years, amongst a conglomerate of original Hindu populace and later the Sikh and Christian faiths. Muslims graveyards, Christian cemeteries and Hindu-Sikh samadis have been a common feature of this vast city. The expanding Muslim population of this city and settlements beyond the outer fortifications necessitated carving out burial places both big and small — some so small and so old that even now one can see their remnants which have escaped the encroaching urbanization in the city mohallas with residential buildings over and round the resting places.
Some are vast necropolises such as Bagh Gull Begum, Momin Pura and Miani Sahib within the city limits, which are spread over acres and have long been filled up. The biggest necropolis of Lahore is Miani Sahib which is about five centuries old. But now it is in a state of utter shambles to the extent of disrespect to the dead due to lack of any agency or NGO. Same is the situation in other such places of Lahore, exposed to the vagaries of elements, encroachers, junkies and part-time caretakers. Due to the advanced state of neglect, these can hardly be called as places of eternal rest.
In spite of this morbid attitude, a new kind of small necropolis is in the making in Lahore. The Goristan-i-Firdausia on Ferozpur Road in Daulu Khurd Union Council jurisdiction. It is laid out over 70 kanals in a sprawling industrial area purchased by a philanthropist, the late Sheikh Rehmat Ali Mangla. It was planned and built under the supervision of Alhaj Sheikh Zaheer Ali Java, and is now run by the Anjaman-i-Khawajgan-i-Narowal, established in 1906.
The organization, which may be called an NGO, was set up by a close-knit community of traders and businessmen of Narowal in Sialkot district, and is now spread all over Pakistan and abroad. History has it that the ancestors of this community accepted Islam seven centuries ago at the hands of a saint, Hazrat Shah Shams Sabzwari, also called Shams Tabraizi or Oraisi, whose mausoleum is in Multan. The community runs many charitable institutes for the benefit of the general public from funds contributed by each earning member.
The Firdausia is laid out on the pattern of a beautiful park. A high periphery wall encloses it and the entrance leads through a pucca road on either side of which are grassy plots enclosed by hedges and shrubs. Metalled passageways and footpaths lead through the plots. Flowerbeds and trees adorn the area. Currently, the last resting places are set apart at the farthest end of an enclosed area in a subplot about 120ft by 100ft. This corner is being gradually filled with earth to create more spaces in consonance with the rising demand. All the standard-sized resting places are laid out in regular rows and columns in sets of two side-by-side with one-foot separation.
The distance between the rows of twin graves is two feet, which provides free walking space. The graves are not allowed to be cemented over, only the martyrs’ last resting places are exception to this practice. All the headstones are of standard dimensions and inscription, which are arranged by the Anjaman. Standing at an angle, one can count the number of graves, which presently stands at 1,200. An open-air marble prayer pavilion 45ft by 40ft constructed in the style of a baradari also adorns the place. Environmental control is strictly observed and laying of floral wreaths is regulated, with dried flowers regularly cleared away. A lot of dustbins are provided for the disposal of leftovers. Ample lighting has been installed all over the area which provides security. The maintenance of the place by the Anjaman is met through community donations.
Firdausia may be a small place, but it is an example of orderly layout and upkeep by a service-oriented community.
