LAHORE: As part of an extensive research programme on non-Muslim heritage of Pakistan, the Lahore Museum is conducting research on an exclusive art piece depicting a pilgrimage scene on a marble plaque.

This was stated by Hindu and Jain Bhuddist collection Curator Ahtesham Aziz.

He told Dawn that cleaning of the marble plaque titled, ‘Pilgrimage Scene on a Marble Plaque’ was under way and research was also being carried out on the artistic value of the piece which was placed in the Lahore Museum around six decades ago.

Mr Aziz said the marble plaque was unique and spellbinding. “The plaque is in relief work and such a work just can’t be found anywhere else. He said Hindu and Jain pilgrims take immense interest in this plaque when they visit the museum from all over the world,” he said.

“It is a large marble plaque from Gujranwala and dates back to the 19th century AD. It is beautifully decorated in relief and painting, and depicts the holiest site of Jain in Shatrunjiya in Gujarat, Kathiawar (India), showing approach to its fortification from the Palitana railway station. The entire painting follows the typical Rajasthani style. This plaque was originally a votive offering by some pilgrims to the Jain temple of Gujranwala. The paintings it has on it and its shimmering golden colour with many other hue present a highly gleaming look,” he explained.

The curator said the museum had initiated a research programme under which it would co-relate the in-house museum artifacts with the original sites situated in Pakistan and promote various aspects of cultural heritage of Pakistan. He said the museum was now conducting further research on the marble plaque and a team would also visit the original site -- the place in Gujranwala from where this plaque was brought.

Published in Dawn, November 16th, 2022