Haveli Barood Khana


Haveli Barood Khana is an 18th century haveli located in the old city of Lahore Pakistan. It was built during the Sikh rule of Lahore by Sikh army. In recent times, haveli have become the cultural symbol of Lahore.

History

It was built in the 18th century by a Sikh commanding general and used as his house. Part of the haveli acted as an ammunition depot and part was used as a residence. This was the norm at that time to keep ammunition at the commanding officer's house. At that time it was the biggest depot outside of Lahore Fort and faced the Fort directly. This is the reason it was named "Barood Khana" meaning place ammunition depot. Current resident and owner of the haveli is Yousuf Salahuddin,
and his family., a socialite and philanthropist from Lahore. The haveli came into his family in 1870 when his forefather, Mian Karim Buksh bought it. The Haveli Barood Khana was at the centre of the Pakistan independence movement and was the house of Mian Amiruddin, founder of the muslim league and first Lord Mayor of Lahore and prominent Muslim league leader.

Architecture

The roof of the haveli is made up of wooden planks. Considering the hot temperature of Lahore, the haveli has high ceilings. Around 1901, Haveli was divided into Zanan Khana and Mardan Khana. A room was called Sheesh Mahal because the room had glass work done in it. During the Sikh era, a prayer room was built for the Sikh holy book, Granth Sahib. The room also has murals of the Sikh general fighting demons.

Location

Haveli Barood Khana is located in old Lahore city facing the Lahore Fort, close to Taxali Gate. It is also close to Shahi Mohallah Bazaar, Jamia Masjid Hanfia, the shrine of Pir Hazrat Baba Nauguzah and Badshahi Mosque. The British built a water tank near the haveli which supplied water to the city.

Popular culture

The haveli is used for cultural activities and is an important part of Lahore culture.
Haveli Barood Khana was the centre of the Basant festival in Lahore and has hosted royalty, presidents, politicians, international dignatories over the years.
Many important events have been hosted there such as musical evenings, TV/movie shootings, politicians, actors, musician etc. Some scenes of the movie Khuda Kay Liye were shot here. Pakistan Television Corporation used this as a location to record music-related program ‘Virsa: Heritage Revived’.