Captivating Architecture of Samadhis (Commemorative Tombs), Chakwal, Punjab, Pakistan

Hadiqa Imtiaz,Saqib Raza,Komal Zahra

doi:10.5334/aa.228

Abstract

South Asia is an attractive land encapsulating a splendid cultural heritage in the form of dignified art and architecture. Potohar plateau is an uneven land encompassing four district of Punjab Province: Chakwal, Attock, Rawalpindi and Jehlum. Chakwal is one of them. This land is comprised of diversified landscape with hills intersected by undulating plains and rocky patches. A preliminary survey and documentation were conducted in Chakwal in 2019 which yielded a considerable number of archaeological sites and monuments. Chakwal is accommodating rich cultural profile from Stone Age to Medieval Period. Marvelous architecture of different eras is its fascinating aspect. The monuments of district Chakwal are very rich in art and architecture which show local as well as western (Greeks, Roman and Persian) influences. This research paper will throw light upon the splendid architecture of Hindu and Sikh Samadhis found in the same district. Among commemorative tombs, one of them is both Hind-Sikh Samadhi which is a unique and rare characteristic of intriguing Samadhis in the region of Potohar. Fresco paintings illustrated inside the tombs will reveal cultural articulation of Indian Sub-Continent to the western world in the form of decorative motifs as these have been amalgamated to adorn the architecture pieces.

Highlights

INTRODUCTIONThere are a considerable number of samadhis in the region of Potohar which pointed towards
Most of the samadhis had been erected during Sikh and British period
The distinctive characteristic of Sikh period monuments has a ribbed dome with more ornamentation i.e., paintings while samadhis of British period are comparatively simpler in architecture and usually have a plain dome

Summary

INTRODUCTION

There are a considerable number of samadhis in the region of Potohar which pointed towards. Coordinates: Latitude 32°56’0.38292” N, Longitude 72°51’29.04624” E Nearest Village: Tatral Description It is octagonal in plan with bulbous ribbed dome emerging from a whorl of upright folded tipped lotus petals. Tehsil: Talagang, District: Chakwal, Province: Punjab Nature of Site: Samadhi Measurements: Height: 4.572 m, Width: 3.048 m Location: It is located in Government Boys High School 1 Approach: Talagang-Fatehjang in northern direction Coordinates: Latitude 32°55’40.99” N, Longitude 72°25’1.78” E Nearest Village: Tehi. This Samadhi is square in plan with bulbous dome. 1 [Wife of Shiva and usually appeared with a lion]

DISCUSSION

CONCLUSION