In the past Bhera has been well known in the subcontinent for its arts and crafts. Wood carving of doors, windows, and jharokas (balconies) was the unique feature of the carpenters and wood carvers of Bhera. Their work was so outstanding that in the mid-1880s, they went to England for the construction of Darbar Hall at Hasting Museum and Art Gallery. Muhammad Baksh and Muhammad Juma were the two prominent wood carvers from Bhera, district Shahpur ( later Sargodha), who executed work at Darbar Hall ( for more information see Wikipedia – Darbar Hall at Hasting Museum and Art Gallery – 1887). It is said that those who went to England, earned enough money … on return called themselves Walayties ( in those England was called Walayat ). In Bhera exists a mohallah by the name of Walaytianwala.
When Bhera’s woodcraft was on the verge of its disappearance, John Lockwood Kipling, the Principal of Mayo School of Arts and the Curator of Lahore Museum came to its rescue. Through his offices wood carvers of Bhera were employed by the Kensington School of Arts, They were paid all their travel expenses, as well as adequate monthly salary. Kipling did much to acquire the attention of people to the local handicrafts and also helped the artisans to find the markets. It was due to his endeavours that this dying craft of Bhera got a new lease of life for about another century or so. For many years, Bhera ‘s wood carvers produced a regular supply for the foreign markets. Excerpts from Craft and Craftsmen of Punjab Vol VII, Crafts of Sargodha by the Handicrafts and Design Directorate, Punjab Small Industries Cooperation, Lahore – 2010.
Notes :
1. John Lockwood Kipling, CIE ( 6 Jul 1837 – 26 Jan 1911) was an English art teacher, illustrator, and museum curator who spent most of his career in India. He was the father of the writer Rudyard Kipling. First, he was appointed professor of architectural sculpture at Jeejebhoy School of Arts in Bombay, British India ( now Mumbai, India) and later he became its principal. In 1875, Kipling was appointed the principal of Mayo School of Arts, Lahore, and also became the curator of the Lahore Museum. During 1870 – 72, Kipling was commissioned by the government to tour the Punjab, North West Frontier and Kashmir and make a series of sketches of Indian craftsmen as well as various sights and antiques of these regions. Several of these sketches are presently at the Victoria and Albert Museum, London, whilst others were printed in several books.
2 . Mayo School of Arts, Lahore ( 1875), later became National College of Arts ( 1958 ), referred to by its acronym NCA. It is the oldest art school in Pakistan and the second oldest in South Asia. The first is J.J School of Arts Bombay. The school was opened by Jamsetji Jeejebhoy in 1857. The school was founded in the name of Sir Jansetjee Jeejebhoy, a businessman and philanthropist who donated Rs 100,000. for its endowments. ( For more information see Wikipedia – NCA, Lahore and J . J. School of Arts, Mumbai ) .
3 . A few pictures of the woodwork of Bhera are shared.
4. May share the post with those who are interested in the history and cultural heritage of Bhera.
Zahid Mumtaz
Pingback: The Art of Woodcrafting – Legacy in Bhera, District Sargodha, Pakistan. See on the website , bhera.org , under the category, “Arts and Crafts of Bhera”. The link is given below : – Bhera
A big salute to the efforts of those preserving this narrative—like Col Zahid Mumtaz and Enaya Mumtaz. 👍
Bhera is not just a town—it’s a living museum of craftsmanship, culture, and timeless legacy.