Information Centre and Mini Museum: Inside Sher Shah Suri Jama Mosque (1540 AD, Bhera
The Information Centre and Mini Museum is located at the entrance of Sher Shah Suri Jama Mosque ( 1540 AD), Bhera. Its primary aim is to give visitors a glimpse of how Bhera once looked, as many leave disappointed after touring the town. Over time, beautiful old buildings and maries have crumbled or been demolished. The nine historic gates (darwazas) of Bhera have either disappeared or lost their originality through renovation. Inscriptions in Hindi and Gurmukhi on old buildings, like welfare projects, schools, temples, and other heritage landmarks, have also faded away.
The Information Centre and Mini Museum can be further improved with the assistance of the Punjab Tourism Department and the local administration of Bhera, through funding, provision of a larger space, and proper maintenance, to create a cleaner and more welcoming environment for tourists.
More antiques and artefacts can also be added to the museum’s collection—many remain with individuals in Bhera or elsewhere. These families must be assured that their contributions will be acknowledged by displaying their names alongside the items. A proper handover procedure with documentation will be adopted, with the option for families to reclaim their items if they so wish. If this step is not taken now, the antiques of Bhera may vanish forever—and with them, a vital part of history.
The fact that the Information Centre and Mini Museum exist today is entirely due to the efforts of Sahibzada Abrar Ahmed Bugvi, custodian of Jama Masjid. It was his initiative to create this centre within the mosque, so all credit rightly goes to him. A clear-headed, open-minded, and educated person, Bugvi Sahib has always been devoted to preserving the heritage of Bhera. Before 9/11, when security restrictions were lighter, many foreigners from Islamabad visited Bhera and Jama Masjid, and he personally briefed them about the history of the town and the mosque.
Sahibzada Sahib has created a legacy that will forever be remembered by the people of Bhera. May Allah Almighty grant him health, strength, and long life to continue his noble work. Ameen.
Some pictures of the Information Centre and Mini Museum taken by me over time are shared here.
Zahid Mumtaz
