Fakir Khana means the house of the humble ones. It is the largest private museum in Pakistan owned by the Fakir family, who opened it to the public in 1901. This place originally belonged to Raja Tobar Mal, who was the finance minister at the time of Akbar.
Later it was renovated in the 20th century. Presently, it is run by the 7th generation of the Fakir family, who also receive some funds for its maintenance from the government.
Being the only museum recognized by the Government of Pakistan and having around 20,000 specimens collected from the 18th to 20th century, it holds great importance.
Major Features at Fakir Khana Museum
The significant features of this museum include the Hall of Miniatures, which portrays the living style of a well-to-do family after Western influence. There is a vast collection of paintings hung in this private museum. These include works of Irani, Mughal, Kangra, Rajput, and Pahari schools.
Further, there is a masterpiece of Mumtaz Ali from the 19th century, which took 15 years to paint. It is one foot tall and half a foot wide. Another section shows the earliest work of calligraphy that is the handwritten Quran by Hazrat Imam Hussain.
A part of this beautiful museum is dedicated to Buddist art and Gandhara civilization (Gandhara civilization was also famous for producing the first-ever representation of Budha in sculpture).
Beautiful textile collections from the 10th-century Sikh period, including Kashmiri shawl owned by Maharani Jinda and robe owned by Maharaja Ranjit Singh, a statue of Raja Poros, and crockery collection from different parts of the world is a highlight of Fakir Khana Museum.
It further features a wooden framework by Bhai Ram Singh, a coin collection, and a hall of carpets, also known as Gol Kamra, with different preserved pieces of carpets and shawls.
Fakir Khana Museum, no doubt, is a hidden treasure featuring beautiful art pieces, textiles, and manuscripts from the 18th to 20th Century.
It is a must-visit for everyone who wishes to see beautiful artifacts and masterpieces from around the world. Before you visit, do not forget to make an appointment, or else, you will find the door closed.
