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Lahore - that was
Intizar Hussain, the eminent writer of Urdu, recently mused on the Lahore of yesteryears and the literary and intellectual atmosphere. I am posting a few excerpts from his heart-felt piece:
Not far from the coffeehouse there was the Pak Tea House which closed down recently. Even those who never cared to visit it were seen shocked at this cultural catastrophe. How earnestly they struggled for its restoration, but frankly speaking, even if restored it could no longer be the kind of teahouse that it once was. Times have changed; the city has lost its cultural character and opened its arms to commercialisation.
It was a different world when coffeehouses and teahouses flourished. They flourished in the background of a rich restaurant culture, which distinguished the Mall from other cultural spots of the city. Those sitting there were never seen in a hurry. They could afford to sit for long hours discussing ideas and ideologies over a cup of tea. Each literary theory had its protagonists, who when engaged in a discussion gave the impression of being the defender of a noble cause most dear to them. And it was not simply an intellectual exercise with them. What they discovered as truth in the process of their literary or intellectual thinking stayed as an article of faith with them.
Such were the devoted souls for whom ideas and ideologies meant more than worldly benefits. It was because of them that certain restaurants gained a cultural status. Now we are living in a different world. This world cannot afford to have such souls and such haunts within its fold. The age of coffeehouses and teahouses is gone. Food streets are now the hallmark of life in Lahore.
Yet there is hope - such as this intent by a well meaning intellectual on Pakistaniat.
picture credit
August 22nd, 2007 at 7:00 pm
It’s so heartening to walk down those lanes of yesteryears: ‘Lahore - that was’.
I loved the ’study circle’ concept; if only ‘this intent’ could fructify and ‘be’.
August 22nd, 2007 at 9:23 pm
Well, Lahoris have always believed in “Pehlon pait-pooja, fir koi kam dooja”.
But for me, its hard to imagine that people would sit in tea-houses here and discuss…real ideas!
I’m more familiar with the topics of discussion at the newer lounges and stuff.
August 23rd, 2007 at 7:39 am
its fascinating how cities evolve and develop and deteriorate, from a purely physical infrastructure POV but specially from the socio cultural POV - soul of the city so to speak…
speaking of hope, heres somethign that caught my eye some time ago, but despite recent visits to karachi I havent been able to check it out myslf:
http://www.kidvai.com/windmills/2007/06/t2f-events-recap-as-promisedthreatened.html
August 23rd, 2007 at 2:47 pm