Dr. Nadhra Shahbaz Khan, an esteemed art historian and Associate Professor at LUMS, has been awarded the Ordre des Palmes Académiques, one of France’s highest academic honors and its oldest non-military decoration. This prestigious accolade recognizes her remarkable contributions in promoting French culture and arts among her students and for her efforts in reviving Lahore’s forgotten French heritage, particularly through her research on Kuri Bagh, a historic funerary monument.
Rediscovering Lahore’s Forgotten French Connection
Nestled within the bustling streets of Old Anarkali, Kuri Bagh stands as a testament to love, loss, and heritage. During the era of Maharaja Ranjit Singh, General Jean-François Allard, a French officer in the Sikh army, served in Punjab. Tragically, his infant daughter, Marie Charlotte, passed away during his service, and her tomb—Kuri Bagh—became a symbol of a father’s enduring love.
However, urban expansion has pushed this historical site to the brink of disappearance.
A Passion for Heritage Preservation
Dr. Nadhra and her students took on the mission to restore interest in Kuri Bagh, transforming it into a class project aimed at reimagining its significance in today’s world. Their efforts extended beyond the classroom, sparking conversations with:
✔ The French Embassy in Pakistan
✔ The French Cultural Attaché
✔ Jean-Marie Lafont, an eminent French historian, who first brought attention to this tomb in the 1980s
In 2022, her French Art students showcased their findings in a curated exhibition at LUMS, exploring themes that connect Pakistani and French art.
A Prestigious Recognition
On February 22, at a special ceremony hosted by Alliance Française in Lahore, His Excellency Nicolas Galey, Ambassador of France to Pakistan, conferred the Ordre des Palmes Académiques upon Dr. Nadhra Shahbaz Khan.
Commending her efforts, Ambassador Galey stated:
“It is with gratitude that we honor your contributions to the celebration of French culture. We hope you continue to showcase the historical connections between France and Pakistan through art and architecture in Lahore.”
Dr. Nadhra’s Acceptance Speech
Reflecting on her journey, Dr. Nadhra shared:
“Art history has shaped my worldview, introducing me to different cultures and belief systems. It has connected me with people I would not have otherwise known.”
Honoring General Allard, she added:
“We have a hero resting among us. It is our duty to keep his memory alive and ensure this historic site is preserved. Recognizing our shared past allows us to celebrate our common values and build a more inclusive future.”
A Tribute to Humanities and Cultural Preservation
This prestigious award underscores the critical role of humanities in:
✔ Bridging cultural divides
✔ Preserving shared histories
✔ Reviving forgotten stories
Dr. Nadhra’s dedication serves as an inspiring example of how academic research can transcend borders, bringing cultures together and ensuring that historical treasures like Kuri Bagh remain part of Pakistan’s rich heritage.
