Though Avitabile was a military officer, Maharaja, sensing his administrative skills, appointed him the governor of Wazirabad. General Avitabile moved to Wazirabad and made his residence there. He ruled Wazirabad for almost seven years and became a well reputed person in the city and people started admiring his administration and management skills. That was the time when Wazirabad also flourished. History tells us that the city of Peshawar had always been a source of danger for the Maharaja. Admiring the repute and dedication of General, Maharaja Ranjit Singh made this General the Governor of Peshawar in 1834. It is said that he succeeded Hari Singh Nalwa as Governor of Peshawar. General Avitabile remained in the Punjab until the assassination of Maharaja Sher Singh in 1843, after which he went back to Italy, where his rank as a general was confirmed and he was knighted. General Avitabile is buried in Campora, a small town in Southern Italy, but his residence is still intact in Wazirabad. Now imagine the caliber, competence and status of this man but you will be stunned at the condition of his residence from where he governed that city.
Although Avitabile was a military officer, Maharaja sensing his administrative skills, appointed him the governor of Wazirabad. General Avitabile moved to Wazirabad and made his residence there. He ruled Wazirabad for almost seven years and became a well reputed person in the city. People admired his administration and management skills
A derelict building inside Wazirabad is till today narrating the story of its splendid past through its broken bricks and balconies. That is the house of General Avitabile. As you see this building, you will notice a stone placed on it telling the details of its past. Unfortunately, the residence of General Avitabile is in a dilapidated condition and so far no concern has been seen by any authority for its repair and maintenance.
It could have been a masterpiece if turned into a tourist resort or a motel. The existing building reflects the Sikh and Colonial architecture style. Both the architectural styles mix up in the formation of this marvelous building. Many of the buildings of that era reflect this blend as it was a transitional period of the powers, styles and rules. Remains of fresco work are still seen in different parts of the house. The structure of the house is not well intact and after a few years will surely disappear if it remains neglected. I think that in very near future it will vanish away if there is no restoration work done on the building. In Lahore as well a small insignificant monument which points to the location where once Avitabile had a house can be seen on the GT Road opposite University of Engineering and Technology just next to the tomb of Buddhu ka Awa.
The monument is already in a very dilapidated state surrounded by auto workshops. General Paolo Crescenzo Avitabile, Governor of Wazirabad and Peshawar, was one of Maharaja’s most ferocious administrators, but it’s sad to see that how we have treated his remains. We need to save both of these monuments as they belong to an important man of history, and above all they are a piece of heritage which we have inherited. There are several ways of restoring and re-using it. It can be turned into a heritage museum, a library, a café or a motel. Trust me the beauty of it states that it would be a great tourist spot.
Let me give you some interesting details of the city of Wazirabad. Now you will be surprised to know that the city was developed by the famous Wazir Khan, Hakeem Ilm Ud Sin Ansari, the same person who built the Shahi Hammam and Wazir Khan Mosque in Lahore.
The writer is a media professional and can be reached at heritagechroniclestq@gmail.com
Published in Daily Times, April 27th 2018.
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