In a significant recognition of her contributions to art history and cultural preservation, Dr Nadhra Shahbaz Khan, Associate Professor at LUMS, has been awarded the prestigious Ordre des Palmes Académiques. This esteemed French honour acknowledges her efforts in promoting French culture among her students and reviving Lahore’s historical connections to France, notably through her work on the Kuri Bagh monument.
Hidden within the bustling streets of Old Anarkali, Lahore, the Kuri Bagh monument stands as a poignant relic of the city’s Franco-Punjabi heritage. It is the final resting place of Marie Charlotte, the infant daughter of General Jean-François Allard, a French officer who served under Maharaja Ranjit Singh. The tomb, an enduring symbol of paternal love, faces the looming threat of urban encroachment.
Driven by a passion for historical preservation, Dr Nadhra and her students embarked on a mission to rejuvenate this neglected site. Their academic project brought Kuri Bagh into contemporary discourse, garnering the attention of the French Embassy and sparking collaborations with the French Cultural Attaché and historian Jean-Marie Lafont, who had first documented the tomb’s significance in the 1980s. In 2022, her French Art class showcased their findings through a curated exhibition at LUMS, highlighting the enduring ties between Pakistani and French artistic traditions.
At a distinguished ceremony held at the Alliance Française in Lahore, Dr Nadhra received the Ordre des Palmes Académiques from France’s Ambassador to Pakistan, His Excellency Nicolas Galey. Commending her contributions, Ambassador Galey remarked, “We honour your dedication to celebrating French culture and hope you continue to illuminate the shared history of France and Pakistan through art and architecture in Lahore.”
In her acceptance speech, Dr Nadhra reflected on the transformative impact of art history in fostering cross-cultural dialogue. “It has shaped my worldview, introduced me to diverse cultures, and connected me with people I would never have known otherwise,” she stated. She also paid tribute to General Allard’s legacy, urging, “We must honour this hero by ensuring his legacy lives on through frequent visits to this site. Such acts of remembrance connect us to our shared heritage and teach us to celebrate inclusivity for a brighter future.”
Dr Nadhra’s achievement underscores the essential role of the humanities in bridging cultures, preserving shared histories, and reviving forgotten narratives. Her recognition serves as an inspiration for scholars and students alike, reinforcing the significance of historical preservation in shaping collective identity and cultural appreciation.