The Secret Legacy of Freemasonry in Post-Colonial Pakistan: Whispers of the Jadoo Ghars

Words by Afifa Shahid

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This is a rare vintage poster for the National Dance Ensemble from Pakistan when they made their grand debut performance in New York City in 1973 at the Hulu Theatre in Madison Square Garden. The show featured celebrated Kathak dancer Nahid Siddiqui who rose to fame in the 70s but in the late 70s, martial law was declared in Pakistan and dancing was banned. She left Pakistan and relocated to London but was told she couldn't dance anywhere in the world without the permission from the government of Pakistan. Siddiqui defied these rules though and continued to dance. "How can you ban beauty?" asked Siddiqui. (Available now as print)

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The Secret Legacy of Freemasonry in Post-Colonial Pakistan: Whispers of the Jadoo Ghars

In the bustling heart of Lahore, within the labyrinthine alleys and ancient bazaars, lies a legacy cloaked in secrecy and intrigue. The old city, adorned its Mughal-era architecture and bustling markets, harbors more than mere echoes of its storied past. It safeguards secrets that stretch beyond its walls, secrets whispered through generations—the mysteries of the Jadoo Ghars, the Magic Houses.

During the heyday of the British Raj, while the Union Jack waved triumphantly over the Indian subcontinent, another emblem began to quietly establish its presence—the square and compass of Freemasonry. Known locally as jadoo ghars and their members as jadoogars, these lodges were not merely ceremonial halls but enigmatic entities that wielded influence far beyond their ornate interiors.

In Medieval Europe, Freemasonry was a fraternity aimed at moral and personal development. However, its clandestine nature and network of influential members made it an effective tool for the British to spread their ideologies and maintain control over their colonies.