Dr. Nadhra Shahbaz Khan, Associate Professor of Art History at Lahore University of Management Sciences (LUMS), has been conferred with the prestigious Ordre des Palmes Académiques, one of France’s highest academic honors.
She was honored with the award in recognition of her outstanding contributions to cultural preservation and her efforts in reviving the shared French-Pakistani heritage.
The Palmes Académiques, a historical distinction established by Napoleon Bonaparte in 1808, is awarded to individuals who have made significant strides in academia and cultural promotion.
On February 22, 2025, Dr. Khan was formally awarded the Palmes Académiques during a ceremony hosted by Alliance Française in Lahore. The French Ambassador to Pakistan, His Excellency Nicolas Galey, commended Dr. Khan’s efforts, stating, “It is with gratitude that we honor your contributions to the celebration of French culture. We hope you keep showcasing the historical culture of France and Pakistan through art and architecture in this beautiful city of Lahore.”
Expressing her thoughts upon receiving the award, Dr. Khan remarked, “Art history has been instrumental in shaping my worldview, introducing me to different cultures and belief systems, and to people I would not have otherwise known.”
She further emphasized the importance of acknowledging shared history, stating, “We have a hero resting here among us, and we must pay homage to him by ensuring this home is visited frequently and his memory stays fresh in our hearts. These acts of acknowledgment pave the way for connecting with not only our history and heritage but also teach us to celebrate shared values for a more inclusive present and a promising future.”
Reviving Lahore’s French Heritage
Dr. Khan’s work in cultivating a deep appreciation of French art and culture among her students has been transformative. Her course on French art and Lahore’s forgotten French heritage, notably the Kuri Bagh tomb, has drawn attention to Pakistan’s long-overlooked connection to France, particularly through the fascinating story of General Jean-François Allard and his daughter, Marie Charlotte.
Situated amidst the vibrant streets of Old Anarkali, Kuri Bagh holds historical significance as the resting place of Marie Charlotte, the daughter of General Allard, a French officer who served in Maharaja Ranjit Singh’s army. The monument, a poignant symbol of love and loss, has nearly faded into obscurity as urbanization encroached upon it. However, Dr. Khan and her students took it upon themselves to breathe new life into this heritage site.
Through a class project, Dr. Khan’s students worked on reimagining Kuri Bagh, exploring ways to integrate French elements with local aesthetics and engage the community with initiatives like guided tours, storytelling sessions, and puppet shows. Their work sparked dialogue with the French Embassy and even led to presentations with Jean-Marie Lafont, a renowned French historian who had first brought attention to the tomb in the 1980s.
Bridging cultures
Dr. Khan’s recognition by the French government underscores the broader significance of the humanities in bridging cultures, preserving shared histories, and reviving forgotten stories. Her contributions extend beyond academic excellence to creating connections between French and Pakistani heritage, enriching both nations’ cultural legacies.
Her scholarly work, including her widely acclaimed book Maharaja Ranjit Singh’s Samādhi in Lahore: A Summation of Sikh Architectural and Decorative Practices, has been instrumental in bringing Sikh-era monuments into the public consciousness. In 2023, Dr. Khan was also recognized by the Times Higher Education (THE) Awards Asia for her remarkable contributions to advancing the humanities.
Dr. Khan’s unwavering dedication to cultural preservation serves as a reminder of the importance of understanding our shared histories, celebrating heritage, and ensuring that stories from the past continue to shape our future.
Dr. Khan is an expert in the art and architecture of Punjab, with a focus on Mughal, Sikh, and colonial-era visual culture. She has held research fellowships at prestigious institutions like SOAS London, Princeton, Oxford, INHA Paris, and Harvard. Her work explores how heritage and culture are reflected in art and architecture, emphasizing the connection between cultural identity and the world around us.