Shahi Qila and Monuments Lahore

Shahi Qila and its Glorious Monuments Lahore

Shahi Qila is also known as the Qila – e – Lahore which is being visited since years as a historical place. Shahi Qila is located in the heart of Pakistan in the city of gardens, which is Lahore. The Qila is one of the oldest qilas in the world and it has almost 1000 years old culture and history. It is situated adjacent to Badshahi mosque and Walled city. Among the Lahore historical places, it is the oldest and biggest place where most of the monuments from the era of kings who ruled Lahore are present. The pride of Lahore, the fort contains great architecture, magnificent structures, and huge palaces as well as gardens.

Thousand years old qila retains history of various religions and castes. It is living example of Lahore old heritage and cultures of many, including Muslims, Sikhs, British, Hindus, and Mughals. All are considerable but the remarkable one is Mughals who ruled the sub-continent over 300 years. The fort was first ever constructed with firm bricks under the supervision of the third Mughal emperor Jalal-ud-din akbar in 1566. It holds 13 gates, includes Taxali Gate, Bhatti gate, Mori Gate, Lahori Gate, Shah Alam Gate, Mochi Gate, Akbari Gate, Dehli Gate, Kashmiri Gate, Yakki Gate, Khizri Gate, Masti Gate, and Roshnai Gate. The main gates are being located alongside the center of the western and eastern walls. However, it has been located as centrally in the city of Lahore. The whole fort has designed on the magnificent mediums with the fortified complex view. The designs on the walls are incredibly carried out and the texture speaks for itself. Every design has been created which represents unique royal style of ‘Mughaliya’ architecture.

What is so special about the fort is that it’s true demonstration of Mughal era. The fort has 21 monuments following are the most notable ones.

-            -       Shah Burj Gate and the pictured Wall

It is one of the main gates to Shahi Qila. It has the world’s largest pictured wall. The wall portrays the artistic impressions and characteristics of Mughal rulers of that time. It has painted pictures of elephants and symbols of that time which demonstrates events. It was constructed in the era of the king Sha Jahan.

-             -       Dewaan-e-Aam

Dewaan-e-Aam was built in front of Jharoka of Daulat Khana-e-Khas. It is the place where king Akbar speaks to the public. Here the throne of Akbar placed. It has a balcony from where the king used to address the public.

-             -       Dewaan-e-Khas

It is located in the middle of the Lahore fort adjacent to the walled city Lahore. It was also constructed in the duration of Akbar but unlike to the Deewan-e-Aam it was for the important people such as ministers, generals, and prince. Akbar used to conduct conferences here.

   -       Jahangir’s Quadrangle

Jahangir’s Quadrangle architecture is similar to the temples of Hindus. On the east-west rows, it is enriched with red stones with carved brackets of animals. It shows Hindu art and culture. In the center, lies Jahangir’s sleeping room. In quadrangle, there is a garden with Mahtabi which was used for the performances of dancing girls.

-         -         Naulakha Pavilion

The Pavilion in the front of the Sheesh Mahal is known as Naulakha. It is called so because it was built with the cost of 9 lac rupees. This pavilion has a very elegant design and it has construct with the special stone, marble called Sang e Mar Mar. It has beautiful wall that has been featured with astonishing art work including ‘Kashi Kari’ which is old art that Mughals used to decorate their buildings. Recently Walled City of Lahore Authority had done great job restoring, the walls and painting on it.

 

-         -        Sheesh Mahal

Visit of Lahore fort is incomplete without seeing Sheesh Mahal. Sheesh Mahal is not less than a wonder of the world it has amazing characteristics that makes it incredible. It’s the biggest mirrors of palace in all over the world. Its most versatile features are convex glass mosaic work, stucco tracery, pure gold, and marble perforated screens. Moreover Sang-e-Musa adds beauty to its structure.

The reason behind making sheesh mahal is interesting and admirable. Many knows that Shah Jahan made Taj Mahal for his wife Mumtaz but very few knows that he also ordered to form Sheesh Mahal for her. Yes! Shah Jahan made the beautiful palace for his wife on her wish. The emperor’s wife demanded that she wants to be among the stars. So, the Jahan formulated a building full of mirrors that shines as stars, what a sign of true love!

-         -            Moti Masjid

The masjid has designed with Mughal royal style and made up of Sang e Mar Mar, white marble. This mosque is known as ‘Masjid of Jinnat’, Jinnat means Elves. A lot of People believe that jinnat are present there, which help humans to make their prayer accepted. Therefore, this place use to have thousand visitors weekly, people offer their prayers and vow to God there.

-         -               Alamgiri Gate

The largest and most heighted gate is Alamgiri gate. It opens to Hazuri Bagh and Badshahi Masjid. It was built by the last known Mughal emperor Aurangzeb Alamgir. This gate is a symbolization of strength with the design of lotus petals.

Notably, Aga Khan Trust for Culture (AKTC) in partnership with Walled City of Lahore Authority (WCLA) has completed conservation of Shah Burj, waterproofing of Sheesh Mahal attic roof, Naulakha Pavilion and drainage improvement in Shah Burj section in Lahore Fort which should be appreciated and such restoration projects must be continued in other areas of fort as well as Lahore’s other historical places. As evidently tourism has become better within recent years in Pakistan. In 2018 the record was 1.9 million tourists which had increased by 300% till 2020 according to the WTO.  It means people around the globe recognising Pakistan as tourist place so if the places will be renovated it would create more attraction for public. Further It is estimated the number will rise after the conservation work at historical places across the country which is a good sign for Pakistan’s progress. Moreover, tourism has to be promoted as tourists generate significant amount of income for many countries. In fact, tourism is the reason of a lot of countries’ growth and development. So, Pakistan would also progress if tourism is improved.

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