Shahi Qila.... Lahore Fort
a must visit place for history buffs
Lahore Fort is the only monument in Pakistan, which represents a complete history of Mughal architecture and the eras following it. There are quadrangles inside the fort which relate to a particular era and reflect the architecture of those times.
Lahore Fort was enlisted among the world heritage sites in 1981 by UNESCO.
Now let us come to the insights of this reflection of many centuries. It cannot be said with certainty when the Lahore Fort was originally constructed or by whom, since this information is lost to history. However, evidence found in archaeological digs gives strong indications that it was built long before 1025 A.D as we do see the temple of Loh inside the fort.
As you make your way into the fort, the first building you see is Makatib Khana which was built in 1617 during the reign of Jahangir. A little ahead is the Diwan-e-Am (hall of public audience). Daulat Khana-e-Khas-o-Aam is another masterpiece and is the backside of Diwan-e-Aam and includes the state balcony.
The Sikhs added an outer fortification wall on the north with the moat. The marble Ath Dara, Haveli Mai Jindan and Huzoori Bagh Bara Dar, Haveli of Kharak Singh and some structures on Sheesh Mahal were constructed by Ranjeet Singh, Sikh ruler from 1799-1839 A.D. Moti Masjid was turned into a temple and renamed Moti Mandir and later used as a building for the state treasury. The royal kitchen was turned into food storage and horse stable. Haveli of Kharak Singh was added in the Jahangir’s Quadrangle.
In 1846 A.D. the British occupied the grand fort and modified it by adding the Postern Gate and built a new passage inside the fort which separated the Sheesh Mahal and Deewan-e-Aam area from the Royal Kitchens and Alamgiri Gate. Modifications consisted mainly of converting older buildings into hospitals, barracks, and other colonial functions. During the British rule Deewna-e-Aam was turned into a hospital and dispensary. The main wall at different parts was extended thus blocking the view of the picture wall and the Badshahi Mosque. The British jail was constructed for the prisoners and the royal kitchens were turned into prison cell. Another storey was added for the residences of the officers and police. Similarly Emperor Jahangir’s Sleeping chamber was converted into a dining hall and the haram was converted into the guest houses. The kitchens for the British were built on the roof top of Deewan-e-Aam. In 1899, on the orders of Lord Curzon the viceroy of sub-continent, the Moti Masjid was restored to its former status, and some of the religious remnants were preserved at the Badshahi Mosque. In 1927 A.D. the British hand over the Fort to the Department of Archaeology and later after 1947 we were lucky to have it here in Pakistan.
a must visit place for history buffs
Lahore Fort was enlisted among the world heritage sites in 1981 by UNESCO.
Now let us come to the insights of this reflection of many centuries. It cannot be said with certainty when the Lahore Fort was originally constructed or by whom, since this information is lost to history. However, evidence found in archaeological digs gives strong indications that it was built long before 1025 A.D as we do see the temple of Loh inside the fort.
As you make your way into the fort, the first building you see is Makatib Khana which was built in 1617 during the reign of Jahangir. A little ahead is the Diwan-e-Am (hall of public audience). Daulat Khana-e-Khas-o-Aam is another masterpiece and is the backside of Diwan-e-Aam and includes the state balcony.
The Sikhs added an outer fortification wall on the north with the moat. The marble Ath Dara, Haveli Mai Jindan and Huzoori Bagh Bara Dar, Haveli of Kharak Singh and some structures on Sheesh Mahal were constructed by Ranjeet Singh, Sikh ruler from 1799-1839 A.D. Moti Masjid was turned into a temple and renamed Moti Mandir and later used as a building for the state treasury. The royal kitchen was turned into food storage and horse stable. Haveli of Kharak Singh was added in the Jahangir’s Quadrangle.
In 1846 A.D. the British occupied the grand fort and modified it by adding the Postern Gate and built a new passage inside the fort which separated the Sheesh Mahal and Deewan-e-Aam area from the Royal Kitchens and Alamgiri Gate. Modifications consisted mainly of converting older buildings into hospitals, barracks, and other colonial functions. During the British rule Deewna-e-Aam was turned into a hospital and dispensary. The main wall at different parts was extended thus blocking the view of the picture wall and the Badshahi Mosque. The British jail was constructed for the prisoners and the royal kitchens were turned into prison cell. Another storey was added for the residences of the officers and police. Similarly Emperor Jahangir’s Sleeping chamber was converted into a dining hall and the haram was converted into the guest houses. The kitchens for the British were built on the roof top of Deewan-e-Aam. In 1899, on the orders of Lord Curzon the viceroy of sub-continent, the Moti Masjid was restored to its former status, and some of the religious remnants were preserved at the Badshahi Mosque. In 1927 A.D. the British hand over the Fort to the Department of Archaeology and later after 1947 we were lucky to have it here in Pakistan.
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