Lahore Fort of the Mughals

The Lahore fort is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most significant landmarks of Mughal architecture in South Asia The Fort is a citadel in the walled interior of Lahore in Punjab, Pakistan.It spreads over an area greater than 20 hectares (49 acres).

It contains 21 notable monuments, some of which date to the era of Emperor Akbar, one of the Mughal Empire’s first emperors.

The fort was almost entirely rebuilt in the when the Mughal Empire was at the height of its splendor and opulence.

• The fort is a prime example of Mughal architecture, featuring a combination of Persian, Timurid, and Indian elements. It is known for its grand gates, courtyards, and impressive defensive walls.
• The fort’s design is symmetrical and showcases the lavish use of marble, precious stones, and intricate tile work.

After the fall of the Mughal Empire, Lahore Fort was used as the residence of Emperor Ranjit Singh, founder of the Sikh Empire. The Sikhs made several additions to the fort. It then passed to the control of the East India Company after they annexed Punjab following their victory over the Sikhs at the Battle of Gujrat in February 1849.

In 1981, the fort was inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its “outstanding repertoire” of Mughal monuments dating from the era when the empire was at its artistic and aesthetic zenith.

The foundations of the modern Lahore Fort date to 1566 during the reign of Emperor Akbar, who bestowed the fort with both Islamic and Hindu motifs.Additions from the Shah Jahan period are characterised by luxurious marble with inlaid Persian floral designs, while the fort’s grand and iconic Alamgiri Gate was constructed by the last of the great Mughal emperors, Aurangzeb, and faces the renowned Badshahi Mosque.

Akbar occupied the site as a post to guard the northwest frontier of the empire.The strategic location of Lahore, between the Mughal territories and the strongholds of Kabul, Multan, and Kashmir.Lofty palaces were built over time, along with lush gardens.

Jahangir period

Emperor Jahangir bestowed the massive Picture Wall, a 1,450 feet by 50 feet wall (which is exquisitely decorated with a vibrant array of glazed tile, faience mosaics, and frescoes. Many of the scenes displayed on this ‘Picture Wall’ illustrate the court life of the Mughal sovereigns, their sports and their pastimes. One of the finest panels shows four horsemen playing the noble game of Vaughan, nowadays known as polo. Most prominent are those relating to elephant fights, which were one of the favourite recreations of the Mughal court.

Aurangzeb period

Emperor Aurangzeb, built the Alamgiri Gate, whose semi-circular towers and domed pavilions are a widely recognised symbol of Lahore that was once featured on Pakistani currency.

Destination – Pakistan, India, Afganistan, Iran