Daily Times

Lahore is famous for its historical romance and everyone is well aware that Shahi Qila Lahore Fort is the star attraction of the Old City.

If you are planning a visit to this majestic fort, be sure to take a professional DSLR with you so that you can catch and click amazing sceneries of this historical monument.

The origins of the fort go as far back as antiquity, however, the existing base structure was built during the reign of Mughal emperor Akbar and was regularly upgraded by subsequent rulers, having 13 gates in all. However, as the story goes, it is said to be built first in 800BC. Thus the fort manifests the rich traditions of Mughal architecture. Some of the famous sites inside the fort include Sheesh Mahal, Alamgiri Gate, Naulakha Pavilion, and Moti Masjid. Interestingly, its entrance gate is right in front of the Badshahi Mosque. This entry gate is known as the Alamgiri Gate.

In 1981, the fort was inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site along with the Shalimar Gardens.

For Lahoris, and specially foreigners, it’s a fabulous place to simply wander around. Please note that the museums here are closed an hour or so before sunset.

1566 AD – Lahore Fort was rebuild by Mughal emperor Akbar, in solid brick masonry on its earlier foundations. Also perhaps, its area was extended towards the river Ravi, which then and up to about 1849 AD, used to flow along its fortification on the north. Akbar also built Doulat Khana-e-Khas-o-Am, the famous Jharoka-e-Darshan (Balcony for Royal Appearance), Masjidi Gate etc.

In 1981, the fort was inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site along with the Shalimar Gardens of Lahore

The Lal Burj, an octagonal tower, was constructed from 1617-31 AD. Intended as a summer pavilion, it is decorated on the outside with mosaic and filigree while the interior is filled with paintings from the Sikh period. The lower two stories were built during Jahangir and Shah Jahan’s reign, while the upper story is a Sikh addition.

1618 AD – Jahangir adds Doulat Khana-e-Jahangir

1631 AD – Shahjahan builds Shish Mahal (Mirror Palace)

1633 AD – Shahjahan builds Khawabgah (A dream place or sleeping area), Hamam (bath), Khilwat Khana (retiring room), and Moti Masjid (Pearl Mosque).

1645 AD – Shahjahan builds Diwan-e-Khas (Hall of Special Audience).

The writer is a social and political activist based in Lahore and can be reached at salmanali088@gmail.com. All the photographs have been provided by him

Published in Daily Times, September 26^th 2017.