| Fort and Shalamar Gardens in Lahore * | |
|---|---|
| Country | Pakistan |
| Type | Cultural |
| Criteria | i, ii, iii |
| Reference | 171 |
| Region ** | Asia-Pacific |
| Inscription history | |
| Inscription | 1981 (5th Session) |
| Endangered | 2000–present |
| * Name as inscribed on World Heritage List ** Region as classified by UNESCO |
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The Lahore Fort, locally referred to as Shahi Qila (Urdu: شاهی قلعہ) is citadel of the city of Lahore, Punjab, Pakistan. It is located in the northwestern corner of the Walled City of Lahore. The trapezoidal composition is spread over 20 hectares.
Origins of the fort go as far back as antiquity, however, the existing base structure was built during the reign of Mughal emperor Akbar (1556–1605), who was a Secular Emperor of Hindustan (India) and was regularly upgraded by subsequent rulers, having thirteen gates in all.[1] However, it is said to be built first in 800B.C. Thus the fort manifests the rich traditions of Mughal architecture.[2] Some of the famous sites inside the fort include: Sheesh Mahal, Alamgiri Gate, Naulakha pavilion, and Moti Masjid. In 1981, the fort was inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site along with the Shalimar Gardens (Lahore).
The Pakistan Pavilion at Expo 2010 is designed as a replica of the fort.[3]
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The origins of Lahore Fort are obscure and are traditionally based on various myths.[4] However, during the excavation carried out in 1959 by the Department of Archaeology, in front of Diwan-e-Aam, a gold coin of Mahmood of Ghazni dated AH 416 (1025 AD) was found at a depth of 7.62 metres from the level of the lawns. Cultural layers continued to a further depth of 5 metres, giving strong indications that people had lived here, long before the conquest of Lahore by Mahmood in 1021 AD.[5] Further mention of the fort is traceable to Shahab-ud-din Muhammad Ghuri's successive invasions of Lahore from 1180 to 1186 AD.
The Sikhs Under Baba Banda Singh Bahadur (1670-1716) The Emperor of the Sikh or Khalsa Raj (Empire) Marched on Lahore but Banda Singh was in hurry to look after his government. Lahore was the only City in Punjab which was Spared.
Sikhs in 1758 Under Maharaja Jassa Singh Ahluwalia (1718-1783) Captured Lahore Fort, with it the City.
Sikhs Again in 1761 Took Lahore and the Fort and Declared Maharaja Jassa Singh Ahluwalia as the King of Lahore and the Fort.
Then the Bhangi Sikh Dynasty (1716-1810) one of the Many 12 Sikh Kingdoms (Misl) of Punjab Ruled Lahore City from 1760s upto 1799 Expanded the City of Lahore. When Ranjit Singh another Sikh Chief from Gujranwala Area Took Lahore From The Bhangi Misl the Lahore Fort Fell to Ranjit Singh and in 1801 He was crowned as the Emperor Of Whole of Punjab.
Lahore Fort and the City from (1799-1849) Remained under the Control of Maharaja Ranjit Singh Sher-e-Panjab and his Sons, Grandsons and Wives until the fall of the last Sikh Empire Or Lahore Darbar in 1849.
The strategic location of Lahore city between the Mughal territories and the strongholds of Kabul, Multan, and Kashmir required the dismantling of the old mud-fort and fortification with solid brick masonry.[7] The structure is dominated by Persian gardens influence that deepened with the successive refurbishments by subsequent emperors.[8] The fort is clearly divided into two sections: first the administrative section, which is well connected with main entrances, and comprises larger garden areas and Diwan-e-Aam for royal audiences. The second - a private and concealed residential section - is divided into courts in the northern part, accessible through 'elephant gate'. It also contains Shish Mahal (Hall of Mirrors of Mirror Palace), and spacious bedrooms and smaller gardens.[9] On the outside, the walls are decorated with blue Persian kashi tiles. The original entrance faces the Maryam Zamani Mosque, whereas the larger Alamgiri Gate opens to the Hazuri Bagh through to the majestic Badshahi Mosque.[10]
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