Shalimar Garden is a stunning example of Mughal architecture and design. Built-in the 17th century, it is located in the city of Lahore in Pakistan. The garden was commissioned by the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan as a gift for his wife, Mumtaz Mahal. The garden is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a popular tourist attraction, known for its beautiful layout, fountains, and impressive buildings.
History and Background
The construction of Shalimar Garden was started by the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan in 1641 and was completed in 1642. The garden was designed by the famous architect Ali Mardan Khan. The garden was originally called the "Bagh-e-Faiz Baksh," which means the Garden of Goodness and Bounty. However, after the garden was completed, Shah Jahan renamed it as Shalimar Garden, which means "Abode of Love" in Persian.
The garden was constructed on the eastern bank of the Ravi River. The garden covers an area of 80 acres and has three terraces. Each terrace is at a higher level than the previous one. The garden is also surrounded by a high brick wall, which helps to keep it secluded from the outside world. The garden's design was influenced by the Persian paradise garden, which features a central water channel with fountains and symmetrical planting of trees and flowers.
Layout and Design
Shalimar Garden Lahore layout and design are a perfect example of the Mughal style of gardening. The garden has three levels, with each level having a specific purpose. The first level is the public level and has the entrance gate, the mosque, and the Diwan-e-Aam (public audience hall). The second level is the private level, where the emperor and his family used to relax. It has the Diwan-e-Khas (private audience hall) and the sleeping chambers. The third level is the imperial level, which was exclusively for the emperor. It has the Shish Mahal (the Mirror Palace) and the Naulakha Pavilion.
The garden is divided into four parts by walkways and water channels. The central water channel is the most prominent feature of the garden. It is lined with fountains and marble pavilions. The water channel runs through the center of the garden and divides it into two equal parts. The four parts of the garden are called the Hayat Baksh (Life Bestowing), Faiz Baksh (Bounty Bestowing), Farah Baksh (Pleasure Bestowing), and the Tasbih Khana (Prayer Place).
The garden is also famous for its trees and flowers. The garden has a wide variety of trees, including cypress, palm, and fruit trees. The flowers in the garden include roses, jasmine, and lilies. The garden also has a beautiful collection of fruit trees, which include mango, pomegranate, and orange trees.
Architecture
The architecture of Shalimar Garden is a beautiful blend of Persian and Mughal styles. The garden has many buildings, including the sleeping chambers, the Diwan-e-Aam, the Diwan-e-Khas, the Shish Mahal, and the Naulakha Pavilion.
The Shish Mahal is one of the most impressive buildings in the garden. It is located on the third level of the garden and was built by Shah Jahan. The Shish Mahal is made entirely of marble and is decorated with thousands of tiny mirrors. The mirrors reflect light, creating a beautiful effect.
The Naulakha Pavilion is another impressive building in the garden. It is located on the third level of the garden and was built by Aurangzeb, Shah Jahan's son. The Naulakha Pavilion was used as a summer retreat by the Mughal Emperors. The pavilion has nine pavilions, hence the name Naulakha, which means "nine lakhs" in Hindi.
The Diwan-e-Aam and the Diwan-e-Khas are two audience halls located on the first and second levels of the garden, respectively. The Diwan-e-Aam was used for public audiences, while the Diwan-e-Khas was used for private audiences.
The garden's buildings are decorated with intricate designs and patterns. The use of geometric patterns and calligraphy is a common feature of Mughal architecture.
Importance and Significance
Shalimar Bagh Lahore is an important historical site that showcases the Mughal era's grandeur and magnificence. The garden is a testament to the Mughal's love for beauty, elegance, and symmetry. The garden's design and architecture have influenced many other gardens in the Indian subcontinent, including the Nishat Bagh in Srinagar and the Shalimar Bagh in Delhi.
The garden's significance also lies in its cultural value. The garden reflects the Mughal's love for nature and their appreciation for gardens. The garden's design and layout show the importance of water in the Mughal era. The garden's fountains and water channels are not just for aesthetic purposes but also served as a source of cooling during the hot summer months.
The garden also reflects the Mughal's religious and cultural diversity. The garden has a mosque and a prayer place, indicating the Mughal's religious tolerance. The garden's name, Shalimar, is a Persian word, indicating the Mughal's love for Persian culture and art.
Tourism and Conservation
Shalimar Garden is a popular tourist attraction, attracting visitors from all over the world. The garden is open to visitors from sunrise to sunset. The best time to visit the garden is in the early morning or late afternoon when the light is soft, and the garden is not too crowded.
To ensure the garden's conservation, the government of Pakistan has taken several steps to preserve the garden's heritage and beauty. The garden's water channels and fountains have been restored, and the buildings have been renovated. The garden is also regularly maintained, with the trees and flowers being pruned and replanted as needed.
Conclusion
Shalimar Garden is a masterpiece of Mughal architecture and design. The garden's layout, design, and architecture showcase the Mughal's love for beauty, elegance, and symmetry. The garden's significance lies not only in its historical importance but also in its cultural value. The garden reflects the Mughal's religious and cultural diversity and their love for nature and gardens.
Shalimar Garden is a testament to the Mughal era's grandeur and magnificence, and it continues to attract visitors from all over the world. The government of Pakistan's efforts to conserve and maintain the garden has ensured that it remains a popular tourist attraction and a symbol of Pakistan's rich cultural heritage.
