SHALIMAR GARDEN LAHORE

HISTORICAL PLACE OF PAKISTAN

 



In the centre of Lahore, Pakistan, Shalimar Garden is a gorgeous masterpiece and a historical site.  The Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan constructed the Shalimar Garden, a famous UNESCO World Heritage Site, in the 17th century. It is a tribute to the splendor and magnificence of the Mughal Empire. We will dig into Shalimar Garden's enthralling past, examine its historical significance, and uncover its alluring aspects in this blog article. It is a must-visit location for tourists and history buffs alike.

Who constructed Pakistan's Shalimar Garden?

Emperor Shah Jahan, who ruled the Mughal Empire from 1628 to 1658, commissioned Shalimar Garden. The garden was built starting in 1637 and was finished in 1641. The emperor and his royal family used it as a private retreat when it was first constructed.

Value of the Shalimar Garden

Shalimar Garden is incredibly significant historically and culturally. During the Mughal era, it represented wealth and power, displaying the Mughal empire's excellent taste and creative prowess. The garden was intended to depict the harmony between people and environment, not just serve as a leisure area.

The Shalimar Garden Saga

The Shalimar Garden tale is rich in romance and grace. According to legend, Emperor Shah Jahan dreamed up a lavish garden where he and his wife, Empress Mumtaz Mahal, could escape and savour their love. He gave the job of creating the garden to renowned architect Ali Mardan Khan.

Emperor Shah Jahan, the fifth Mughal emperor, ordered the construction of Shalimar Bagh in 1641. It was constructed as a symbol of his devotion and affection for his wife, Empress Nur Jahan. The original name of the garden was "Bagh-e-Faiz Bakhsh," which translates to "The Bountiful Garden."

Shalimar Bagh was conceptualized and built by eminent architect and poet Ali Mardan Khan. He built a spectacular garden complex with three major terraces that covered more than 80 acres (32 hectares): the upper terrace, middle terrace, and lower terrace.

The royal family had exclusive use of the top terrace, also known as "Farah Baksh" or "Bestower of Pleasure." It was where the imperial family would unwind and take in the beauty of the garden. It also contained the emperor's private rooms.

The courtiers and nobles had access to the middle terrace, also called "Faiz Baksh" or "Bestower of Goodness." It included lavish marble pools, decorative fountains, and exquisite pavilions.

The public could access the lower terrace, known as "Hayat Baksh" or "Bestower of Life," which had a wide variety of fruit trees, flowerbeds, and flowing waterfalls. The Ravi River supplied the ponds in this area with water, creating a tranquil atmosphere.

The arrangement of the garden combined traditional Islamic and Persian garden design ideas, with a focus on symmetry, geometric patterns, and water elements. The fountains were fueled by a natural gradient, which allowed water to flow through the garden in a regulated fashion.

Shalimar Bagh had several phases of neglect and repair throughout the years. During the Sikh and British eras, the garden sustained substantial damage, but it was finally brought back to its former splendour.

Shalimar Bagh and other Lahore historical monuments were named UNESCO World Heritage monuments in 1981 in recognition of their exceptional global value and cultural importance.

The Mughal era's aesthetic genius and architectural ability are still on display in Shalimar Bagh today. It draws tourists from all over the world who are drawn to it by its magnificent gardens, elaborate marble work, and tranquil atmosphere. The garden's annual Shalimar Festival, which features a Mughal theme, highlights classical music and dance acts, strengthening its cultural significance.

The beautifully designed and laid out Shalimar Garden, also known as the "Abode of Love," was done in the Persian Charbagh style, which represents the Islamic idea of heaven.

The park was separated into three terraces, each of which represented a different aspect of life. The first terrace was reserved for the general populace, the second for the aristocracy, and the third terrace was used solely by the emperor and his family.

Shalimar Garden Characteristics

Design: Shalimar Garden's layout and design include symmetrical paths, attractive lakes, and terraced flowerbeds. It covers an area of nearly 80 acres. The garden's layout adheres to the exact proportions and balance of Islamic geometry.

Waterworks: The design of the garden emphasises the significance of water. The garden is divided into various portions by a canal known as the Shah Nahar, or the Royal Water Channel. A calming and peaceful atmosphere is produced by the water cascading from terrace to terrace.

Diwan-i-Khas: The Diwan-i-Khas, a regal pavilion that functioned as the emperor's personal audience hall, is located in the middle of the park. This amazing building has exquisite paintings, elaborate marble sculptures, and a magnificent marble throne.

Marble Pavilions: Adding to the architectural splendour of Shalimar Garden are a number of marble pavilions and other buildings. These pavilions give shade from the sun and beautiful garden views.

Fragrant Flowerbeds: The garden features a wide variety of aromatic blooms and immaculately maintained flowerbeds. e. aromatic Flowerbeds. As visitors stroll around the garden's paths, they are treated to a riot of colours and entrancing smells.

Char Bagh: An essential component of the Shalimar Garden's design is the Char Bagh, also known as the four-part garden. The four quadrants of the garden stand in for the four rivers of paradise stated in the Qur'an. A symphony of flora and geometric patterns is created as a result of further subdividing each quadrant into smaller pieces.

Conclusion

The Mughal Empire was known for its brilliant architecture and refined aesthetics, as seen by Shalimar Garden. Visitors from all over the globe are still mesmerised by its beautiful fusion of nature, water, and building beauty. A trip back in time may be had by visiting Shalimar Garden, where one can take in the splendour of the Mughal era and take in the peace of this magnificent oasis.


Raheel Rustam