Article Published In Vol.11 (Sept-Oct 2023)

Lahore’s Magnificent Mausoleums: A Glimpse into Mughal Architecture and Cultural Legacy

Author : Ruba Babur Mughal

Lahore, a city located in Punjab, is abundant in historical remnants and has evolved into a vast urban center. Despite its modernization, Lahore retains its natural beauty and shines with the splendid imprints of various historical periods including the Mughals, British, and Sikh reigns in the Indian subcontinent. It clasps inside it, bustling bāzārs, marvelous architectural structures, multifaceted cultures, and also charming hues of traditions and rituals. According to legends, the creation of Lahore is linked to Rāmā, the emperor of Ayodha, and the legend of the Hindu epic Ramayana. Lahore was named by a Hindu prince “Loh” the son of Rāmā Chandra. However, the recorded history of Lahore goes back to 850 A.D. conquered by a Muslim leader Maḥmūd Ghaznavi. Lahore is enriched with buildings and historical architecture. It is a city that is culturally and historically very rich. With the span of time, the ruling powers of Lahore brings different changes in its architecture but it is still a great masterpiece of design. Many buildings like mausoleums, tombs, forts, gardens, ḥavelis, Muslim masājid, Sikh gurudwaras, Hindu temples, and Christian churches all are still standing here with their magnificent glory. Under British control, the architecture that developed in Lahore was an amalgamation of various styles embracing Mughal, Gothic and Victorian features.

Keywords: Lahore, Architecture, Mausoleums, Tombs, Forts, Gardens.