Maqbara Jahangir Tomb Lahore:
Tomb of Jahangir is located in Bagh-e-Dilkusha also called as Shahdara Bagh, Shadara Lahore. The Tomb of Jahangir was constructed by the fifth Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan as the resting place of his father Emperor Jahangir. Emperor Jahangir died in 1627 while returning from a visit to Kashmir. Tomb of Jahangir is considered as the most beautiful Mughal Tombs after Taj Mahal and Tomb of Humayun. Maqbara Jahangir Tomb Lahore is one of the top tourist attractions of Pakistan.
Construction of the Tomb of Jahangir
The construction of the Tomb of Jahangir started in 1627 and completed in 1637. The construction cost at that time was 10 Lakh Rupees. There are two theories about the construction of Jahangir’s Tomb. As per first theory, the tomb was started by Queen Noor Jahan but was completed by Shah Jahan. The other theory is that Tomb was commissioned by Emperor Shah Jahan as the burial place of his father.
Architectural Details
The Tomb is laid out in Persian Style of Gardens called Chahar Bagh. The garden is divided into four square and tomb is at the center of the garden. On all four axes are the fountains and water cannels that represent the canals of Water, Honey, Milk and Wine of Paradise. The Tomb is built on a square plinth. It is square in form and has four 100 feet tall minarets on each corner. The Tomb has no central dome over the main grave of the emperor.
Decorations of Jahangir’s Tomb
The Tomb of Jahangir is famous for its minarets that are beautifully cladded in white and yellow marbles. The tomb has world’s best Petra Dura Work, white marble is inlaid in red sand stone. Jahangir’s tomb has the handmade wall paintings, fresco and tile work. Beautiful floral patterns can also be found in the tomb. Jahangir’s cenotaph is richly decorated with inlaid marble flowers and 100 names of ALLAH.
Restoration of Maqbara Jahangir
Much of the original decorations of Jahangir’s Tomb have vanished with the passage of the time. As the Tomb of Jahangir is included in the tentative list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites, so it will be renovated soon. UNESCO has already renovated the nearby Tomb of Queen Noor Jahan.