Arts and Humanities

GC University, Lahore

Assignment-1

Subject: Arts & Humanities

Submitted By:
1: Kabir Ahmed (4311)
2: Zia Ali (4321)
3: Muqaddas Munawar (4343)
4: M Zeeshan khan (4349 )
5: Menahil Nadeem (4365)
6: Bakhtawar Ibrahim (not issued so far)
Semester: 1st
Date: 21 Jan,2024.
 Arts and Humanities

Shahi Qila Lahore

Lahore Fort:

It was a sunny day, and though the chilly winds were blowing through the narrow
streets of Lahore, the scenario was quite fascinating and captivating. Lahore known as, “The
City of Hearts”, possesses a vast cultural and historical asset. Every street is a cultural
masterpiece and every building is a historical heritage. My team was excited and enchanted
with the task We were given; because it was going to help us to enjoy the historical place–Shahi
Qilla–not only from the task point of view but also make it memorable for us when in the future
if we look back we will have great assets of collective memories.

We made our plan the night before and gathered at Nasir Bagh the next morning
waiting for other members to join. We all gathered there and set off towards our destination
Shahi Qilla. As we're enjoying the trip we decided to choose Metro Bus Service. No matter
whether it is Sunday or Monday, the rushing routine remains the same for Lahories, and that's
why we could hardly cross the roads. We took the metro from Qurtuba station and got off at
Azadi Chowk station, our last station. The Metropolitan city helps us to interact with different

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people of diverse ages and backgrounds along the way. We walked the rest of our way feeling
the city and its beauty in its depth. One of our members joined us at the entrance of Shahi Qilla.
We purchased our tickets and headed into the mighty edifice. It was a stunning experience we
have had. With every next step, we were unfolding the hidden and untold mysteries and sagas
of history, lying in between the opened windows and the old rusted iron doors. In the following
lines, we will tell you how we experienced and what we found there. Let's begin the journey.

Enterence

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Shah Burj Gate ( Royal Way) and the stunning Walls :

The Shah Burj Gate, also known as the Shahi Darwaza or King's Gate, is a majestic entrance to
the Lahore Fort, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Let's delve into its history,
architecture, and artwork. The Shah Burj Gate was built during the reign of Emperor Akbar, the
third ruler of the Mughal Empire, in the late 16th century. It is an integral part of the Lahore
Fort, which has a history dating back to the 11th century. The gate is an exemplary piece of
Mughal architecture, showcasing a harmonious blend of Persian, Central Asian, and Indian
styles. It features a monumental gateway with a large pointed arch, flanked by two smaller
arched openings on either side. The facade is adorned with intricate decorative elements,
including geometric patterns, floral motifs, and calligraphy. The Shah Burj Gate is renowned for
its exquisite artwork, showcasing the mastery of Mughal craftsmen. The gate is adorned with
frescoes, tilework, and delicate carvings. The decorative elements include floral patterns,
geometric designs, and intricate calligraphy from the Quranic verses. The use of vibrant colors
and detailed craftsmanship reflects the Mughal emphasis on aesthetics and beauty in their
architectural endeavors.

Royal Road

The Royal Road:

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While there isn't a specific "Royal Road" in the traditional sense, the approach to the Lahore
Fort from the Badshahi Mosque is often considered a royal route. The Badshahi Mosque and
the Lahore Fort are connected by a beautiful garden called the Hazuri Bagh. The Shah Burj Gate
provides a direct passage from the Lahore Fort to the Badshahi Mosque. The entire ensemble,
including the Hazuri Bagh and the Shahi Burj Gate, is part of a grand architectural design.

As you enter the Lahore Fort through the Shahi Burj Gate on the left side, you may
encounter sections of the fort's protective walls. These walls would have been an integral part
of the fortifications, contributing to the overall defense of the complex. Mughal forts typically
featured massive defensive walls with bastions, towers, and gates strategically placed to deter
potential invaders. Following the Royal Way, there comes the Summer Palace and Barood
Khana.

Summer Palace and Barood Khana:

Surprisingly, we all were anxious to discover and get to know about the tunnels and the
hidden secrets of the Lahore Fort. There were a lot of hidden treasures in the architecture of
the Lahore Fort. Constructed during the reign of Emperor Akbar in the 16th century, these
tunnels served multifaceted purposes. Some were strategic escape routes, intricately designed
to safeguard the royal family during times of siege. Others functioned as clandestine passages
for the emperor and his confidantes, allowing discreet movement within the fort's expansive
grounds.

As the Mughal dynasty unfolded, subsequent rulers like Shah Jahan expanded and
refined these tunnels, adding layers of sophistication to their architecture. Shah Jahan,
renowned for his love of grand structures, adorned some passages with exquisite carvings and
intricate patterns, turning the tunnels into hidden galleries of art beneath the earth. The
tunnels also bore witness to the changing tides of history. During the Sikh and British periods,
these passageways, once veiled in secrecy, became conduits for intrigue and clandestine
activities. The echoes of footsteps within the tunnels tell stories of power struggles, espionage,
and the shifting sands of authority.

Today, as modern explorers venture into the depths of Lahore Fort, they traverse the
same tunnels that once resonated with the whispers of emperors and the hushed conversations
of spies. The Summer Palace, with its symmetrical layout and ornate design, became a haven
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where the Mughal emperors could escape the sweltering temperatures. Its shaded courtyards,
flowing fountains, and intricately carved jharokhas offered a retreat into a world of tranquility,
shielding the imperial family from the intensity of the summer sun.

Yet, beyond its functional role, the Summer Palace was a canvas for artistic expression.
Emperors like Shah Jahan, with a penchant for opulence, left an indelible mark on the palace's
architecture. The marble domes and delicate inlay work speak of a desire to create not just a
refuge but an aesthetic masterpiece that mirrored the grandeur of the Mughal dynasty.

The Barood Khana, established during the reign of Emperor Akbar in the 16th century, served as
the nerve center for the Mughal military's explosive arsenal. Tucked away within the
labyrinthine structure of Lahore Fort, it housed vast quantities of gunpowder, ammunition, and
weaponry—essentials for the defense and expansion of the empire.

The Mughal rulers recognized the significance of centralizing their explosive resources, and the
Barood Khana emerged as a secure vault against external threats. Strategically positioned
within the fort's confines, its location wasn't just a matter of convenience but a calculated move
to safeguard the heart of the empire against potential invaders. As time unfurled, the Barood
Khana adapted to the changing dynamics of warfare. Successive emperors, including Shah
Jahan and Aurangzeb, fortified and expanded this clandestine arsenal. The fortified walls of the
Barood Khana bore witness to conflicts and conquests, standing as a stoic guardian of imperial
might.

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Barood Khana :

The significance of the Barood Khana extended beyond military strategy; it encapsulated the
Mughal understanding of the delicate balance between power and preparedness. Its existence
symbolized the ever-present awareness of the fragility of empires, an acknowledgment that the
security of the realm rested upon the strength of its defenses.

Today, as visitors explore the intricacies of Lahore Fort, the Barood Khana stands as a tangible
reminder of an era when the explosive heartbeat of the empire was carefully housed within its
walls—a testament to the enduring legacy of strategic acumen in the annals of military history.

Sheesh Mahal:

We entered the Sheesh Mahal with the expectation that it would be filled with glass
everywhere. To our surprise, as soon as we stepped inside, we found ourselves in a vast open
space. Investigating further, we discovered that it was a place used for elephants during the

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reign of Shah Jahan, later repurposed in the era of Ranjit Singh as a court. Our attention was
drawn to a well-like structure over there. Upon inquiry, we learned that it wasn't a well, but
rather a secret meeting place for the king's confidential discussions. With interesting stories, we
were taken through another gate into the main Sheesh Mahel.

Upon entry, we were captivated by a beautiful marble floor. Further investigation revealed that
in those times, the floor had hidden channels for water. Whenever the king stepped out from
the Sheesh Mahal during hot weather, water was poured into these channels to keep the floor
cool, ensuring the king didn't feel the heat.
Right in front, there was a small building named Naulakha beautified with precious
stones. It was the place where the king would spend moments of leisure. In the center, a
special area was constructed for dancing. The king would sit in Naulakha and watch the
dancers, as the dancing stage was constructed in front of Naulakha.

Naulakha

After this, we proceeded towards the main building of Sheesh Mahal; the original structure; the
entire place got its name due to the glass-work in this building. This building showcases
remarkable glasswork skillfully done. The king designed the glasswork in such a way for his
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wives that at night, the glass emitted a glow resembling the brilliance of the moon and stars.
The outside view from the window of Sheesh Mahal was mesmerizing. The paintings in the
Sheesh Mahal use gold-infused water, reflecting the extravagant lifestyle of the Mughal
emperor. With these insights, we were surprised at how hedonistic the Mughal emperors were,
bidding farewell to the Sheesh Mahal with a sense of awe and admiration.

Sheesh Mahal

 300 year old tree:

As soon as we stepped outside, our attention was drawn to a large tree. Upon inquiring
about it, we learned that it is a 300-year-old Baar tree.

 Pain Baagh:

After that, we proceeded towards the garden, which turned out to be a remarkably beautiful
one. Upon inquiry, we discovered that this garden was built in 1633 exclusively for royal women
to spend moments of leisure. It served as a private retreat for them.

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 Moti Masjid:

Once we explored the garden's surroundings, we decided to make our way to the Moti
Masjid. Shah Jahan built the Moti Masjid in 1635, a stunning masterpiece of its time. It's
made of white marble with intricate designs. In Ranjit Singh's era, it became a temple
called the Pearl Temple, but later, during the English period, it was returned to the Muslim
community. After learning about its history, we moved on to our next stop

 Shahi Hamam

 Deewan-e-Khaas

 Khwabgah-e-Shah Jahan

 Karak Singh fort

 Museum

Shahi Hammam

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Though we were a bit exhausted when the guide told us that he was then going to show us
something interesting and an existing twist within the Mughul Edifices, we got ready and forgot
our tiredness, rather we became active to see what was next. We, with our guide, stepped
towards Shahi Hamam. Our guide told us that there are 21 baths in Shahi Hamam,8 cold baths,
8 hot baths, and 5 steam baths. There were seven small changing rooms and also a waiting
room around these baths.

Only a few royal people were allowed to take baths here. My friends and I were astonished to
see the artwork of that time. The pipes carrying water were fitted in the walls and their paths
were connected to small holes in the baths to provide water there. In the center of the Hamam,
there was a dome carrying precious stones. And towards its one corner was a glass wall carrying
the antique pieces including elephant’s teeth, mud glasses, cups, and jars. These were the
direct indications of artwork of old times. The guide told us that these pieces were discovered
during mining in 1991. After its visit, we came to know why Shah Jahan’s era is known as the
golden age of architecture.

Deewan-e-Khas

On the west side of Shahi Hamam is Dewan e khas. We witnessed its beauty. Its walls are
constructed of marble. It is opposite to Shah Jahan’s dormitory. When we heard its history from
our guide, we came to know that Mughal emperor Shah Jahan used to visit his people here. He

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also met his special ones like ministers and advisors here, which is why it is called Dewan e
Khas. It is proof of the technical construction of his time. The floor, pillars, and temples of the
building are decorated with beautiful and precious stones of different colors. We were amazed
by its beauty and sophistication. After visiting Dewan e Khas we stepped back from there. The
opposite of it is Shah Jahan’s dormitory and between the two buildings is a garden. The center
of the garden has a fountain constructed of marble. We noticed small holes in the floor of the
fountain. Our guide told us that in these holes there used to be precious stones. The garden is
divided into four paths. Each path leads to a specific direction. These paths are constructed of
small and lightweight tiles with special designs showing the art history of the Mughals era.

Through this garden, we went to Shah Jahan’s dormitory. There were five rooms. One was
the main room, Shah Jahan’s bedroom. On the front of the main room was the fountain. The
inner of Shah Jahan’s bedroom is constructed similarly to Shesh Mehal. The walls of the room
are decorated with small pieces of glass and precious stones. There were also the designs of
flowers on the walls. An art lover can enjoy it here full of amusement and energy. However;
some of its portion was under reconstruction. From one side of Shah Jahan’s dormitory, we can
see Moti Masjid. The building is constructed of heavy tiles. Its construction is according to the
winter and summer conditions. There is a window of marble, the holes of which are in such a
manner that air after entering through them becomes cooler. This shows the technical art skill
of the constructors of the Mughal emperor. The paintings, calligraphy, and the images on the
walls are remarkable. We, being students of art, can enjoy this artistic piece a whole day.

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Khawab Gahe Shah Jahan

Now, we proceeded towards Kharak Singh Haveli. The architecture here was different from
other buildings of the fort. Our guide told us that this Haveli was constructed by Kharak Singh
ruled the area from 1799 to 1839, the eldest son of the Sikh ruler Maharaja Ranjit Singh. The
walls of the Haveli have different designs. The lower portion of the Haveli has a vast library
while its upper portion carries the history of the Sikh era. Its rooms are small and the pillars are
wide, opposite to the Mughal style of architecture. The carvings on the walls reflect the sikh
king’s passion for art. Our guide told us this Haveli was used for various government functions
after independence. However, now the building is under the authority of the Walled City of
Lahore authority.

After this long walk, we were tired. We sat in a garden in the backside of Kharak Singh
Haveli. We ate oranges. These oranges were special because they were brought by one of our
friends from his local area in KPK. These were very fresh and juicy. Now we were able to walk.

We continued our walk back and visited the Museum. It was constructed in 1965. We were
amazed to see the old items there. There were handprints of Rani Jinda, wife of Maharaja Ranjit

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Singh, carved in marble and preserved in a glass. We moved forward and in one of the walls,
there was a glass cabinet containing crescent-shaped swords belonging to the Mughal era. On
the second wall, the glass cabinet contained straight swords dating back to the Sikh era with
blood stains still present on them. One was containing beautiful pictures of not only rulers of
different eras but also of wars of different relevant eras. On one corner there was a stack of
light guns used in the dark. while its opposite side was carrying the musical instruments that
were used to entertain the guests. As we stepped forward we noticed black round rings in a
corner used by Sikhs in their turbans and were also used to cut the neck of people to punish
them.

Lahore Fort Museum

The second part of the museum was also carrying the statue of King George, the fifth King of
Great Britain. It is an example of the sculptural art of that period. Next to the statue were
British-style guns in which they sometimes used stones instead of bullets. In the far corner of
the museum was Maharaja Ranjit Singh’s horse Lela whose body was preserved with chemicals.
There was a carpet on the horse filled with precious stones. We were very happy after visiting
the museum. Our guide was very friendly. He told us stories–the untold, the unwritten, and the
unexpressed ones. We then headed towards the

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 Deewan-e-Aam

 Masti Gate

 Bhutto ka Qaid Khana

Deewan-e-Aam

To criticize just the postmodern era for introducing classism among people is not fair. The
concept can be practically seen in a Mughal era as well that’s, Dewan e Aam. When we passed
through Khwabgah of Jahangir, Dewan e Aam was on our left side. Its design captivated us and
we couldn't wait anymore and rushed for its interior. It was constructed by Emperor Shah Jahn
in 1628. Its style entirely resembled Persian architecture where 40 Pillars sustain the roof just
like an audience hall. We felt the essence of classism where the king had a special place to sit
above all general masses showcasing its superiority. This was a platform where common people
used to interact and share their grievances with the king. Our guide briefed that the real Dewan
e Aam was destroyed by Sher Sing, the son of Ranjith Singh, in 1841 against a fight with the
wife of Kharhk Singh. The existing one was designed by the Britishers in 1849 after their victory
against the Sikhs. Moreover, two guards were standing there, wearing the dress that resonated

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with that original one of the previous time. This scene captured an imaginary picture of the
Mughal era in our subconscious and we felt the environment in its due form. Since time was
running too fast, therefore, we got out after observing it thoroughly. Now we found Z.A Bhutto
Qaid Khana on our right side at a distance of 500m towards our west. Before we intended to go
there, the front view of Dewan e Aam was so magnetic that we could not wait to go there.
Hence, we decided to take the front path to approach Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto Qaid Khana. Anyways,
this grassy lawn was, literally, a stupendous view that merged us with nature.

There are a lot of small and ruined places that people ignore and just pass by, such as Zulfiqar
Ali Bhutto Qaid Khana. My team had already an idea about it, therefore, we paid paramount
attention to it. We came to know that this was built by the Mughals for cooking purposes like a
kitchen but was modified to a prison shape by Britishers in 1856. This was named as a special
jail where they used to imprison the freedom fighters. Interestingly, Jawalnal Nehru,1st prime
minister of India, has also been jailed there during his movements of Hindu Raj. Moreover, this
special jail has witnessed not only freedom fighters but seen several politicians and leaders of
the time. To add more, Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto, former civil chief Marshal law administer, Akbat
Bugti, a Baluch freedom fighter, and other popular personalities have also been the victims of
the room. It still leaves horrifying waves that showcase the dark side of Lahore Fort. In addition,
Akbari Gate commonly known as Masti Gate is situated on the east side of Dewan e Aam. Our
group mates were enthusiastic about visiting it but time was not cooperating with us. However,
we did not leave in black. We came to know that initially it was named Majidi Gate but later on
was popularized with Masti Gate Two reasons we got behind it; Firstly, Masti Baloch, a Baloch
soldier, dedicated himself till his last breath. After his death, the gate got his name in his
memory. Secondly, some believe that the mast, used for the masjid locally, became common
for Majidi gate. Slowly and gradually, the mast was replaced with Masti. May the reason be, the
heritage site did lose its essence. After decades, it still showcases thousands of stories to be
discovered.

Conclusion :

No doubt, it was such a memorable trip we have had. We feel a bit exhausted, yet we
overcame that easily. Finally, we thanked our guide for giving us such good company,
introducing us to the mighty historical asset and we let him go. Indeed our country is a
grandeur of civilizations. We have different colors making a collective picture of love and
harmony. Our rich history offers credence to the claim that we were civilized culturally. In
addition to the glances of emperors, the traces of history also unveiled many horrendous sagas
echoing there. The swords in the museum were stained with blood, shaking us thoroughly.

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Apart from this, we enjoyed ourselves and had lunch at the cafeteria. The burgers and fries
were really tasty, and we still talked about each other. We also have some memories that we
have captured there, it was a team work and we collectively did it with zeal and zest.

 PHOTOGRAPHS:

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