Badshahi Mosque

Badshahi Mosque
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Name	Badshahi Mosque
Location	Lahore, Punjab, Pakistan
Architect	Mughal architecture
Type	Mosque
Leadership	Mughal Empire
Year completed	1673

Badshahi Mosque is a prominent Islamic place of worship located in Lahore, Punjab, Pakistan, built during the reign of Mughal Empire ruler Aurangzeb. The mosque is considered one of the finest examples of Mughal architecture, showcasing the expertise of Mughal engineers and artisans, such as Ustad Ahmad Lahori and Isa Khan. It is situated near the Lahore Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and the Wazir Khan Mosque, another notable Mughal-era mosque. The construction of the mosque was influenced by the designs of the Jama Masjid in Delhi and the Taj Mahal in Agra, both iconic Mughal monuments.

● History

The construction of the mosque began in 1671 under the supervision of Fidai Khan Koka, the Governor of Lahore, and was completed in 1673. The mosque was built during a time of great turmoil in the Mughal Empire, with Aurangzeb facing challenges from the Maratha Empire and the Sikh Empire. Despite these challenges, the mosque was completed at a cost of around 900,000 rupees, a significant amount at the time, and was inaugurated by Aurangzeb himself. The mosque has undergone several renovations and restorations over the years, including a major restoration project undertaken by the British Raj in the late 19th century, which was overseen by John Lockwood Kipling and Rudyard Kipling. The mosque has also been visited by several notable figures, including Nawab of Bahawalpur, Maharaja Ranjit Singh, and Lord Curzon.

● Architecture

The mosque is an exemplary model of Mughal architecture, which is characterized by the use of red sandstone, white marble, and intricate inlay work. The mosque's design is influenced by the Persian architecture and Islamic architecture styles, with a large courtyard and a central prayer hall. The mosque's minarets are adorned with arches and domes, which are typical features of Mughal architecture, as seen in the Taj Mahal and the Red Fort. The mosque's architecture is also similar to that of the Jama Masjid in Delhi and the Wazir Khan Mosque in Lahore, both of which were built during the Mughal Empire era. The mosque's design has been praised by architects and historians, including Abdul Rehman Hye, Kamil Khan Mumtaz, and Robert Venturi.

● Features

The mosque has several notable features, including its large courtyard, which can accommodate thousands of worshippers, and its central prayer hall, which is adorned with intricate inlay work and calligraphy. The mosque also has four minarets, each of which is over 60 meters tall, and a large dome that is decorated with gold and ceramic tiles. The mosque's mihrab is also noteworthy, as it is decorated with intricate carvings and inlay work, similar to those found in the Taj Mahal and the Red Fort. The mosque's minbar is also decorated with carvings and inlay work, and is considered one of the finest examples of Mughal-era woodwork. The mosque has been visited by several notable figures, including Muhammad Iqbal, Faiz Ahmad Faiz, and Abdus Salam.

● Conservation

The mosque has undergone several conservation and restoration projects over the years, including a major restoration project undertaken by the Punjab Archaeology Department in the 1990s. The project aimed to restore the mosque's original architecture and decorations, and to repair damage caused by weathering and neglect. The project was overseen by architects and conservators from the Punjab University and the Lahore Museum, and was funded by the Government of Pakistan and the UNESCO. The mosque has also been recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and is considered one of the most important cultural heritage sites in Pakistan. The mosque's conservation has been praised by ICOMOS, IUCN, and UNESCO World Heritage Centre.

● Significance

The mosque is considered one of the most significant Islamic places of worship in Pakistan, and is a major tourist attraction in Lahore. The mosque is also an important cultural heritage site, and is considered a symbol of Pakistani history and identity. The mosque has been visited by several notable figures, including Muhammad Ali Jinnah, Liaquat Ali Khan, and Zulfikar Ali Bhutto. The mosque has also been the site of several important events, including the Lahore Resolution and the Pakistan Movement. The mosque's significance has been recognized by Organization of Islamic Cooperation, Islamic Development Bank, and Asian Development Bank. The mosque is also an important part of Lahore's cultural landscape, and is situated near other notable landmarks, including the Lahore Fort, the Wazir Khan Mosque, and the Shalimar Gardens.

Category:Mosques in Pakistan