Historical Places
Minar-e-Pakistan:
This impressive stately tower was built to commemorate Pakistan Day. It
marks the place where the historic 'Pakistan Resolution' for the creation
of Pakistan was unanimously passed on 23rd March 1940 by the Muslims of
the Sub-continent. The resolution was moved by the High Command of All
India Muslim League. The 195 feet tower of over 59 meters is located in
Iqbal Park near the Lahore Fort on Circular Road.
The verses of Holy Quran and, sayings of Allama Iqbal and Father of
the nation Quaid-e-Azem and a brief history of the Independence Movement
launched by the Muslims are engraved on the marble around the Minar. Foreign
dignitaries and tourists from far off places come here and Lahorites in
thousands gather here every evening for sightseeing. An elevator operates
during the day a bird's eye-view can be had from its top.
Lahore Fort:
Characteristically Mughal in its architectural style , the earliest buildings
of Lahore date back to 1566, the time when Akbar the Great (contemporary
of England's Queen Elizabeth I and one of the greatest monarchs the world
has known) made Lahore his seat of Government for fifteen years. His successors
extended the buildings and made the Fort a royal residence. The throne
room with its marble pavilion, the Diwan-e-Aam (the court of public audience),
the Elephant Gate, Jehangir s Quadrangle, the Sheesh Mahal, the Naulakha
and the Moti Masjid. All reflect the legendary pomp in which the Mughals
lived. It is remarkable how these treasures have withstood the ravages
of time. Intricate patterns of inlaid precious stones, carvings, mosaic
tiles, murals showing elephant fights, polo matches and Mughal Trumpeteers,
against the background of rough tiles, and paintings representing Persian
art, are a treat to the aesthetic eye.
The main entrance Hathi Pul (Elephant way) was the private entrance
to the royal apartments through which ladies of the Imperial household
used to ride on caparisoned elephants. The emperor reviewed parades and
visitors in "Diwan-e-Aam" a low marble audience hall in the centre of the
courtyard. Private guests were entertained in the "Diwan-e-Khas". The personal
quarters of the emperors Jehangir and Shah Jehan are other examples of
inspired architecture. A white lattice work pavilion with elegant arches.
the "Khwabgah" is specially beautiful.
Moti Masjid or Pearl Mosque beyond the audience hall was for the exclusive
use of royal ladies carved from marble having the lustre of pearls. Nearby
"Naulakha", a marble pavilion is inlaid with floral motifs and precious
gems.
Sheesh Mahal (Palace of Mirrors) built in 1631 is the most richly decorated
building inside Lahore Fort. It is named for the elaborate mosaic of convex
mirrors set in stucco work tracery and the gilded interior. Built by emperor
Shah Jehan, for his empress and his harem, fretted marble work screens
hiding the occupants from view.
Lahore offers some delightful picnic spots. Tourists can find shady
groves and green carpets at Shalamar Gardens, Jehangir' s Tomb and the
Jinnah Gardens, the Jallo Park the newly built Iqbal Park and Changa Manga
Forests.
Boats can be hired at the river Ravi, or at Baradari, another of the
river-side pleasure-houses built by the Mughals and an ideal place for
relaxation.
Islamic Summit Minar:
A long imposing pillar or minar with all modern Islamic Architectural features
stands in the busiest square of Lahore on Shahrah-e-Ouaid-e-Azam. It commemorates
the first Grand Islamic Summit Conference held at Lahore in 1974 and in
which all heads of the Islamic world gathered to symbolise the Islamic
unity and faith. There is a small exhibition gallery underneath, displaying
antiquities from various Muslim countries. No admission fee is being levied.
In the lawns of Summit Minar there is a Marble pavilion where used to
stand the Statue of Queen Victoria, which has now been shifted to the Lahore
Museum. Today a marble stand depicting the Holy Quran with gold engravings
stands there.
Kim's Gun or Zamzama:
Immortalised by Rudyard Kipling in his accounts is this famous gun now
popularly known as the Kim's Gun. It is placed just outside the museum
on the Shahrah-e-Quaid-e-Azam in front of the old campus. Originally it
was named as Zamzama iroar of the Lion). This gun was cast from copper
and brass collected as public levy in the form of household utensils. It
was used in various battles like the Panipat of 1761 A.D. when it was used
by Ahmed Shah Abdali. It was lastly used at Multan in 1818 by Ranjit Singh
where it was seriously damaged and afterwards moved to Lahore. Its huge
barrel seems eyeing the goings-on as if it were saying 'Let no one intrude,
or I belch fire but let all come and be included'.
Samadhi of Maharaja Ranjit Singh:
This mausoleum of the powerful ruler of the Sikh dynasty is situated just
opposite to the Lahore Fort. It is made of bricks and the architecture
is a mixure of Mughal and Hindu Styles with more crowdedness of the Hindu
style. This building was built in 1848 A.D. by Kharak Singh son of Ranjit
Singh. The square roof has a single fluted dome, which supports a chamber
which has a small pavilion decorated with pietra aura work. In this pavilion
is a marble urn in the form of lotus containing ashes of the Maharaja.
Eleven smaller knobs hold ashes of four queens and seven slave girls. The
interior of the chamber is elaborately decorated with fresco paintings.
This mausoleum is only opened for Sikh tourists and pilgrims.
Kharak Singh the successor of Ranjit Singh, died in 1840. It is believed
that his death was hastened by poison at the behest of his son Naunihal
Singh. What is incident, is that the son was also killed the same day by
the fall of an archway. Their ashes rest side by side in the Domes of Ranjit
Singh's mausoleum.
Shrine of Guru Arjan Dev:
This shrine was built by Maharaja Ranjit Singh in the memory of Guru Arjan
Dev the fifth Sikh Guru who compiled the Adi Granth, the principal part
of Sikh scriptures. This shrine has highly gilded dome, which attracts
many. Guru Arjan Dev was put in confinement for having collaborated with
Prince Khusrov, the rebellious son of Emperor Jehangir. His followers assert
that it is the same spot where Guru Arjan Dev miraculouly disappeared in
1606 A.D. in the waters of river Ravi.
Sarvwala Maqbara:
North of Dai Anga's tomb is the Sarvwala Maqbara, the cypress tomb. This
tall solid square brick tomb, is decorated with cypress trees in glazed
tile mosaics. The burial chamber is at the top, about five meters from
the ground, and can be reached only by a ladder. The surrounding garden
has completely disappeared
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