Badshahi Mosque A Jewel of Mughal Architecture in Lahore

Badshahi Mosque A Jewel of Mughal Architecture in Lahore

The Badshahi Mosque situated in Lahore, Pakistan and hailed as an example of the magnanimity and glory of Mughal architecture. This is one of the giant mosque and one of the historically and culturally important constructions in the world. The mosque with its sumptuous design, enormous domes, powerful minarets is an embodiment of Islamic architectural excellence, which called many visitors.

Historical Background: Badshahi Mosque history depicts that it was the Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb who ordered its construction. It was built in order to salute the victories over the Maratha Empire, his favorite construction of the emperor. The entire construction lasted only for two years from 1671 to 1673 during which time fervent work was carried out under the eldership of Aurangzeb’s foster brother and Lahore Governor Fidai Khan Koka. The design of the mosque was done by Nawab Zain Yar Jang Bahadur who was also inspired by the Mughal, Persian and central Asia styles of architecture.

Architectural Features: Badshahi Mosque is well defined with red sandstone cells and enclosed with inlaid white marble in the entrance and the pedestal. The expansive & main prayer hall has the capacity of accommodating more than 55,000 devotees at one time. The hall consists of seven bays separated by massive arches slanting in strongly from above and supported on graceful pillars covering complicated carvings of foliage and Qur'anic verses.

A unique characteristic of the mosque is the central dome, which reaches a height of 177 feet (54 meters) and is surrounded by four pillars in the form of minarets, matching each other's height at 176 feet (53.75 meters) tall. Geometric, floral and calligraphic designs using marble and sandstone adorn every dome and the minarets demonstrating the skills of the artisans of the Mughal era.

Very beautiful floral patterns and Quranic verses adorn the walls of Badshahi Mosque due to tiles that give the building beauty and splendor. Focal point adornment with marbles with great attention, the wall reproduces mosaic marble and the façade of the building is decorated with complicated jali – trellis – lattice that lets the rays of the sun into the mosque creating a beautiful contrast of light and dark.

Importance and Effects: In the country of Pakistan as well as in the Muslim world, Badshahi Mosque is very crucial culturally and historically. Like every other mosque, it continues to be in use to this day - as a religious and social facility and has been active for more than three centuries, having seen innumerable instances of praying, rituals, and notable happenings.

Of course, the mosque houses several important religious activities, but that is also a source of national pride and identity. The magnificent meter-long structure towers over most of the buildings in the cities and is a very attractive rendition of Mughals and their architecture. Badshahi mosque has an added advantage of being a popular attraction for the tourists drawn from the ambits of the globe to appreciate its artistry and the historical story behind it.

Badshahi Mosque is a remarkable structure representing the glory of the Mughal Empire and the invincible character of Islamic Architecture. Its magnificence, charm, and historical values still attracts visitors, thus boosting tourism in the region rich in former Pakistan cultural civilization. Also one of the biggest and beautiful mosques in the world and a jewel of Mughal architecture, Badshahi Mosque will continue to inspire respect and admiration in generations to come.