(All pictures taken by me, please respect the copyright)
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| The picture was taken from Badshahi Masjid Minarets on 05/16/2016 |
The Hazuri Bagh Baradari, located in Lahore, Pakistan,
is an impressive structure built in 1818 by Maharaja Ranjit Singh, a Sikh
ruler. Made of stunning white marble, the pavilion features intricately carved
pillars, delicate cusped arches, and a mirrored ceiling in the central area
where the Maharaja held court. Originally a two-story building, the baradari
lost its upper level due to a lightning strike in 1932.
The Hazuri Bagh Garden, aptly named "Royal
Garden," holds great historical significance as it witnessed significant
events during the Sikh Empire from 1801 to 1849. It hosted the final darbar
conducted by Sikh Emperor Ranjit Singh and the coronation of his son and
successor following the Maharaja's passing.
During the Mughal era, Emperor Aurangzeb constructed a
caravanserai called Serai Alamgiri, which fell into ruins with the decline of
the empire. It was Maharaja Ranjit Singh's capture of Lahore in 1799 that
sparked the restoration of the area's royal splendor, a process that took over fifty
years to complete.
In 1913, Maharaja Ranjit Singh acquired the renowned
Koh-i-Noor diamond from Afghan ruler Shah Shuja Durrani. To commemorate this
monumental acquisition, a royal garden called Ranjit Bagh or Hazuri Bagh was
planned under the supervision of Faqir Azizuddin. Jamadar Khushal Singh
proposed the construction of a marble baradari pavilion at the center of the
Bagh, despite initial disapproval from the Maharaja due to the difficulty of
obtaining marble. Eventually, marble was sourced from various Mughal monuments
in and around Lahore, including those previously belonging to Mughal royals
such as Asif Khan, Zeb un Nissa Jhangirband, and Nur Jahan.
The renowned Sikh architect Tota Ram was entrusted
with the design of the bagh complex. The pavilion, supported by sixteen pillars
with delicate cusped arches, features twelve entrances and includes a basement
with subterranean chambers. Its roof is adorned with elegant floral and bird
motifs, complemented by mirror decorations. Ranjit Singh frequently visited the
pavilion during his reign, using it to hold court with his generals and English
guests. Despite having more than three entrances on each side, the Hazuri Bagh
pavilion is still referred to as a baradari, which traditionally signifies a square
structure with three entrances on each side, totaling twelve entrances. The two
sides facing the Badshahi Mosque and the Raushnai Gate each have four
entrances, while the remaining two sides have five. The baradari is elevated on
a raised platform accessible via two sets of stairs on each side. Its façade is
adorned with repurposed white marble from various Mughal monuments in Lahore,
featuring relief work and jali work as prominent ornamental elements. The
exterior of the baradari showcases elaborate arches with delicately rendered
images of fruit dishes, vases, and peacocks. Stepping inside, visitors will
find a central portion and an outer section connected by three archways on each
side, creating an enclosed baradari within the main structure.
While the ceilings of the baradari are made of plain
wooden planks, the central portion features exquisite Sikh period minakari
(mirror work). Due to a shortage of white marble during construction, the
flooring is made of stone instead.
The Hazuri Bagh Baradari is widely regarded as the
architectural masterpiece of Maharaja Ranjit Singh's reign. It served as a
venue for state affairs and imperial court proceedings. Maharaja Sher Singh,
Ranjit Singh's son, also utilized the pavilion for official functions and personal
pursuits. When the British took control of Lahore, the pavilion was repurposed
as a bandstand where regular Sunday afternoon music performances took place.
Unfortunately, on July 19, 1932, the upper story of
the pavilion suddenly collapsed, reducing it to a single-story structure. The
debris was removed from the fort, and since then, it has remained at its
current level. The historical significance of the pavilion is further
highlighted by its use in displaying the bodies of Maharaja Ranjit Singh and
his son, Nau Nihal Singh, after their respective deaths.
According to Robert Montgomery, the Hazuri Bagh
Baradari is considered the architectural masterpiece of Ranjit Singh's reign.
Within this baradari, Ranjit Singh conducted state affairs and held discussions
with his ministers and Sardars. Later, Maharaja Sher Singh, the son of Ranjit
Singh and Rani Mehtab Kaur, utilized the gilded pavilion for his own court
proceedings and displays of power. During the British rule in Lahore, the
pavilion was repurposed as a bandstand, where music was played regularly on
Sunday afternoons. However, the upper story of the pavilion unexpectedly
collapsed on July 19, 1932, resulting in its current single-story structure.
The debris was subsequently removed from the fort.
The Hazuri Bagh pavilion holds historical significance
as it was used to display the bodies of Maharaja Ranjit Singh and his son, Nau
Nihal Singh, after their respective deaths.
The information you provided adds valuable insights
into the history and transformation of the Hazuri Bagh Baradari.
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