A forgotten Mughal Era Architecture in Lahore that no longer Exists

2018

( All pictures are taken by me, kindly respect copyrights. Please respect these rights and do not use the images in any vlogs, articles, or other media without permission)

Many are familiar with the graceful Mian Khan Tomb and Baradari, a well-preserved 17th-century structure at Shiwala Chowk in the Singhpura area of Bhogiwal, Lahore. This baradari is the resting place of Nawab Mian Khan, son of Nawab Saadullah Khan, the distinguished Prime Minister of Lahore under Emperor Shah Jahan.

Adjacent to this historic site stands the "Baradari Wali Masjid," also attributed to Nawab Mian Khan. Although its architecture may lack the grandeur of other Mughal-era buildings, it remains a significant historical landmark. Growing up in this area, I watched the mosque transform over time. Its once-beautiful domes and intricate arches—originally crafted with Mughal-era bricks—were gradually obscured by layers of cement plaster due to limited preservation efforts. Fortunately, I managed to capture its original beauty in photographs.

Inside the mosque, a small room to the south serves as the Imam’s residence, though this space is closed to the public. The square structure, with its slightly sunken plinth below the natural soil level, resembles a Mughal tomb. Its walls, reaching 10 to 12 feet in height, rise to meet corner squinches that support an interior dome, while the roof appears flat from the outside. Mughal-style niches, and small recessed alcoves typical of the era, adorn the interior, adding to its elegance and reinforcing its connection to the grand architectural tradition. Sadly, the entire building has been whitewashed, blending it into the surroundings and repurposing it as a mosque for the local community.

One intriguing tale, shared by local elders, tells of an escape tunnel within this Mughal-era room, rumored to have provided a quick escape during times of attack. Though the entrance to this tunnel remains visible, it has been sealed for as long as anyone can remember, leaving its true age, purpose, and length a mystery.