Showing posts with label pavilion. Show all posts
Showing posts with label pavilion. Show all posts

Saturday, 9 July 2022

Hazuri Bagh Pavilion, a Symbol of Maharaja Ranjeet Singh Sikh Empire (2016)



Date of Visit:- 16th May 2016

(All pictures taken by me, please respect the copyright)
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.



Hazoori Bagh and Pavilion

 
Ceiling Minakari and cusped Arches


Standing in the Basement of Pavillion 

Cusped Arches



Cusped Arches

Basement

Basement 

Basement


Basement

Basement

Basement

Standing on the roof of Hazoori Bagh Pavillion 

Standing on the roof of Hazuri Bagh Pavillion