‘This part of Lahore fort remains cold even in summers
because of its unique ventilation system. Large spacious rooms were used as
Harem. Queens, consorts n princesses meandered here. We just open this area
just for our special guests.
You can visit this area at ease.’
Tourists spread in the rooms of summer palace just
beneath Seesh Mahal in hope to hear few gossips, cackles and tears from past.
Just then, Murad turned to him.
‘What you just said to Irravati?’ he became furious.
‘I’m not in state of saying anything to anyone,’ Saadun tried
to budge outside the wall.
TEMPLE OF LOH
‘But I know why you’re roving disguised as guide at this
fort?’ Saadun looked in his eyes. Just then they heard bells ringing in ‘temple
of Loh’ named at prince ‘Lava’ or ‘Loh’ ;the son of Raam and Sita.
‘She is back,’ Murad looked above. Tourists came back to
him.
CONSTRUCTION OF LAHORE FORT
‘You told that Lahore fort observed the destruction and
ruins of many invaders before coming to its marvelous grace,’ one tourist approached
Murad just then.
‘It’s unfortunate of warriors to destroy
the history of
ignoring the verity that history can’t be wiped out. Its saved at every inch of this universe, at skies,
at rocks and at souls,’ Murad stopped and looked at Saadun, who stood still in
the wall now. He became restless.
ALSO CLICK: FALL OF DELHI
ALSO CLICK: FALL OF DELHI
‘Malik Ayaz heaved
the foundations of Lahore fort with mud bricks it but Mongols ruined it in 12th
century. Sultan Balban rebuilt it. Timur felt content to smash Lahore fort
again and Mubarak Shah Syed satisfied after re-erecting it. Lodhi’s dwelled
here too while ruling at Lahore but Mughal kings gave the real blush to Lahore
fort by reconstructing it to marvelous structure, as architecture remained
their signature marks in sub continent,’ Murad put the story in plain but
intriguing terms like professional guide.
CONTRIBUTION OF MUGHAL AT LAHORE FORT
‘I know every Mughal king continued to add beauty to this
fort in their era. Because of its strategic location to control Multan, Kashmir
and Kabul; Akbar decided to demolish mud brick fort into stronghold. He
accomplished the Lahore fort with gardens and pavilions. Then King Jahangir
added mosque Maryum Zamani Begum and magnificent picture wall to it. Shah jahan
gifted the Diwan e Aam and mesmerizing Seesh Mahal. How Aurangzeb could miss his
inherited traditions by constructing Badshahi Mosque?’ one brown haired lady
tourist revised her notes.
BADSHAHI MOSQUE & ALAMGIRI GATE
‘Umm…impressive research,’ one of her mate praised.
‘Let me see you
the Badshahi Mosque, adjacent to fort. This mosque was built by King Aurangzeb.
The marvelous semi circular doomed entrance of Lahore fort the Alamgiri gate is
also Aurangzeb’s gift to this fort,’ he pointed the tourists out of harem rooms
towards elephant stairs.
‘Hey, get me out of here,’ Saadun called him from back
and tried to leave that wall. Murad just ignored him and took tourists outside.
Harmonium, tabla,
khungroo, the air filled with charming sounds as the life at fort seemed
restoring to life at that instance. A private royal function was in its
preparation at Seesh Mahal at arrival of prince Khuram( King Shah Jahan, later
on) and Prince Sharyar, the sons of King Jahangir.
‘These giant stairs were specially made to ride the elephants when kings visited this fort. Then you’ll cross lush green magnificent Hazoori Bagh to enter Badshahi Mosque,’ they all came outside at giant stairs.
PICTURED WALL
picture wall at lahore fort |
‘I actually loved the ‘picture wall’ constructed by King Jahangir.
Every panel of wall depicted the living scenes of elephant fights, polo games,
tea parties…I’ve visited the monuments of all world but I’m big fan of Mughals
artistic approach. Every structure is master piece and unique with fusion of
Islamic, Persian, European and off course Indian styles,’ the lady tourist
seemed really impressed.
It was about to
spread dusk when tourists moved forward. The sky was clear with twinkling stars
and a shining full moon. The guards of Lahore fort were about to shut its gates
for general visitors.
FOOD STREET ADJACENT TO LAHORE FORT & BADSHAHI MOSQUE
full moon VIEW OF LAHORE FORT FROM FOOD STREET |
‘We should move outside now. You can enjoy fabulous
traditional Lahori food at foodstreet just outside fort. It’ll be awesome to
view of Lahore fort, Badshahi Mosque, Ranjit Singh’s Samdhani and Naag temple(
temple made by Ranjit Singh’s daughter at his regime) from there in flood
lights across this area,’ Murad guided the tourists towards gate.
‘Wait a minute, how can we skip the famous ‘SEESH MAHAL,’
that brown haired lady turned back.
SEESH MAHAL, LAHORE FORT |
‘Please…,’ Murad called her from back and gazed at
Hazoori bagh towards Jahangir’s Shah burj block. Just for instance the world
stopped and moved back in times.
DANCE PERFORMANCE AT SEESH MAHAL
Hundreds of
‘diyas’ (cup-shaped oil lamps) rowed in his ways. Full moon rays were
reflecting back after hitting to the mirrors of Seesh Mahal to cast panorama
effect on atmosphere. Musicians took their positions at one corner that time
reached which he was scared.
Irravati came on the floor adorned with jewels and
anklets. Strings of sitar mixed the air to hammer saccharine reverberation at
hearts.
‘Why you stand there, Murad. Though it’s a private place
reserved just for royals but being buddy you’re always welcome,’ Prince Shyaryarcalled him....
to be continued
disclaimer: all characters n images are fictitious. any resemblance would be coincident.
disclaimer: all characters n images are fictitious. any resemblance would be coincident.
TO READ THE STORY FROM FIRST EPISODE JUST CLICK
LOVE AT LAHORE FORT
Other stories of series are:
1. THE MUGHAL ECLIPSE
2. ACROSS NILE
3. FUTURE EYE
4. PRITHVI VS GHOURI
5.MY GUILTY STYLE
6. BURIED HATE N BORN LOVE IN WAZIRISTAN
LOVE AT LAHORE FORT
Other stories of series are:
The Mughal Eclipse |
2. ACROSS NILE
3. FUTURE EYE
4. PRITHVI VS GHOURI
5.MY GUILTY STYLE
6. BURIED HATE N BORN LOVE IN WAZIRISTAN