Chauburgi

In the historic city of Lahore, on the road that led southwards to Multan, the Chauburji gateway remains of an extensive garden known to have existed in Mughal times. The establishment of this garden is attributed to Mughal Princess Zeb-un-Nissa, 1646 A.D., which appears in one of the inscriptions on the gateway. Zeb-un-Nissa was Emperor Aurangzeb’s eldest daughter: patron of the arts, poet, and a keeper of several lovers, according to rumours. Born in 1638 to Dilras Bano of the Persian Safavid dynasty, she was Aurangzeb’s close companion for several years. Loved by Aurangzeb, she was named carefully to reflect his station.

A photographer visits Lahore’s signature monuments

The set of pictures is by a Montreal based photographer Arif A. Khan. The Mughal period Badshahi and Wazir Khan mosques are the two most photographed places in Lahore but like the monuments that unfailingly capture the visitor the photographer too brings us a fresh perspective and appreciation of their grandeur.

Shiwala Gulab Rai from Maryam Zamani Mosque

According to Kanahiya Lal the historian, the Gulab Rai Shiwala lies at the back of Khushal Singhs Haveli ( Now Government College for Girls, Chuna Mandi) and is distinguished by the gilded spire . He states it was in a state of neglect even in the late nineteenth century. Its graceful head is still visible in the rising humble crowd of new dwellings.