Badshahi Mosque Lahore Pakistan

The Badshahi Mosque (Punjabi, Urdu: بادشاھی مسجد), or the 'Emperor's Mosque', in Lahore is the second largest mosque in Pakistan and South Asia and the fifth largest mosque in the world. It is Lahore's most famous landmark and a major tourist attraction epitomising the beauty, passion and grandeur of the Mughal era.

Capable of accommodating 10,000 worshippers in its main prayer hall and 100,000 in its courtyard and porticoes, it remained the largest mosque in the world from 1673 to 1986 (a period of 313 years), when overtaken in size by the completion of the Faisal Mosque in Islamabad. Today, it remains the second largest mosque in Pakistan and South Asia and the fifth largest mosque in the world after the Masjid al-Haram (Grand Mosque) of Mecca, the Al-Masjid al-Nabawi (Prophet's Mosque) in Medina, the Hassan II Mosque in Casablanca and the Faisal Mosque in Islamabad.

To appreciate its large size, the four minarets of the Badshahi Mosque are 13.9 ft (4.2 m) taller than those of the Taj Mahal and the main platform of the Taj Mahal can fit inside the 278,784 sq ft (25,899.9 m2) courtyard of the Badshahi Mosque, which is the largest mosque courtyard in the world.

Minar-e-Pakistan Lahore

Minar-e-Pakistan is a tall minaret in Iqbal Park Lahore, built in commemoration of the Lahore Resolution. The minaret reflects a blend of Mughal and modern architecture, and is constructed on the site where on March 23, 1940, seven years before the formation of Pakistan, the Muslim League passed the Lahore Resolution (Qarardad-e-Lahore), demanding the creation of Pakistan.[1] This was the first official declaration to establish a separate homeland for the Muslims living in the South Asia.[2] Pakistan now celebrates this day as a national holiday each year.

The monument attracts visitors from all over Pakistan, as well as the inhabitants of the Walled City of Lahore. The large public space around the monument is commonly used for political and public meetings, whereas Iqbal Park area is popular among kite-flyers.

Ettumanoor Temple kerala India

Kerala is a lovely place with beautiful landscape, lush green vegetation, pristine water, lovely climate, majestic hill stations, scintillating beaches and divine temples.

One such temple is situated towards 12 kms north of Kottayam town at Ettumanoor. This is a Shiva temple constructed during the 16th century. This temple is an illustration of the architecture of the aboriginal Kerala’s ancient style and is one of the main attractions of numerous devotees from all over Kerala state.

The temple has a majestic conical roof structure as the main central shrine is copper plated. The Ettumanoor shrine has exotic carvings of Ramayana, Krishna Leela and Bhagvatha scenes in the interiors.

The Ettumanoor temple is gifted with delicate and superb collection of sculptures and Mural paintings portraying various scenes from the Hindu mythology. This Shiva temple extensively uses the themes of the murals such as the Upanishads and puranas as well. The temple architecture especially in this temple is a striking feature of this temple.

Adjacent to the Ettumanoor temple is the Mural Art Centre and this is preserved by the state. A ten day festival is celebrated every year in the months of February or March. This shrine lures lots of devotees as well as arts enthusiasts.

History of Delhi India

The capital of India, in the north-central part of the country south of Delhi. It was constructed 1912–1929 to replace Calcutta as the capital of British India and officially inaugurated in 1931. New Delhi is also a trade and transportation center. Population: 312,000.


Delhi is one of the most historic capitals in the world and two of its monuments- the Qutb Minar and Humayun's Tomb - have been declared World Heritage Sites. It is also one of the greenest capitals. For the visitor, it serves as a perfect introduction to the cultural wealth, the complexities and dynamism of India.

The capital city today has grown. It has engulfed all the ancient city sites and overflows across the Yamuna and the Northen Ridge. Delhi is still changing.

New Delhi, the capital of India, has always occupied a strategic position in the country's history, as Hindu and Islamic dynasties have ruled from here, leaving their imprint in the form of relics, which recapture those bygone times. Delhi, is today, one of the fastest growing cities of India. Here, remnants of the past survive cheek - by - jowl with skyscrapers, residential colonies and bustling commercial complexes. The city houses some of the finest museums in the country. Its boutiques and shopping arcades offer access to a wealth of traditional and contemporary crafts, from all over the country. It has speciality restaurants to please the gourmet, open parks and gardens ablaze with flowers, and in winter months, particularly, an amazing plethora of cultural events. Its multi - layered existence is tantalizing, and can entice the curious traveller into a fascinating journey of discovery.
Delhi's history dates back to the first millenium B.C., when it was known as Indraprastha. The Tomar Rajputs built Lal Kot, the core of the first of Delhi's seven cities. It was annexed by Prithviraj Chauhan, who extended it, to create the Qila Rai Pithora. Qutub-ud-Din-Aibak made Delhi his capital in 1206, and built Quwwat ul Islam Mosque, which is a fine example of Indo-Islamic architecture. He also built the towering minaret, the Qutab Minar, one of Delhi's great landmarks.

Around 1311, Allaudin Khilji established Siri, the second city, north east of the Qila, and dug a vast reservoir at Hauz Khas. The Tughlaqs who ruled the city after the Khiljis, built the third city of Tughlaqabad to the extreme south of Delhi. The fourth city of Jahanpanah has practically disappeared now, but the fifth city Firoz Shah Kotla rises off Bahadur Shah Zafar Marg, and is famous for its Ashokan pillar. When the Mughals replaced the Tughlaq dynasty in the early 16th century, Babur concentrated on developing Agra, and made it his capital. But his son, Humayun, constructed a new capital in Delhi, on the banks of the river Yamuna, and called it Din Panah. Shah Jahan created Shahjahanabad along the river, as the well - planned, seventh township of Delhi. It remained the Mughal capital until 1857. The monument that remains as a proud reminder of their glorious rule, is the majestic Red Fort.

Delhi came under British rule after 1857, and in 1911 they decided to make it their capital. The area south of Shahjahanabad, was chosen as the site for the imperial capital, and was built on a regal scale by January 1931. Lutyens and Baker designed much of the architecture along the stretch between India Gate at one end, and Rashtrapati Bhavan (the President's residence) at the other; with the adjoining administrative buildings of North and South Block, Parliament House and Connaught Place nearby.

Delhi was made a Union Territory on November 1, 1956. With the 69th Constitutional amendment, Delhi got a Legislative Assembly when the National Capital Territory Act was enacted in 1991. Following state assembly elections in Delhi, Mr. Madan Lal Khurana became the first Chief Minister of Delhi. Mr. Sahib Singh Verma took over from Mr. Khurana as the Chief Minister in early 1996.

Delhi, besides being the seat of the Central Government, has an economy supported by agriculture, tourism, commerce and a growing industry. With the development of infrastructure facilities, Delhi plays host to a number of national and international events including sports - related events, conferences and seminars.

Jama Masjid Delhi India

One of the Architectural gift given by Shah Jahan, Jama Masjid is one of the largest mosques not only in Delhi but in India.Completed in 1658 this Mosque has three gateways, Four angle towers and two 40 m. high minarets. You can enter the mosque but take precaution to take off your shoes and make sure that you are properly dressed before entering . One can also go to the top of minarets. From here you can have a birds eye view of Delhi.

Fatehpur Sikri Uttar Pradesh India

A city that was once the proud capital of the Mughal Empire in the 16th century, Fatehpur Sikri now stands deserted as a well preserved ghost town. It was abandoned by its occupants after only 15 years due to insufficient water supply.
Fatehpur Sikri was established by Emperor Akbar from the twin villages of Fatehpur and Sikri as tribute to famous Sufi saint, Sheikh Salim Chishti. The saint accurately predicted the birth of Emperor Akbar's much longed for son.

Constructed out of red sandstone, Fatehpur Sikri is full of regal palaces and courtyards. There are four main buildings, all full of architectural grandeur characteristic of the Mughal dynasty. These are the Buland Darwaza, Fatehpur Sikri Fort, Tomb of Salim Chishti, and the Panch Mahal. The best time to visit is during the cooler dry weather from November to

Taj Mahal Agra India

The Taj Mahal looms fairytale-like from the banks of the Yamuna River. It's India’s most recognized monument and is also one of the Seven Wonders of the World. The Taj Mahal has a rich history dating back to 1630 AD. It’s actually a tomb that contains the body of Mumtaz Mahal -- the wife of Mughal emperor Shah Jahan. He had it built as an ode to his love for her. It's made out of marble and took 22 years and 20 000 workers to complete. Words cannot do the Taj Mahal justice, its incredible detail simply has to be seen to be appreciated.

Jahangir's tomb Shahdara Lahore

Jahangir was buried according to his last wish: in Lahore, in his Queen Noor Jahan's old pleasure garden known as Dilkusha Garden. The mausoleum is located at Shahdara on the banks of the Ravi, three miles northwest of the city. The east gateway in the Akbar/Jahangir serai quadrangle, with its tall Timurid wan, leads into an enormous garden 1540'x1540', in the centre of which stands the magnificent sepulcher of Jahangir, considered by some to be the "finest ornament of Lahore," and the "most magnificent edifice in the subcontinent after the Taj and the Qutub."

Although contemporary court accounts credit Shah Jahan with the building of his father's tomb, it is more likely to have been the result of Noor Jahan's vision. The empress was a great patron of architecture, having built several buildings and gardens. She designed her husband's tomb in 1627, taking as model her parents' burial place, the tomb of Itimad-ud-Daula in Agra. She also became a permanent resident of Lahore after her husband's death, and was thus in a position to influence the design and construction of the monument. Dilkusha Garden, which according to his own wish became the resting place of Jahangir, was owned by none other than the empress herself. In all fairness to Shah Jahan, though, no expense was spared. The monument, which was ten years in building, cost Rupees 10 lakhs.
The setting of the chahar bagh rauza (paradise garden mausoleum) is skillfully accomplished. Its four parterres are subdivided into sixteen divisions by means of a brick geometric pavement flanking narrow water channels and every intersection is marked by an alternate octagonal and square talab (tank).

A takhtgah mausoleum—it is placed on an enormous takht or podium—is a square single storey structure, its arcading of the ambulatory verandah of the inner sanctuary being a dominant feature. A 100' high tower capped by a marble cupola stands guard at each corner, while the centre of each of its 267' sides is accented by a slightly projecting peshtaq alcove. The minarets are inlaid with zigzag bands of variegate marble and magnificent blocks of yellow stone.

The combination of red Sikri stone and white marble, an arrangement echoing Humayun's tomb in Delhi, and a rare treat for Lahore not least for its intricate inlay, is impressive in its finesse and sophistication. Where the external expression is restrained in its dignified simplicity, internally decorative surfaces present you the best of tile mosaic and fresco that made Lahore famous in the whole of the Mughal Empire.

As you enter the passage from the west which leads to the marqad (grave/tombstone), a riot of scintillating tile mosaic and decorative fresco, among the best specimens that Lahore has to offer, overwhelms the visitor—not an inch is left unembellished, whether floor, walls or the ceiling. The inner sanctuary is screened by a panel of fine marble beehive fretwork. The sarcophagus itself presents a pristine picture of the finest Mughal pietra dura—an interlaced pattern and calligraphic tour de force in marble, inlaid with semi-precious stones.
Here lies the emperor, who was considered "one of the mightiest Princes in Asia" by Thomas Roe, the first English ambassador to the Mughal court. Among the most powerful in the world, rather than the din of war, Jahangir enjoyed the pleasurable pursuits of feasts and entertainments, reveling in the company of poets and singers.

The enjoyment of Jahangir the aesthete in gardens, lakes and rivers, flora and fauna, is evident from the innumerable studies that he commissioned of his favourite animals and a multitude of rare flowers from artists of such eminence as Listad Mansur (or Mansur Naqqash, as he is also known). An enlightened connoisseur, his emissaries roamed the world for rare manuscripts and paintings for the royal library. His own memoirs, Tuzuk-i-fahangiri or the Jahangirnama along with memoirs of his great-grandfather Babur, ranks among the best of its genre. In contrast to the formal accounts by court historians regarding other emperors, the tuzuk is expressive of Jahangir's innermost thoughts, which includes ovation for his wife Noor Jahan in no uncertain terms.

The design of the sanctuary respected the wish of the emperor, echoing the desire of his great grandfather Babur, that his grave should be erected in a manner that "rain and dew of heaven might fall on it."

Although there is little truth in the 19th century theory that the Sikhs removed a pavilion which formed the second storey over the sanctuary, the sepulcher did suffer from the vandalism of Lahna Singh and Ranjit Singh. Further damage was caused to the structure, when it was utilized as residence by Ranjit Singh's French officer Mr. Amise, as well as by Sultan Muhammad Khan, brother of Dost Muhammad Khan of Afghanistan.

Hiran Minar Shiekhupura

Hiran Minar is a brick minaret built over the grave of the favourite antelope of emperor Nooruddin Mahmood Jahangir in Sheikhupura. In 1605 he laid the foundation stone of Jahangirpura, also called Sheikhupura (as Jahangir was affectionately called Sheikhu by his father, Jalaludin Muhammad Akbar). Sheikhupura became Jahangir's favourite hunting ground. Here, he built a beautiful fort, complete with a castle. He frequently visited this place and enjoyed hunting in the lush green forest. Legend has it that once Jahangir went there for his usual recluse and captured a beautiful wild antelope. This antelope was tamed in the brief span of one month. Jahangir named it Mansraj (King of the Antelopes). Whenever Jahangir came to Jahangirpura, Mansraj was the focus of special royal attention. But once, when Jahangir went on a hunt, he accidently shot Mansraj, and killed him. Jahangir, profoundly grieved, decided to build a tomb for his favorite pet and in 1607 forbade hunting in the area.He ordered a minaret to be built over the grave of Mansraj under the guidance of Sikander Mueen. The statue adorning the grave was shaped like an antelope, a fact recorded in the Tuzk-e-Jahangiri (Memoirs of Jahangir), although no stone is discernable over it now. Excavations in 1959 unearthed the head of the statue.

Jahangir came to inspect the tomb and was not satisfied. He ordered a baradari and a pond to be constructed. These were completed under the supervision of Iradat Khan in 1620. Shah Jahan, the next Mughal ruler, made some important alterations to the building in 1638. A common legend narrates that once a Sikh ruler came to see the Minar, which at that time was double its present height. When he climbed to the top, he accidently saw his daughter taking a bath. Infuriated, he ordered the minar to be cut to half its size. This was done.The Hiran Minar complex is spread over sixteen acres. The fish pond, measuring 750 feet by 890 feet, is fed by a canal. The minaret is 110 feet high and is approached by 110 steps. The pond is surrounded by a typical Mughal-style garden with rows of trees and pathways. However, the entire site is in a dilapidated condition. The baradari and minar are crumbling, the garden is untended, and the fish pond is a dirty green, although there are still fish in it.

Bagh-I-Jinnah, Lahore, Pakistan

Bagh-e-Jinnah (or Jinnah's Garden) is a historical park in the city of Lahore, Pakistan. It was formerly known as Lawrence Gardens. Today, the large green space contains a botanical garden, a mosque, and Jinnah library situated in a Victorian building.

There are also entertainment and sports facilities within the park that comprise of an open-air theatre, a restaurant, tennis courts and the Gymkhana Cricket Ground. It is located on Lawrence Road next to Lahore Zoo, directly across from the Governor's House on The Mall.

Originally built as botanical garden modelled on Kew Gardens, it was named after John Lawrence, Viceroy of India from 1864 to 1869.[1] The place used to hold his statue, which was later moved to Foyle and Londonderry College in Northern Ireland.

Jinnah Garden Lahore that is situated on 141 Acrs at this time, earlier it was in 176 acres, but the land was given to Lahore zoo, botanical garden govt. college university Lahore and to roads alongside the garden. now it is almost the plant area except roads building is 121 Acres. it is most beautiful and well managed botanical garden in Pakistan. it has almost 150 varieties of trees, 140 types of shrubs, 50 types of creepers, 30 palms, almost 100 succulent and about same indoor along with almost all varieties of annual flowers. garden has a good name in Chrysanthemum shows, it was the first institute that started growing chrysanthemum and maximum no of varieties for it. it has 3 nurseries, 4 hilloaks in it. it has two libraries, quaid-e-azam library and Daruslam in it.

The park hosts a famous cricket ground since 1885, built for the entertainment of government officers and civil servants.[2] The ground maintained its Test Status from 1955 till 1959 when the venue moved to Gaddafi Stadium.

The park receives a nostalgic mention of the 1970s and 1980s life in Bano Qudsia's remarkable urdu novel Raja Gidh. The Park has a Tomb of Shia' Sufi Known as Baba Turat Muraad Shah, with a heavy number of visitors

Historical Places

Heritage can be broadly classified in a number of ways, namely inheritance, legacy, tradition, birth right and / or custom. But when we define heritage, are we really hinting at all of the above? Truly one’s heritage is not restricted to his/her immediate family, or geographical region. When we talk about a slightly broader issue of our land, The Indus Valley, we cannot restrict it to the areas that come under present Pakistan, for the land is joined to many other regions and for most part has been under rule from one area or another. The values that present Pakistan carries are also a result of its direct association with its neighboring regions and events. So indirectly our heritage is an outcome of a wide cross section of bridges and cultural exchanges that have resulted from human history and presence on this earth.