Badshahi Mosque known as one of the significant example of Mughal Emperor and precious symbol of Pakistan too. This is a huge and iconic mosque situated in the Lahore. Lahore is culturally significant city of the South Asian nation. The people who visit Lahore can not leave without paying visit to iconic Badshahi Mosque.
History
Following the order of Emperor Aurangzeb the construction of this mosque done from 1671 to 1673. Historians says that Aurangzeb got inspiration for this mosque’s design from the Jama Mosque of Delhi.
In the Islamic world the Badshahi Mosque stayed the largest one for hundred of years. Nevertheless, this mosque is not the largest in the world. Still, known being the best preserved mosque of the Mughal era. Skilled architects constructed this monumental mosque with red sandstone and marble, each side measures around 170 meters.
Emperor Aurangzeb
Emperor Aurangzeb lived from 1618-1707, and reigned over southern Asia about 50 years. His excellent battle skills led him to get control the 3 million square kilometers land. Aurangzeb known for being an effective generals in history successfully expanded the Mughal’s control. Sadly, after his death, the decline of Mughal Empire began and slowly lost the power.
Sikhs Occupation
Astonishingly, The Badshahi Mosque was not used to muslims worship for long time in history. The Sikhs took the region’s power in 1799. The mosque began to used as housing and training the soldiers. The sikhs stored their army equipments and horses in and around the mosque. The marble Hazuri Bagh Baradari built to watch over the mosque in 1818.
Several wars took place between the British and the Sikhs to get control over Lahore during 1840s. Finally, the British took over the Sikhs Empire in 1849. The mosque continued to serve as a military base during the period of British colonial rule.
Muslim Community
The local Muslim community did not like the continuous using of Badshahi Mosque for military services. The several religious leaders called on the British to let the muslims to worship in their precious mosque. In 1852, the British considered the rejuvenation of the mosque. The mosque handed over to the Muslim community for its initial purpose: to worship Allah.
Mosque’s Renewing
The mosque is still in renewing process. The architect Nawab Alam Yar Jung Bahadur brings back the glory of the mosque from 1930s to 40s. In recent times, million of dollars spent on reconditioning of the Badshahi Mosque. The recent ongoing projects of modernizing are marble inset in the central prayer hall and new tiles in the courtyard. Already, the eight minarets of the mosque have been updated to their one-time eminence.
Mosque’s Interior
Badshahi Mosque has heavy influence of Persian throughout the complex amazes the visitors. Very specially, the difficult carved paneling on the frontage of the mosque. Upper chambers are not for public.
The measurement of beautiful courtyard is around 276,000 square feet that comfortably fit over 100,000 people for prayer.
The central prayer hall is the precious spot for worshippers, decorated by red sandstone. The white marble used too in this area. The gorgeous Mughal floral frescoes captures attention of visitors by walk in this hall. The prayer hall fit 10,000 people inside for services.
Badshahi Mosque stands tall besides over centuries, several wars and devastating earthquakes. This mosque known as national treasure having long heritage and exquisite beauty.
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