Bagh-e-Jinnah, formerly known as Lawrence Garden, is a significant park located in the heart of Lahore, Pakistan. Spanning across an area of 141 acres, it is an important historical landmark in the city. The park is home to a range of attractions, including Masjid Dar-ul-Islam, Quaid-e-Azam library, a beautiful garden, and sports facilities. Bagh-e-Jinnah is a popular spot for entertainment and relaxation for both locals and tourists.
History of Bagh-e-Jinnah:
The park was originally built as a botanical garden in 1860 and was named after the then Viceroy of India, Sir John Lawrence. The purpose of this garden was to serve as a research center for various plant species. However, over time, it evolved into a public park and was renamed Bagh-e-Jinnah after the founder of Pakistan, Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah.
Flora and Fauna:
Bagh-e-Jinnah boasts a vast variety of flora and fauna. The park is home to nearly 150 species of trees, including 30 types of palms, 50 kinds of creepers, and 140 varieties of shrubs. The garden is filled with colorful flowers, making it a feast for the eyes. The park management has published a book detailing the trees and shrubs in the garden, providing information about the various plant species found here.
Attractions in Bagh-e-Jinnah
Masjid Dar-ul-Islam:
Located within the premises of the park, Masjid Dar-ul-Islam is a beautiful mosque that attracts visitors from all over the city. It was built in 1890 by the philanthropist Nawab Khwaja Muhammad Islam, who wanted to construct a mosque that would serve as a place of worship for Muslims of all sects.
Quaid-e-Azam Library:
Quaid-e-Azam Library is located within the premises of Bagh-e-Jinnah and is open to the public. The library was constructed in the mid-19th century during the British Raj and has a collection of over 125,000 books in Urdu, Arabic, Persian, and English. The library has two halls, Montgomery Hall and Lawrence Hall, which are constructed in the neoclassical style. The library is a non-lending library, and around 2000 books are added to its collection annually.
Darussalam Library:
Another library located in Bagh-e-Jinnah is Darussalam Library, which has a vast collection of worth-reading books.
Sports Facilities:
Bagh-e-Jinnah is also home to a cricket ground, which was built in 1885 for the amusement of government officials and civil servants. Lahore Gymkhana Club holds regular cricket fixtures here, and Pakistan’s first unofficial Test match was also played on this ground against West Indies in 1948. Additionally, the park also has tennis courts for tennis lovers.
Other Facilities:
Apart from the attractions mentioned above, Bagh-e-Jinnah also has a restaurant that serves delicious food to visitors. The park also offers a range of entertainment and recreational activities, making it a perfect place for families to spend their weekends.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, Bagh-e-Jinnah is a must-visit place for anyone visiting Lahore. Its beautiful flora and fauna, historical significance, and range of attractions make it an ideal spot for entertainment and relaxation. The park is open to the public and welcomes visitors throughout the year.