Tomb of Jahangir

This was built in memory of Mughal Emperor Jahangir.  It was built in the 17th century and is located along the bank of river Ravi. It was well known for its beautiful interior decorated with marble and also known for the beautiful exterior that was embellished.

shed with pietra dura.

The tomb is present in Noor Jahan’s garden known as  Dilkusha Garden.

Tomb of Jahangir
Tomb of Jahangir

Historical Background:

Its construction started in 1627 and had a cost of 10 lacks. There was repair work that took place in 1814. It has also endured water damage due to flooding in 1988. Water covered most of the region for continuous days.

Architecture:

This tomb was built under the influence of the Mughal style. It is displayed as akhirah. It also lacks a central dome as the emperor is not allowed to have a dome on his tomb.

The beautification with domes was started in the tomb of Humayun and was restructured in Shah-Jahan’s tomb.

It is a square-shaped mausoleum that has a height of 22 feet. Four octagonal minarets starting from the corners of the buildings are found adorned with geometric stone seen inlaid. The use of minarets is a display of unique interest in Timurid architecture. The minarets have a height of 100 feet.  

Interior of the Tomb:

The interior of the Tomb of Jahangir is equally impressive, with beautiful marble decorations and precious stones. The interior of the tomb is a taketh, which is a platform that would have been used for prayers and other religious rituals. The walls of the interior are adorned with intricate carvings and floral motifs.

Lack of a Central Dome:

One of the unique features of the Tomb of Jahangir is the lack of a central dome. This was a deliberate decision made by Jahangir himself, who did not want his tomb to be grander than his father’s, Akbar’s tomb. The beautification of tombs with domes began with the tomb of Humayun and was later restructured in the tomb of Jahangir’s father, Shah Jahan.

Repairs and Renovations Over the years, the Tomb of Jahangir has undergone several repairs and renovations to preserve its beauty and heritage. Repair work was carried out on the tomb in 1814, and it suffered water damage due to flooding in 1988. However, the tomb has been carefully restored and preserved and remains a significant historical and cultural monument of Pakistan.

Importance of the Tomb:

The Tomb of Jahangir is a testament to the rich cultural heritage of Pakistan and a masterpiece of Mughal and Timurid architecture. Its intricate design and decoration have made it a popular tourist destination and an iconic landmark of Pakistan.

The Tomb of Jahangir is a remarkable architectural wonder that has stood the test of time for over 400 years. It is a grand mausoleum that was constructed in the early 17th century, in memory of the Mughal Emperor Jahangir, who ruled India from 1605 to 1627. The tomb is located in Noor Jahan’s garden, known as Dilkusha Garden, along the banks of the river Ravi in Lahore, Pakistan.

The construction of the tomb began in 1627 and was completed in 1637. The total cost of construction was around 10 lakh, which was a significant amount at that time. The architecture of the tomb is a perfect blend of Mughal and Timurid styles, which were prevalent in that era. The tomb was built in a square shape and has a height of 22 feet. The entire structure is made of red sandstone, with marble inlay work and pietra dura decoration on the exterior.

The tomb has four octagonal minarets, each starting from the corners of the building. The minarets are adorned with intricate geometric stone inlays and have a height of 100 feet. The use of minarets is a unique feature of Timurid architecture, and it is seen in many of the Mughal monuments. The tomb is also known for its beautiful interior, which is decorated with marble and precious stones.

One of the significant aspects of the tomb is that it lacks a central dome. It was a deliberate decision made by Jahangir himself, as he did not want his tomb to be more magnificent than his father’s, Akbar’s tomb, which had a grand central dome. The beautification of tombs with domes began with the tomb of Humayun and was later restructured in the tomb of Jahangir‘s father, Shah Jahan.

Over the years, the tomb has undergone several repairs and renovations. In 1814, repair work was carried out on the tomb, and in 1988, the tomb suffered water damage due to flooding. However, it has been carefully restored and preserved, and it still remains a significant historical and cultural monument of Pakistan.

Conclusion:

The Tomb of Jahangir is a remarkable monument that stands as a testament to the rich cultural heritage of Pakistan. It is a masterpiece of Mughal and Timurid architecture, and its intricate design and decoration have made it a popular tourist destination. The tomb has endured the test of time and continues to be a symbol of the glory of the Mughal Empire.