Written by: Ushna Khan
Posted on: November 27, 2019 | 
| 中文
The Tomb of Jehangir (photo credits to the writer)
Maqbara-e-Jehangir (Jehangir’s Tomb), located on the outskirts of Lahore in Shadarah, dates back to about 1638. Tombs were an important part of Mughal architecture, and Mughal Royalty were expected to patron them. When Mirza Nur-ud-din Baig Mohammad Khan Salim, better known as Emperor Jehangir, died in 1627, the Mughal King needed a tomb befitting of his status and legacy. Jehangir was known for his love of Persian art, and for carrying on his father, Akber’s tradition, of religious tolerance and harmony. But there are conflicting reports as to who was responsible for the construction, his son Shah Jehan or his powerful and charismatic wife, Nur Jehan.
Nur Jehan (L) and Jehangir (R)
The magnificent complex stands inside the walled garden of Empress Nur Jehan’s Bagh-e-Dil Kusha (Garden of Happiness), and may be entered via two main gateways, which lead to a square enclosure called Akbari Serai. The entire space follows a chahar bagh pattern, which refers to a square plan of a garden, subdivided into smaller square divisions. It is marked by artificial water bodies, causeways and bridges. The layout follows literary descriptions of Islamic paradise, and symbolizes the “heavenly abode” of the royal.
Door with Inlay Work (photo credits to the writer)
A huge garden that is spread out before the tomb, provides an aesthetic view of the mesmerizing structure laid out in all its glory. A water tank rests at the center of the garden, from which an artificial waterway is made, going up to the steps of the tomb itself. It appears that the unique design of the tomb was influenced by Jahangir’s wish to be buried underneath the sky like his forefather Babur, as stated by the historian Ebba Koch. A tombstone was set on a platform, cornered by four minarets which are domed with chatris (dome pavilions).
The single storied building is mostly made of sandstone from the historic city of Fatehpur. It has eleven bayed arches, with a central high pishtaq (a square frame with a round arch), rendered in exquisite marble inlay. The exterior façade of the building features geometric, stylized and chevron patterns with ornament blind niches, spandrels, pointed arches, and dado panels. This intricate design works captivates visitors, who are left awestruck by the architecture and design.
Pishtaqs at the Tomb of Jehangir (photocredits to the writer)
Moving into the main hall, the design undergoes a significant change. This is experienced through the coolness under one’s feet, as visitors are required to take off their shoes before stepping inside the tiled interior. A small passageway precedes the main room, and is covered with vibrantly colored floral frescos, delicate inlay work and tiled flooring.
Domed Arches (photocredits to the writer)
The cenotaph is surrounded by sunken niches, and four passageways blocked by jaali (perforated carving) patterns, supposedly built to allow light and air inside this space. This room is completely rendered in white marble, with semi-precious stones. Ninety-nine names of Allah are written over the cenotaph along with Quranic verses. The emperor’s body is buried in an underground enclosure, situated right underneath this cenotaph.
Jehangir's Cenotaph (photocredits to Flickr)
Several smaller rooms line the tomb, which were used to house the hafiz (those versed in Qur’anic text) who regularly recited from the Quran for the salvation of the emperor’ soul in the afterlife. Another unique feature of this architectural space was that it was made for people to ambulate the tomb. Historical records show, that on the death anniversary of the deceased, members of the royal family and the general population would come to pay their respects and distribute alms to the poor.
Another tomb is also found within this complex of Asaf Khan, who was the Governor of Lahore and brother-in-law to Emperor Jahangir. This is a relatively smaller domed structure, and has been cruelly mutilated by bandits, who carved out its semi-precious stones.
Asaf Khan's Tomb (photo credits to the writer)
After the fall of the Mughals, the complex was used by the Sikhs as a residential place, and then by the British to house their army. Today, it is open to visitors throughout the week, from 10am in the morning till evening prayer, with an entry fee of Rs. 20. Tourists and scholars wander this site to relive the experience of the royal regime as it was 400 years ago, and maybe, to appreciate the aesthetics and understand the motivations behind this monument.
Typical Mughal Architecture (photo credits to the writer)
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