Written by: Haroon Shuaib
Posted on: July 24, 2019 | 
| 中文
Chauburji Garden (credit to VisitPak)
Chauburji, literally meaning ‘Four Towers’, is perhaps best recognized by its four sturdy octagonal towers that stand against the thick walls of the building. Built in 1646, it once served as the entrance to a remarkable garden compound. In the present times, Chauburji is located at a busy intersection, marking the roads which lead to Multan and Bahawalpur. Though it seems to have vanished as the city has expanded, what remains is still a magnificent structure with azure blue, vivid lemons, and sea-green mosaics with holy verses engraved inside.
It is largely believed that the monument was commissioned by one of the most progressive women of Mughal dynasty, Jahan Ara – Princess of the Universe. She was the eldest child of Emperor Shah Jahan and his beloved wife, Mumtaz Mahal. Born in 1614, Jahan Ara was known as a businesswoman, patron of arts, and an avid writer. After Mumtaz Mahal's untimely death in 1631, the 17 year-old Jahan Ara took her mother's place as First Lady of the Mughal Empire, despite the fact that her father had three other wives.
She wielded major political influence during her father's reign, and was at one point referred to as "the most powerful woman in the empire". Jahan Ara, like other influential members of the Mughal dynasty, was also a prolific builder, powerful enough to allocate resources to create such a monument. The entrance of the gate most likely pays tribute to her as “Sahib-e-Zebinda, Begum-e-Dauran,” although earlier historians may have confused her with Zeb-un-Nissa, Emperor Aurangzeb’s daughter.
The structure only has a few remnants of the intricate Kashikari tile work and mosaic frescoes. Quranic verses can still be seen worked in porcelain of the upper part of the building. Other inscriptions on the monument include two couplets written in Persian above the main arch entrance. The walls are built of the red bricks, typical of the architecture of that era. A grave inside the mysterious enduring square edifice is said to be of Begum FakhrunNisa, lady-in-waiting to Jahan Ara.
However, the structure is unique in its style: a fusion of the predominant Mughal architectural style with older Timurid influences from Central Asia, and Perso-Arabic motifs. The minarets are wide at the top, a unique feature compared to other Mughal-era construction. Some believe that there once were cupolas upon these minarets which have since collapsed, and were never rebuilt.
Ravages of time and an earthquake in 1843 significantly damaged this structure of Mughal opulence and artistry. A restoration exercise in the late 1960s brought some of its lost glory back. The tile work was refreshed, a new layer of Kankar lime plaster was applied on the exposed portions. The structure itself was topped with pucca qalai (glaze plaster). In the last few decades, due to the heavy traffic, pollution, and human-induced damage, the structure was again desperately in need of further restoration.
Listed on the Protected Heritage Monuments of the Archaeology Department of Punjab (ADP), the building was once again in the spotlight, as the recent Orange Line project threatened its foundations. After citizens expressed concerns for ‘irreversible damage’ that may occur because of the project, a court order included mosaic tile work for outer lawn of the Chauburji and a green belt around it for protection. In 2018, the Archaeology Department of Punjab started a conservation project worth over Rs. 43 million. Brick masonry, lime plaster, brick tile cornice, brick floral designs, Ghalibkari - a local design technique of geometrical patterns, lime terracing, and reinstallation of red sandstone grill and wooden doors was undertaken.
The Chauburji monument is a remnant of a glorious heritage, and must be protected and cherished for its historical, architectural and cultural value. It is a reminder of an era when women were acknowledged and celebrated for their talent and contribution. A visit to Lahore is incomplete without seeing this landmark, and paying homage to the Princess of the Universe, Jahan Ara.
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