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    The Palaces of the Princely State of Bahawalpur

    Written by: Ayesha Amir
    Posted on: July 19, 2024 | | 中文

    Noor Mahal at Night

    Not many people are aware that Pakistan’s rich “royal” history has more to it than just the Mughal architectural gems. Bahawalpur is a beautiful city of the Punjab, on the border of the Cholistan desert that has a history of royalty. The princely state of Bahawalpur was ruled by the Nawabs, and as is fitting for any princely familial people, they resided within the most luxurious and opulent of palaces, tailored specifically to the taste of the Nawabs that got these palaces constructed. When one visits Bahawalpur to behold the breathtaking sight of these palaces (or Mahals, as they are locally called), the most awe-inspiring aspect is the fact that the aesthetic and architectural style of these palaces are very unique and different from what we are used to seeing in the typical South Asian royal architecture. Rather, they have a uniquely European touch to them, and the reason for this is that most of the Nawabs received their education in Europe, and were inspired enough to order European architects to build their palaces. This led to European aesthetic styles leaving their imprint on the regal walls of Bahawalpur’s palaces. Here are my favorite mahals (palaces) and their historical significance:

    Gulzar Mahal

    Noor Mahal

    Arguably the most popular out of all of Bahawalpur’s Palaces, Noor Mahal, literally means the "Palace of Lights," and has become a prominent landmark for the city. Constructed in 1872 during the reign of Nawab Sadiq Muhammad Khan IV, Noor Mahal was designed by a British engineer, Mr. Heennan, in the style of an Italian chateau. The palace reflects a blend of Islamic and European architectural influences, making it a unique structure altogether, with Pelican statues guarding the entrance to the palace doors. Walking through the grand halls of Noor Mahal, it almost feels like one is walking through the past. Much of the interior is also preserved as it is, which makes it very easy to imagine what the life of the Nawabs looked like. The chandeliers, the rugs and vases, are all a source of fascination. If you’re lucky to catch yourself travelling in the fall or spring months to Bahawalpur, you might even stay to watch the light show in Noor Mahal. It is perhaps the only palace out of all to come alive even more beautifully at night, with mellow lights shining all over the palace façade and casting dreamy halos in the autumn mist.

    Noor Mahal

    Darbar Mahal

    Darbar Mahal is a personal favourite, and the reason for that is not only that it has the most beautifully built walk-through corridors with fountains in the courtyard, but the fact that Pelicans roam freely around! Built in 1905, Darbar Mahal served as the court of the Nawabs of Bahawalpur. The palace was constructed under the orders of Nawab Bahawal Khan the fifth, and showcases a blend of Mughal plus Gothic architecture. The red sandstone façade of Darbar Mahal is adorned with intricate carvings and decorative elements that highlight the skilled craftsmanship of the period. Much like Noor Mahal, it has Pelican statues here and there. And speaking of the roaming pelicans, the reason behind why Bahawalpur’s coat of arms features the said bird, is a very interesting one. One of Bahawalpur’s Nawabs had pelicans as his favourite birds, because of their selfless temperament, and in times of adversary the pelicans would offer their own flesh to their younglings as sustenance. The Nawab believed this is how the ruler of a State should be towards his own people as well.

    The corridors of Darbar Mahal

    Gulzar Mahal

    Another architectural gem of Bahawalpur, Gulzar Mahal, was built during the reign of Nawab Sadiq Muhammad Khan IV, in the early 20th century. The palace is a fine example of the Indo-Saracenic style, characterized by its blend of architectural elements from different South Asian cultures. Gulzar Mahal was primarily used for residential purposes and state functions, and even if you visit it now, you might not be able to see it much, unless you’re a guest who is staying within the rooms-turned into guest rooms within the palace. The Gulzar Mahal unlike its Pink stoned counterparts in the city like Noor and Darbar Mahal, has arched windows and balconies with a grey stone exterior. Although glamourous on its own, the subdued colour does not make it look as striking as the other places, but it is still very splendid. One reason why it gives off bougie exclusive vibes is that it has been turned into a guest house, making it unavailable for tourists.

    The Hall inside Gulzar Mahal

    Sadiq Garh Palace

    If you’re looking for a horror story adventure of your own, a visit to Sadiq Garh Palace is a must. It is by far the most surreal experience to be had. Located in Dera Nawab Sahib, the palace was completed in 1882 and is named after Nawab Sadiq Muhammad Khan IV. This grand palace is considered one of the most magnificent royal residences in Bahawalpur, where you can still see the remnants of what was once a very royal indoor life. It is said that the construction of the palace was a significant event, attended by dignitaries and royalty from across the region, though its façade in its truest sense screams the phrase “past glory”. Compared to the other palaces, it is amongst the most remote ones, and hence not inhabited or frequented by visitors, which is why you must only go with a tour guide. The local caretakers will tell you many intriguing facts about palace life, which helps in visualizing the royal life in the now dilapidated remains. It has a very eerie vibe to it, with cobwebs and dust balls all around, and an echo and hollow presence of the past. The local caretakers have many lores, one of them being this scary one: they’ll tell you to carefully listen for hissing sounds, and if you hear one, they’ll tell you that there are snakes in the hidden basements of the palace!

    Sadiq Garh Mahal

    Bahawalpur has much to offer besides just the palaces, such as historical libraries, museum, mosques, tombs and vibrant markets, the Mahals are a regal testament to the royal beginnings of the state of Bahawalpur.


    As the new year begins, let us also start anew. I’m delighted to extend, on behalf of the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in the Islamic Republic of Pakistan and in my own name, new year’s greeting and sincere wishes to YOULIN magazine’s staff and readers.

    Only in hard times can courage and perseverance be manifested. Only with courage can we live to the fullest. 2020 was an extraordinary year. Confronted by the COVID-19 pandemic, China and Pakistan supported each other and took on the challenge in solidarity. The ironclad China-Pakistan friendship grew stronger as time went by. The China Pakistan Economic Corridor projects advanced steadily in difficult times, become a standard-bearer project of the Belt and Road Initiative in balancing pandemic prevention and project achievement. The handling capacity of the Gwadar Port has continued to rise and Afghanistan transit trade through the port has officially been launched. The Karakoram Highway Phase II upgrade project is fully open to traffic. The Lahore Orange Line project has been put into operation. The construction of Matiari-Lahore HVDC project was fully completed. A batch of green and clean energy projects, such as the Kohala and Azad Pattan hydropower plants have been substantially promoted. Development agreement for the Rashakai SEZ has been signed. The China-Pakistan Community of Shared Future has become closer and closer.

    Reviewing the past and looking to the future, we are confident to write a brilliant new chapter. The year 2021 is the 100th birthday of the Communist Party of China (CPC) and the 70th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Pakistan. The 100-year journey of CPC surges forward with great momentum and China-Pakistan relationship has flourished in the past 70 years. Standing at a new historic point, China is willing to work together with Pakistan to further implement the consensus reached by the leaders of the two countries, connect the CPEC cooperation with the vision of the “Naya Pakistan”, promote the long-term development of the China-Pakistan All-weather Strategic Cooperative Partnership with love, dedication and commitment. Mohammad Ali Jinnah, the founding father of Pakistan said, “We are going through fire. The sunshine has yet to come.” Yes, Pakistan’s best days are ahead, China will stand with Pakistan firmly all the way.

    YOULIN magazine is dedicated to promoting cultural exchanges between China and Pakistan and is a window for Pakistani friends to learn about China, especially the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. It is hoped that with the joint efforts of China and Pakistan, YOULIN can listen more to the voices of readers in China and Pakistan, better play its role as a bridge to promote more effectively people-to-people bond.

    Last but not least, I would like to wish all the staff and readers of YOULIN a warm and prosper year in 2021.

    Nong Rong Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of
    The People’s Republic of China to the Islamic Republic of Pakistan
    January 2021