The Lahore Fort has a history spanning over 3,000 years. While much of its early history is unknown, it is believed the first fort on the site was built in the early 11th century. The existing fort structure was built during the reign of Mughal emperor Akbar from 1566-1605. It contains palaces and halls built by successive Mughal emperors, including the ornate Shish Mahal known for its glasswork and mirrors. The fort was expanded and renovated under later Mughal rulers as well as the Sikh Maharaja Ranjit Singh, and underwent modifications during British rule when buildings were converted for military use.

1. A Presentation by
Ahmad Tariq Bhatti
Lahore

2. 2

3. Brief History
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Much of the history of the fort is lost in the mist of antiquity. It is said that a
fort was built by Raja Loh son of Raja Ram Chander Jee at the same place,
who is considered to be the first ruler and founder of Lahore. Therefore, the
history of the fort spans over 3000 years. Raja Loh lived around 1200 BC. It
is said, Lahore (name of the city) is derived from his name.
The existing fort was built-up gradually over the course of several centuries.
The earliest reference about the fort comes in The History of Lahur
(Lahore) that was written by Al-Beruni (973 AD - 1050 AD), which tells us
about a fort constructed in the early 11th century. Evidences are found in
archaeological digs that give strong indications that it was built long before
1025 AD. It is said to be destroyed by Mongols in 1241 AD.
The existing structure of the fort was built during the reign of Akbar (1566
AD -- 1605 AD). Sometime before 1566, the mud-brick fort was demolished
and a new one was constructed with burnt-brick.
The fort was renovated, upgraded and expanded during the reigns of
Jahangir, Shah Jahan, and Aurangzeb. During Sikh regime, Maharaja
Ranjit Singh added several pavilions on the upper ramparts. Modifications to
the fort were made during British Rule that consisted mainly of converting
older buildings into hospitals, barracks, etc.

4. Barbara Crossette
from The New York Times Writes About the Fort
4
Within the fort there are palaces and halls built by a succession of
Mogul emperors from Akbar (1560-1605), who frequently held
court in Lahore; through Jehangir (1605-1627) whose tomb and that
of his empress Nur Jehan is northwest of the city; Shah Jehan (1627-
1658), of Taj Mahal fame and Aurengzeb (1658-1707), whom
Indians continue to portray as history's prime Islamic zealot. The
Shish Mahal, or palace of mirrors, is a favorite of Pakistanis and
foreign visitors alike. The little palace is a spectacle of glass,
colored mirrors, gilt, marble and fretted screens for windows.
The fort compound also includes the Moti Masjid, a small mosque
for the use of royal women; the all-marble Diwan-i-Khas, or hall of
private audience; a throne room and public audience hall, and
private royal apartments. The Sikhs, especially under the Maharajah
Ranjit Singh, did some building and restoration work of their own
within the fort.

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Main Entrance, 1860, from the entrance of Baadshahi Mosque
– Covering Huzoori Bagh

6. 6
Lahore Fort main
entrance – also known
as Alamgiri Gate, was
built around 1674 by
Aurangzeb Alamgir as a
private entrance to the
fort.

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8. 8

9. 9

10. 10
A beautiful view
of
the main
entrance from an
arch of Shahi
Mosque

11. 11

12. 12

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14. 14

15. Delicate glasswork on
the ceiling inside
Shish Mahal,
- It was built by Shah
Jahan in 1631
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16. 16Sikh-era addition to the Mussaman Burj

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18. 18

19. 19
Diwan-e-Khaas

20. 20
Diwan – e
– Khaas
Diwan-e-Khaas

21. 21
Diwan-e-Aam

22. Mosaic
Ceiling of
Sheesh Mahal
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25. 25

26. 26

27. 27

28. 28Artwork on the Walls

29. The Map of
Lahore Fort
(Shahi Qila) in 1911
- Shahi Qila spreads
over an area of more
than 20 hectares.
- the fort is declared as
a UNESCO World
Heritage Site
- located at the northern
end of walled city Lahore
(the old city)
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30. 30
‫قلعہ‬ ‫شاہی‬

31. 31

32. A presentation by
Ahmad Tariq Bhatti
Lahore