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| Noor Mahal |
Standing conceitedly in the middle
of a well-landscaped garden, the remarkable Noor Mahal is one of the most striking
reminders of the affluence of the Nawabs of Bahawalpur. Also known as the
‘Palace of Lights,’ this lavish building is situated a 3-hour drive away from
Lahore in the once-princely state of Bahawalpur. The amazement Italian-style
royal palace, which is currently being managed by the Pakistan Army, is one of
the most remarkable cultural legacy sites in Punjab.
If you’re a history informal or have an attention in old and
contemporary construction, you necessity to add the once-generous state of
Bahawalpur to your transportable bucket list. Situated at a 3-hour drive from
Lahore, this significant city is known for the wonderful Cholistan Desert and
other spectacular palaces. Among them, Noor Mahal surely stands out as the most
imposing cue of the lavishness of the imperial family of Bahawalpur.
Also recognized as the ‘Palace of Lights,’ the splendor of
Noor Mahal has made it one of the top traveler magnetisms in Bahawalpur. Though
it is presently being managed by the Pakistan Army, this outstanding
Italian-style palace is open to the public between 9:00 am and 10:00 pm
throughout the week. It also includes a museum and a well-shaped public park.
Inappropriately, contempt its breath-taking construction and
comfortable interior, Noor Mahal remnants one of the concealed gems of Punjab –
a region with an tremendously rich cultural history that dates spinal centuries.
Let’s take a appearance at some more truths about one of the
most wonder-inspirational royal palaces in Bahawalpur.
The History Of Noor Mahal
Noor Mahal is one of the most remarkable royal palaces in
the city
The basis for Noor Mahal in Bahawalpur was placed in 1872,
but it was accomplished in 1875. At the time, the building of the charming
structure charge anywhere about RS 1.2 million.
As the story verves, Nawab of Bahawalpur Sir Sadiq Muhammad
Khan IV, also known as the ‘Shan Jahan of Bahawalpur’ for his attention in construction,
erected Noor Mahal in honour of his wife. Though, she declined to live there
due to its nearness to the Basti Maluk Cemetery. This two-fold-story palace
later attended as a guest house for honorable families. Friends of the Nawab,
as well as personages and other protruding characters visiting the generous
state, also remained here. Infrequently, Nawab Sir Sadiq Muhammad also rummage-sale
Noor Mahal to hold cabinet conferences or as a National Court.
A British engineer named Mr. Heenan is accredited for scheming
the construction that has today become one of the most stunning tourist magnetisms
in Pakistan. The palace was constructed in the style of an Italian estate.
However, it joint important rudiments of neoclassic construction with
traditional Islamic strategy. In fact, most of the supplies used in the building
of the palace were introduced all the way from England and Italy.
Furthermore, some privilege the Nawab of Bahawalpur well-ordered
a map of the national along with some gold changes to be buried in the basis of
Noor Mahal Palace to bring good luck.
At the start of the 20th century, then-Nawab of Bahawalpur
Muhammad Bhawal Khan further a Masjid to the buildings. It was enthused by the strategy
of Aitchison College in Lahore.
After the self-governing state of Bahawalpur compound with
Pakistan in 1965, the Auqaf Department of the government took over the palace.
In 1971, the palace was rented to the Pakistan Army, which later bought it for
PKR 119 million.
In 2001, the Government of Pakistan’s Department of
Archeology acknowledged Noor Mahal as ‘a imperiled monument.’ They also unlocked
it for the over-all public. Being one of the most spectacular past places in
Pakistan, this palace has become a somewhat prevalent spot for educational
field trips and photo shoots in Bahawalpur.
The Construction Of Noor Mahal
It is also known as the ‘Palace of Lights’
Spread over an area beyond 8 canal, Noor Mahal in Bahawalpur
is surely a sight to behold.
The palace has two grounds and a cellar which include a
total of 32 rooms, including 14 in the basement. The structure also has five
domes representative the old-style Islamic building in the sub-continent along
with wide Corinthian-style columns and pediments. Its location in the middle of
a lush green garden with water tanks and fountains has also added to its
beauty.
Meanwhile, the interior of the Noor Mahal is just as, if not
more so, luxurious than its exterior.
From hand-carved gilded furniture and classic mosaic floors
to massive crystal chandeliers and grand pianos, this palace is a testament to
the splendor of the royal family of Bahawalpur. Furthermore, most of the
artwork displayed on the walls belong to Western artists. But you can easily
see a traditional touch in the décor in the form of elegant carpets, high-rise
curtains, exquisite ornaments and other fittings. In a classic fashion,
visitors can also see some antique swords and muskets that are displayed on the
walls.
While the whole ‘Palace of Lights’ is filled with extremely
beautiful equipment and representation, the extravagant Durbar Hall is surely
the most appealingly attractive part of the land. It assertions a high rise
ceiling with outstanding chandeliers and couches meant for the kings.
The enormous libraries in Noor Mahal, as well as the antique
cars, also draw a lot of consideration.
tourist attractions in Bahawalpur
The public park nearby the palace also attractions a lot of invitees
Currently, Noor Mahal attends as one of the most wide-ranging
tourist magnetisms in Bahawalpur. While the 19th-century monument appearances
glorious during day time, its view when the lights are turned on at night is
even more remarkable.
The unbelievable sound and light demonstration at Noor Mahal
also attractions a lot of visitors from all over the zone. It’s usually detained
on Saturday and Sundays at around 7:30 PM.
In the meantime, if you ever visit this state-of-the-art
palace, make definite to get the facilities of a local guide for a better considerate
of the construction and historical consequence of this tribute.
The foundation for Noor Mahal was placed
by Nawab of Bahawalpur Sir Sadiq Muhammad Khan IV in 1872. It was completed in
1875 and cost around PKR 12 lakh at the time. As the story energies, the nawab,
who was also known as the ‘Shah Jahan of Bahawalpur’ for his curiosity in
architecture, had constructed this lavish double-storey palace for his wife.
However, after she rejected to live there due to the close-by Basti Maluk Burial
ground, Noor Mahal served as a guest house for other members of the royal
family of Bahawalpur, notables and other prominent personalities. Infrequently,
Noor Mahal was also used as a State Court.
Luxurious Noor Mahal
The well-appointed Noor Mahal, one
of the most well-known historical buildings in Punjab, shelters an area of 8 canal
and includes two floors and a basement. The palace has 32 rooms in total, each
of them conceited an extremely lavish décor, beautiful carpets, spendthrift
curtains, elegant ornaments and other features. The architecture of the
building landscapes design basis from both the traditional Islamic construction
and the Corinthian order.
Location: Bahawalpur Cantt,
Bahawalpur.
Timings: 9:00 AM to 9:00 PM.
Moreover, a light show at Noor Mahal is usually held around 7:30 PM every
Saturday and Sunday.
Entry Fee: None
Note:
All the images have been traced from the Face book page of Noor Mahal.
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