Kamran Lashari :
His efforts to conserve the Lahore's heritage are worthy of high praise.
Lahore, the capital of Punjab and Pakistan’s second most populous city, is often referred to as the “Gardens of the Mughals” or the “City of Gardens” due to its rich Mughal heritage. This historic city, once a significant part of the Mughal Empire from 1524 to 1752, is home to a wealth of architectural monuments that reflect its cultural and historical diversity. Among the city’s most notable features are its Walled City and the array of historical structures, from residential streets to monumental edifices. In recent years, there have been concerted efforts to preserve and restore many of Lahore’s historic buildings, ensuring their survival for future generations.
For this purpose, a comprehensive Geographic Information System – GIS database was developed, which included parcel-level data for over 21,800 properties. This data was gathered from a reconnaissance survey, including physical features, historic value, and the architectural significance of buildings on a plot-by-plot basis. This survey is part of an ongoing effort to record and protect the city’s rich architectural heritage.
Gali Surjan Singh Conservation
One of the key projects in Lahore’s conservation efforts is the rehabilitation of Gali Surjan Singh, a residential street that branches off from the Shahi Guzargah, the main thoroughfare passing through the Walled City. This initiative, launched in 2010 as part of a historic homes improvement program, focuses on restoring the area’s aesthetic and architectural value while upgrading municipal services.
The Gali Surjan Singh Conservation Project was a joint effort between the Government of Punjab and the German Embassy, with the Walled City of Lahore Authority (WCLA) overseeing its implementation.
The project involved replacing outdated water and sewage systems with modern infrastructure, including HDPE and UPVC pipes. The electrical distribution network was also redesigned, ensuring that cables were concealed to maintain the area’s architectural integrity. This project established design paradigms for other conservation efforts across the Walled City and earned an Honourable Mention at the 2014 UNESCO Asia-Pacific Awards for Cultural Heritage Conservation.
Conservation of the Shahi Hammam
Another significant conservation initiative was the restoration of the Shahi Hammam, a 17th-century Mughal public bathhouse located near the Delhi Gate. Built during the reign of Shah Jahan, the Hammam is a prime example of Mughal-era architecture and engineering, particularly in its use of hypocaust systems for heating water. The structure had suffered considerable damage over the years, with parts of its exterior converted into makeshift storefronts and much of its interior repurposed for various functions, including a school and dispensary.
The restoration work, carried out by the Aga Khan Trust for Culture (AKTC), focused on conserving the Hammam’s original features, including its waterworks, drainage, and heating systems, as well as its frescoes, which had been severely deteriorated. The project also involved excavating the building’s foundations, uncovering ancient water systems that demonstrated how hot water was distributed throughout the bathhouse. Today, the Shahi Hammam operates as a museum, attracting thousands of visitors annually. In 2016, it received an Award of Merit at the UNESCO Asia-Pacific Awards for Cultural Heritage Conservation.
The Lahore Fort and Its Picture Wall
The Lahore Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is another landmark that has undergone extensive conservation efforts. In 2015, the AKTC began documenting the Picture Wall, a 442-meter-long mural that adorns the northern and western walls of the fort. This mural, created during the Mughal reign of Jahangir (1624-1632), depicts scenes of royal life, including battles, animals, and celestial figures. It is the largest mural of its kind in the world and a defining feature of the fort’s architectural heritage.
The Picture Wall is adorned with glazed tile and faience mosaics, along with intricate brickwork and frescoes. It was created as part of Jahangir’s vision to embellish the fort’s exterior, and its completion under Shah Jahan added further grandeur to the monument. The ongoing conservation work includes detailed documentation using 3D laser scanning to capture the mural’s fine details, which is critical for ensuring its preservation.
In addition to the Picture Wall, AKTC has also been involved in the restoration of other key areas of the Lahore Fort, including the Royal Kitchen, Sheesh Mahal, and Naulakha Pavilion. The Government of Punjab has allocated US$9 million for the conservation of the fort over a five-year period, further cementing its importance as a cultural and historical hub.
Conclusion
Lahore’s conservation initiatives represent a critical effort to preserve the city’s rich history and cultural heritage. Projects like the Gali Surjan Singh Conservation Project, the restoration of the Shahi Hammam, and the ongoing conservation of the Lahore Fort ensure that these historic monuments will continue to stand as a testament to Lahore’s Mughal past. These efforts not only safeguard architectural landmarks but also promote sustainable tourism and socio-economic development within the Walled City, benefiting both the local community and international visitors alike.