Shalimar Gardens

Shalimar Gardens

Shalimar Gardens often spell as Shalamar Gardens is a Master piece of Royal engineers of Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan. It was constructed in one year from 1641 to 1642 which in itself is something beyond words at that time. 

The land of these Gardens belong to Arian Family of Baghbanpura. The family was awarded with the title of "Mian" by Shah Jahan because of their services for the Mughal Empire. The head of the family Mian Muhammad Yusuf submitted their property after continuous pressure by the state. But all did not go in vain. As a favour, Emperor Shah Jahan hand over the Governance of the Shalimar Gardens to the Arian Mian Family which remains in their family for approximately 350 years until 1962.

The whole place is consisted of green gardens, fountains and different structures and all this is surrounded by a big wall having Minarets at the corners. The gardens are divided into three terraces each at the same height from the other and have their names.

The Upper garden is known as "Farah Baksh" means Bestower of Pleasure.

The Mid level is known as "Faiz Baksh" means Bestower of Goodness.

The Lower garden is known as "Hayat Baksh" means Bestower of Life. 

Shalimar Garden has total 410 fountains. This distribution of canal system still amaze that how engineers at that time think of this without modern technology. 

The distribution of the fountains at each level is as follows.

Upper level terrace have 105 fountains.

Mid Level terrace have 152 fountains.

Lower level terrace have 153 fountains.

Thus making a total of 410 fountains. Other than these, different structures like Aiwan (The Grand hall), Hamman (The Royal bath), Aramgah (The Resting place), Diwan-e-Khas-o-Aam (The Hall of special and ordinary guests of the Emperor) and Baradaries (The summer pavilions to enjoy cool breeze along the nearby fountains) etc. 

My most favorite area in the whole gardens is the one where White Marble Throne is placed. The throne is placed in the center and in front of the throne is a series of fountains and eye catching structures. 

Each time when I visit this place I wonder what people at those times know about architecture. Each part of the whole place shows the hard work and the dedication of the labor who worked at this site. After all, this can't be possible without their efforts. 

Please share your memories & videos about this awesome place and inform me about your suggestions at wonderlustpak@gmail.com