Lahore Fort

I'm back on the road again, starting a tour in Pakistan.
This post is of the Lahore Fort that dates back to before the Mughal Empire. It was used also by the Sikh and British Empires. It is located within the Walled City, Lahore's "Old Town."
The 1st picture is the Alamgiri Gate. The 2 towers represent elephant legs, with the foot of the columns shaped like elephant feet.
The 2nd photo is of the elephant stairs where the emperor would enter riding an elephant. The stairs are set to accommodate that.
The 3rd is the Badshahi Mosque, located directly opposite the Alamgiri Gate.
The fourth photo is known as the Picture Wall. This is an array of glazed tiles, mosaics and frescoes, showing court life, various animals and the like. Toward the far end above the array is the imperial bedroom.
The 5th looks across the quadrangle to Naulakha, built by Shah Jahan (of Taj Mahal fame). It was a personal space near the Sheesh Mahal. And for a Vermont connection: Rudyard Kipling named his Vermont house Naulakha to honor Jahan's building.
The 6th picture looks across the public audience hall where everyday folks could be heard. Look closely to the center rear for the structure extending from the wall. This was where the ruler sat.
The 7th picture looks across the Hazuri Bagh to the Baradari built to house the Koh-i-noor diamond.
The next 2 pictures are in the Sheesh Majal or Palace of Mirrors. One shows a dining area with many reflective pieces. All the gems stones that were originally part of the walls are gone. The other is of the ceiling of the Shah's wife's personal space. I'm told she had a dream of floating under the stars. so that was built for her. Vit currently being restored.
The 10 photo shows the Badshahi Mosque. The building in the foreground was built by the British for ammunition storage.Read more