DIMINISHING TOMBS OF THE REMINISCENT OF LAHORE; AN UNAPPRECIATED AND NEGLECTED HERITAGE

Abstract

Lahore, a city rich with the engravings of time is now a sprawling city of Punjab, sets like a verdant gem that sparkles with the beautiful colors of life, full of culture and traditions. Lahore reaches the peak of glory and splendor in the world of architecture, during the Mughal era. Massive constructions and various building structures have glorified Lahore amid this time period. Elegant gardens, canals, caravansary’s, mosques, mausoleums, forts, palaces, were designed by the Mughals. History reveals that Mughal sovereigns built numerous tombs throughout Indian Subcontinent. They gave special attention to their tomb architecture as compared to other monuments. There tombs were not specifically built only for the emperors but they also house their queens, wazīrs, umrāʾs and Sufi saints. Other than the famous mausoleums of the nobles and Sufi saints, there are some lesser known and unappreciated tombs in Lahore that are historically significant but are not center of attention and attraction for people, also belong to same architectural legacy. Many such historic structures of tombs suffered the negligence of decades and fell into despair appearing as remains in derelict condition at present. This research aims to document the historical importance, surviving surface decorations/elements and current situation of these neglected and lesser known tomb structures, which are in the process of deterioration.