Lahore Fort Facts for Kids

The Lahore Fort is an amazing old fort located in the city of Lahore, Pakistan. While its very first parts might be super old, most of what you see today was built during the time of the Mughal Empire. This was a powerful empire that ruled a large part of South Asia for many centuries. The fort was home to the Mughal emperors.

The Lahore Fort, along with the Shalimar Gardens Lahore, shows how grand and powerful the Mughal Empire was in medieval South Asia. People also call the Lahore Fort "Shahi Qila," which means "Royal Fort." It's a place full of history and beautiful buildings.

Exploring the Lahore Fort
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Exploring the Lahore Fort

The Lahore Fort is a huge place with many different buildings and areas. Each part tells a story about the emperors who lived there and the changes the fort went through over hundreds of years.

Alamgiri Gate: The Grand Entrance

The main entrance to the Lahore Fort is called the Alamgiri Gate. It's a very impressive gate that was built during the time of Emperor Aurangzeb. Imagine walking through this huge gate, just like emperors and their guests did centuries ago!

Sheesh Mahal: The Palace of Mirrors

One of the most famous parts of the fort is the Sheesh Mahal, also known as the "Palace of Mirrors." This beautiful palace is decorated with thousands of tiny, reflective glass tiles. When light hits them, the whole room sparkles like a starry night. It's truly a sight to behold!

Naulakha Pavilion: A Jewel of Architecture

The Naulakha Pavilion is another iconic building inside the fort. It's a small, elegant marble pavilion that stands out with its unique design. The name "Naulakha" means "worth nine lakhs" (a lakh is 100,000), suggesting how valuable and beautiful it was considered.

Diwan-i-Aam and Diwan-i-Khas

The fort has special halls where the emperors would meet people.

The Diwan-i-Aam was the "Hall of Public Audience." This is where the emperor would meet with the general public and listen to their concerns. The one you see today was rebuilt during the British era.
The Diwan-i-Khas was the "Hall of Special Audience." This was a more private place where the emperor would meet with important officials and discuss state affairs.

The Picture Wall: A Story in Mosaics

The fort has a massive "Picture Wall" that dates back to the time of Emperor Jahangir. This wall is covered in amazing mosaics that show all sorts of scenes, from royal hunts to mythical creatures. It's like a giant outdoor art gallery!

Influence of Different Cultures

The Lahore Fort shows how different cultures influenced Mughal architecture. For example, some buildings have elephant-shaped column brackets. These designs show how Hindu art styles were blended into Mughal buildings, especially during the reign of Emperor Akbar.

Sikh Era Additions

After the Mughal Empire, the fort was also used by Sikh rulers. Maharaja Ranjit Singh, a powerful Sikh ruler, used parts of the fort as his court. The Ath Dara was built during his reign and served this purpose. Another building, the Sikh-era Sehdari (or "Three-doored pavilion"), was used as an office by one of his trusted governors.

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Lahore Fort is located across the Hazuri Bagh from the Badshahi Mosque (foreground).
A picture showing the Lahore Fort (Alamgiri Gate in background) and Hazuri Bagh Pavilion (foreground) in 1870.
The use of elephant-shaped column brackets in buildings of the Lahore Fort reflects the influence of Hindu motifs on Mughal architecture during the reign of Akbar.
The fort's massive Picture Wall dates from the Jahangir period.
The fort's iconic Alamgiri Gate was built during the reign of Emperor Aurangzeb.
Ath Dara, built during the reign of Maharaja Ranjit Singh and used as his court.
Layout of the Lahore Fort in 1911
The fort, as seen from the northeast minaret of the Badshahi Mosque.
The marble Naulakha Pavilion is one of the most iconic sights at the fort.
The Picture Wall features mosaics depicting a myriad of scenes.
The Sheesh Mahal is elaborately decorated with a myriad of reflective glass tiles.
The Summer Palace is a labyrinth of chambers that was used as a residence during the hot summer months.
The Kala Burj.
The Diwan-i-Khas is where the Emperor would attend to state affairs.
The current Diwan-i-Aam is a reconstruction undertaken during the British era.
The Sikh-era Sehdari, or "Three-doored pavilion" served as an office for Faqir Syed Noor-ud-din, a trusted Governor of Ranjit Singh.
Lahore's Moti Masjid is the earliest of three Mughal "Pearl Mosques." The two others are the one in Agra and the other in Delhi.
Akbari Gate as seen from within the fort complex.
Alamgiri Gate