“Emperor Jahangir”, real name “Prince Salim” was born in September 1569. His tomb is one of the most beautiful and historically significant mausoleums in Lahore, Pakistan. The emperor was one of the most powerful rulers of his time, and his tomb reflects this. Built-in the early 1600s, the tomb is a masterclass in architecture and art. In this blog post, we will explore the history of the tomb of Emperor Jahangir and its significance in Lahore. We will also take a look at the architecture and art of the tomb, which is truly a sight to behold.
Table of content
- Who was Emperor Jahangir
- Life and history of Emperor Jahangir
- Tomb of Nur Jahan
- Tomb of Asif khan
- The Tomb of Emperor Jahangir
- The architectural design of the Tomb of Emperor Jahangir
- What is Akbari Sarai
- The significance of the Emperor Jahangir’s Tomb today
- The Grave of Emperor Jahangir
- How to visit the Tomb of Emperor Jahangir
- Conclusion
Who was Jahangir?
Jahangir was the fourth Mughal Emperor. He was born in September 1569. He ruled from 1605 until his death in 1627. He was the eldest son of Emperor Akbar and succeeded him as emperor upon his death.
Jahangir was an able ruler and conquered several regions during his reign, including Kashmir and Qandahar. He also expanded the Mughal Empire into the Deccan Plateau. Under his rule, the Mughal Empire reached its greatest extent.
During his reign, Jahangir faced several challenges, including rebellions by his sons and a rebellion led by Prince Khurram. Despite these challenges, Jahangir’s reign was largely successful and he is considered one of the greatest Mughal emperors.
He was then succeeded by his son Shah Jahan after his death.
Photo Credit: Walters Art Museum
Life and history of Emperor Jahangir
Prince Salim was the third son born to Emperor Akbar and his wife Queen Mariam-uz-Zamani in Fatehpur Sikri, India on 30 August 1569. As a prince, he was educated in Muslim theology and Persian literature. He also trained in military arts and horsemanship.
Jahangir married Princess Manmati in 1585. She bore him two sons, Khurram and Parviz. In 1599, Jahangir led a rebellion against his father but was quickly forgiven and reinstated as heir apparent.
When Akbar died in 1605, Jahangir succeeded him as emperor.
Photo Credit: Unknown author
Photo Credit: Bishandas
During his reign, Jahangir faced many challenges, including a rebellion by his son Shihab-ud-Din Muhammad Khurram (who later became Shah Jahan). Apart from that, they faced threats from the Safavid Empire of Persia and an uprising by the Sikh guru Arjan Dev. Nevertheless, he successfully maintained the stability of the Mughal Empire and expanded its territory. He was also an accomplished artist and patron of the arts; under his rule, the Mughal court became a center of cultural excellence.
Emperor Jahangir died on October 28, 1627, at Rajputana while traveling back to Lahore from Kashmir.
The Tomb of Malika Nur Jahan
Nur Jahan Queen was the wife of Mughal Emperor Jahangir and one of the most powerful women of her time. She is known for her beauty, intelligence, and political savvy. As queen, she wielded considerable influence over her husband and was a key player in court politics. She also played an important role in promoting Persian culture at the Mughal court.
Nur Jahan was born in 1577 to a noble family in Iran. Her father served as an ambassador to the Mughal court, and she was married to Jahangir at the age of 17. The couple had four children together, two of whom died young.
The tomb of Noor Jahan is one of the most beautiful and intricately designed tombs in the Mughal Empire. The tomb was built by her husband, Emperor Jahangir, and is located in Lahore, Pakistan. The tomb is made of white marble and is decorated with precious stones and intricate carvings. The cenotaph of Noor Jahan is inlaid with a large pearl, which was said to be a gift from her husband.
The artwork on the tomb is truly breathtaking. The detailed carvings and inlays are a testimony to the skill of the craftsmen who built them. The tomb is a work of art that reflects the love and respect that Emperor Jahangir had for his wife.
Learn more about Nur Jahan.
The Tomb of Asif khan
The Tomb of Asaf Khan is located in Lahore, Pakistan. It was built in 1637 by Emperor Shah Jahan. The tomb is considered to be one of the finest examples of Mughal architecture in Pakistan. Asaf Khan was a powerful figure during the reign of Emperor Jahangir. He served as the Prime minister for his brother-in-law Jahangir.
The shrine was under construction for 4 years until 1645 at a cost of 300,000 rupees. The tomb was built directly west of the Tomb of Jahangir.
The tomb has a double-layered large dome at the top which reflects the Mughal design style. Such bulbous domes were an innovation of Shah Jahan’s era and were used to great effect at other sites such as the Taj Mahal in Agra.
The tomb is open to the public and is a popular tourist attraction.
Learn more about Asif Khan.
Photo Credit: The Opposite Travellers
Photo Credit: The Opposite Travellers
The Tomb of Emperor Jahangir
The Tomb of Emperor Jahangir is a historical mausoleum located in Lahore, Pakistan. The tomb was built in 1627-28 CE by the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan for his father, the great Mughal Emperor Akbar. The tomb is of particular architectural interest because it is one of the earliest examples of Mughal architecture in the Indian subcontinent.
Photo Credit: Tahsin Shah
The building is constructed entirely of white marble and is set in a large square garden. The tomb itself is set on a raised platform and is surrounded by a cloistered walkway. The main chamber of the tomb contains the emperor’s cenotaph, which is adorned with verses from the Quran.
The Tomb of Emperor Jahangir is one of the most visited historical sites in Pakistan and has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The architectural design of the Tomb of Emperor Jahangir
The tomb of Emperor Jahangir is one of the most beautiful and historically significant mausoleums of the Mughal Era. The tomb was designed by the great Mughal architect, Ustad Ahmad Lahauri, and is situated in the city of Lahore. The tomb is a testimony to the skill of the Mughal architects and craftsmen who created exquisite works of art.
The tomb is built entirely of white marble and red bricks and is an excellent example of Mughal architecture. The main chamber of the tomb is octagonal in shape and is surmounted by 4 minarets. Each minaret has a white-colored dome made of white marble. The tomb is decorated with beautiful calligraphy and inlaid with precious stones. The interior of the tomb is decorated with delicate carvings and paintings. The grave of Emperor Jahangir is situated in the center of the main chamber. The interior of the tomb is decorated with intricate carvings and mosaics. The 99 sacred Names of Allah are also carved on his grave.
Photo Credit: Bilal Zafar
Photo Credit: Sanabalti
The main chamber contains the cenotaph of Emperor Jahangir. The tomb is surrounded by a garden, which is believed to have been designed by his wife, Nur Jahan. The tomb is situated near his Wife Nur Jahan and his brother-in-law Asif Khan. If you visit Jahangir’s Tomb, you can also visit the Tomb of Nur Jahan and Asif Khan on the same day.
Emperor Jahangir was a great patron of the arts, and his tomb reflects this. The tomb is a fitting tribute to a great emperor and is well worth a visit if you are ever in Lahore.
The Akbari Sarai
The Akbari Sarai is situated in the Shahdara Bagh, Lahore. The Sarai was originally built for travelers who visit and take care of the Jahangir’s Tomb. The Sarai is well preserved and is served as a gateway to Janahngir’s and Asaf Khan’s Tomb. The Akbari Sarai was started in the mid-1550s. The building’s red sandstone is richly decorated with pietra dura.
The Sarai is in the form of a quadrangle, which covers a total area of 12 acres. The Sarai measures 797 feet by 610 feet in size. The whole complex was surrounded by a brick wall that had been painted white and decorated with blue patterns. There were large gardens inside, containing the Tomb of Asaf Khan.
The Akbari Sarai, along with the Tombs of Jahangir and Asif Khan, was inscribed on the tentative list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites in 1993.
Photo Credit: Shaguftakarim
Photo Credit: Kumail Hasan
Photo Credit: Zahidali219
The significance of Emperor Jahangir's Tomb today
The Emperor Jahangir’s Tomb is located in the city of Lahore in Pakistan. It was built in 1627-28 by his son, Shah Jahan. The tomb is of great historical significance as it is one of the few Mughal buildings to have survived the Sikh and British periods. Today, the tomb is a popular tourist destination and is considered one of the finest examples of Mughal architecture.
Coins of Jahangir
Coins of Jahangir
The Grave of Emperor Jahangir
The grave of Emperor Nur-ud-din Muhammad Jahangir cenotaph is richly embellished with intricate inlay. It is created with white marble. The flower pattern and the sacred names of Allah are engraved in it with previous and colorful stones.
Photo Credit: SohaibTahir ST
Photo Credit: Guilhem Vellut
How to visit the Tomb of Emperor Jahangir
The Tomb of Emperor Jahangir is one of the most impressive historical sites in Pakistan. The mausoleum was built to honor the memory of the great emperor who ruled the Mughal Empire for over two decades. Today, the tomb is a popular tourist destination and attracts visitors from all over the world.
If you’re planning a visit to the Tomb of Emperor Jahangir, there are a few things you should keep in mind. First, the tomb is located in Lahore, so you’ll need to make travel arrangements accordingly. Once you’re in Lahore, you can either take a taxi or an auto-rickshaw to get to the tomb complex. The tomb is open daily from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, and there is no entrance fee.
When you enter the complex, you’ll see the imposing mausoleum of Emperor Jahangir first. The tomb is made of white marble and features intricate carvings and designs. Inside, you can see the emperor’s grave as well as some of his personal belongings.
After visiting the Tomb of Emperor Jahangir, be sure to explore the rest of Lahore – it’s a fascinating city with plenty to see and do!
Conclusion
The tomb of Emperor Jahangir is a beautiful and historical mausoleum that is definitely worth visiting when you are in Lahore, Pakistan. Although it may not be as grand or popular as some of the other tombs in the area, it is still an important part of Pakistan’s history and culture. If you have the chance, I highly recommend paying a visit to this magnificent structure.
