This grand mosque was founded by the great Moghul Emperor of India Aurangzeb Alamgir. The mosque was completed in April 1673 AD. During the Sikh period (1764 - 1849), the mosque was desecrated and was used for storage and stables. In the early British period (1849 - 1856), its side "Dalans" were used as barracks; for British soldiers. The eastern "Dalans: were demolished by the British so that the mosque cannot be used as a stronghold. By this time the mosque had already lost the marble cupolas of its minarets and kiosks as well as the red sandstone veneer. Its floor was broken and ruined. The mosque was later restored through Anjuman-e-Islamia in 1859.
From 1673 to 1986 (for 313 years) Badshahi Mosque had the largest courtyard in the world
Side "Dalans" were used as barracks' for British Soldiers.
The interior of the prayer hall is richly embellished with stucco tracery "Manbatkari" fresco work and marble inlay.
The embellishment has Indo-Greek, Central Asian and Indian architectural elements, both in motifs and technique.
The exterior is decorated with carved red sandstones with marble inlay. The three domes are externally finished in chaste white marble.
The steps and the main entrance are also decorated with carved red sandstones.
Panoramic view of the mosque from Lahore Fort.
To view more pictures please visit www.flickr.com/photos/hd360
From 1673 to 1986 (for 313 years) Badshahi Mosque had the largest courtyard in the world
Side "Dalans" were used as barracks' for British Soldiers.
The interior of the prayer hall is richly embellished with stucco tracery "Manbatkari" fresco work and marble inlay.
The embellishment has Indo-Greek, Central Asian and Indian architectural elements, both in motifs and technique.
The exterior is decorated with carved red sandstones with marble inlay. The three domes are externally finished in chaste white marble.
Panoramic view of the mosque from Lahore Fort.
To view more pictures please visit www.flickr.com/photos/hd360
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