Showing posts with label Pakistan. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Pakistan. Show all posts

Monday 8 October 2018

Tomb of Nur Jahan

The Tomb of Nur Jahan situated in Shahdara near to Lahore Pakistan. The Tomb of Nur Jahan is a 17th century mausoleum was built by Mughal Empress Nur Jahan. Empress Noor Jahan lies buried in a tomb not far from that of her husband, Emperor Jahangir. The beautiful red sandstone mausoleum, is located in Shahdara Bagh, across the River Ravi from Lahore. The Tomb of Nur Jahan is part of an ensemble of nearby monuments, including the Tomb of Jahangir, Akbari Sarai, as well as the tomb of Asif Khan. In the 18the century the Tomb of Nur Jahan was plundered by army of Ranjit Singh.  And tomb was stripped of its ornamental stones and marble during the occupation of Lahore. And material & marble was used in decorating their Golden Temple in Amristar.  Even The Sikh ruler opened the grave of Nur Jahan and ordered her skeleton to be thrown to dogs and wolves. It has been said that half the Golden Temple's splendour derives from marble plundered from Nur Jahan's shrine.
 
Nur Jahan's tomb was separated from the other monuments by open fields. Then later interrupted by construction of the Lahore to Peshawar Railway Line during the British rule.  Also Quranic verses are inlaid in marble on the cenotaph. Nur Jahan was the most powerful Mughal Empress. During her reign between 1611 and 1627, she efficiently shaped the expanding Mughal Empire, and contributed towards religious causes and helped foster overseas trade. The Tomb of Nur Jahan suffered under British rule when a railway line was built between the tombs of Asif Khan and Nur Jahan. The tomb underwent minor repairs but is slated for major restoration.
 
Mehr-un-Nissa bestowed with the title Nur Jahan spent 18 years with Mughal Emperor Jahangir.  she died at the age of 68 years and much of the mausoleum was most probably constructed during her lifetime. She was fourth child of Asmat Begum and her husband Mirza Ghiyas Beg, who had both immigrated from Persia. a migrant from Persia, who along with his family had fled to Hindustan, and rose to exalted positions in the cosmopolitan court of Akbar. She married Jahangir in the sixth year of his reign, and, because of her abilities, soon became the fountainhead of authority at the Mughal court. The Tomb of Nur Jahan took 4 years to finish with the cost of 3 Lakh Rupees. The Tomb of Nur Jahan lacks a demarcated boundary, and mostly serves as a cricket ground for local boys. Indeed, it’s really amazing, how an average king gets himself a masterpiece, and perhaps the strongest woman of the Mughal timeline is unable to carry that strength to her lasting abode.
 
The Tomb architecture built on a podium in the takhtgah style. The platform measuring 158 square feet, and tomb is in the shape of a square and measures 124 feet on each side, and is 19.6 feet high. Minarets may previously have risen from the corners of the mausoleum, similar to the nearby Jahangir tomb. The tomb stands in the center of a Persian-style Charbagh. The original garden no longer survives, but once included tulips, roses, and jasmine. Noor Jahan, along with her widowed daughter Ladli Begam, lived in Lahore until her death in 1645, Shah Jahan having settled an annual allowance of two lakhs of rupees on her.
 
Contrasting to her father's tomb name “tomb of I'timād-ud-Daulah”, which was constructed in white marble. However, Nur Jahan's mausoleum is primarily clad in red sandstone, with a flat roofline alike to that of her husband's tomb. Also the exterior features 7 vaulted arches. Which were covered with marble and wrought with flower mosaics in semi-precious stones. The central arch on each side protrudes out from the three flanking vaulted arches. The initial photos of the mausoleum show its ravaged condition, where the bare shell, shorn of its decorative facing, with some traces of delicate fresco in internal muqarnas could be seen. Minute paneling was executed in intricate patterns and cornices are honeycomb shaped in several rooms. The inner floor is covered with marble and the outer platform with sandstone. The exterior, encased in red sandstone, was inlaid with floral motifs in addition to white, black and yellow marble.
 
The central vaulted chamber of the tomb contains a marble platform with two cenotaphs. One that commemorates Nur Jahan and the other to commemorate her daughter, Ladli Begum. This was built by Hakeem Ajmal in 1912. Moreover, the original marble sarcophagus bears decorative workmanship and the name of Allah, in the same style and size as seen in the tombs of Jahangir. The Tomb of Nur Jahan is inscribed an epitaph: "On the grave of this poor stranger, let there be neither lamp nor rose. Let neither butterfly’s wing burn nor nightingale sing". However, In the recent times, an attempt to restore the monument has been made to look completely new, having lost the delicate traces of floral and geometric flourishes she so loved.









 
 

Sunday 7 October 2018

Mughal Emperor Jahangir Tomb

In 1637, a mausoleum built by Mughal Emperor Jahangir is located in Shahdara adjacent to Lahore, Pakistan. This is called Tomb of Jahangir, along the banks of River Ravi. Emperor Jahangir, who ruled the Mughal Empire from 1605 to 1627 C.E. The Janangir mausoleum is most popular due to its fantasist interiors extensively embellished with frescoes and marbles. This spot had been a favorite area of Jahangir and his wife Nur Jahan when they resided in Lahore, and this spot was usually used as a point of departure for travels to and from Kashmir and Lahore. The Jahangir Tomb along with Akbari Sarai, Tomb of Asif Khan are in the tentative list of UNESCO World Heritage status. Much of mausoleum’s exterior that is richly decorated with pietra dura. This was rural area famous for its many pleasure gardens. The tomb in located in Nur Jahan's pleasure garden, the Dilkusha Garden, that had been laid out in 1557. The tomb of Jahangir's wife Nur Jahan is located slight southwest of Asif Khan's tomb. However, the Tomb of Asif Khan, built in 1645, and the Akbari Sarai, built in 1637, are located immediately west of Jahangir's tomb complex. Flooding from the nearby River Ravi threatened or damaged the site sustained water damage during flooding in 1988 that covered much of the site in 10 feet of water for 5 days.
Jahangir was died on 28 October 1627 in the foothills Kashmir when he was on travelling to town of Rajauri. His dead body was carried from Kashmir to Shahdara on 12 Nov 1627. The Dilkusha Garden was his favourite spot of Jahangir and his wife Nur Jahan, when they lived in Lahore.  The funeral procession done by his son (Emperor Shah Jahan) in that place , ordered a mausoleum befitting an Emperor should be built in his father's honor to inter his remains. Jahangir has renewed interest in minarets; however some historians attribute construction of tomb to Jahangir’s son Shah Jahan. Jahangir’s wife Nur Jahan had vision of constructing tomb, taking inspiration from her father’s burial place. It is believed, that construction cost was around 10 lakh and it took three years to finish. The tomb's gardens are laid out in the Persian Chahar Bagh style. Hence, the construction work of the mausoleum lasted 10 years, from 1627 to 1637, and was most likely funded by the imperial treasury (though there is some evidence that Jahangir's wife, Nur Jahan, may have financed the construction).
In 1814, some repair work done by Sikh rule when they were pillaged by the army of Ranjit Singh, with building materials used for decoration of the Golden Temple in Amritsar. The tomb complex, was also desecrated and pillaged grounds were then converted for use as a private residence for an officer in the army of Ranjit Singh.  The monuments suffered further under British rule, when a railway line was built between the tombs of Asif Khan and Nur Jahan. The site was then repaired by the British between somewhere 1889-1890. The tombs walls are inlaid with carved marble.
The walls of the tomb are inlaid with red sandstone and carved marble motifs. Arcades surround the tomb and feature ghalib kari, or ribs inlaid into arched surfaces on the arch's curved areas. The square shaped mausoleum’s is 22 foot tall and roof is embellished with marble. The building rise four octagonal ornamental minarets decorated with geometric inlaid stone. The minarets rise to a height of 100 feet and the body of the minaret rests, called by white marble cupolas. Also, the burial chamber contains the Emperor's cenotaph. The series of vaulted compartments are richly adorned with Mughal buon fresco. In the center of the mausoleum is an octagonal chamber lined with carved marble in which the remains of the Mughal Emperor rest in a crypt below a cenotaph.
 
The interior of the tomb features a white-marble cenotaph inlaid with pietra dura in vegetal patterns, as well as the 99 Names of Allah, a common theme in Islamic mysticism. The mausoleum is set in a large quadrangle with gates facing each of the cardinal directions. Thus, entry to the quadrangle is through the western edge via the Akbari Sarai. Also there is a gate featuring a small mosque. To the immediate west of the Akbari Sarai is the Tomb of Asif Khan - Jahangir's brother-in-law. Nowadays, the tomb of Jahangir holds exceptional significance for Pakistanis as it is the only Mughal tomb located in present-day Pakistan. Its image appears on the 1,000 rupee banknote and it remains one of Lahore's most popular attractions.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Source: CP

Friday 10 August 2018

Lulusar Lake, Unspoiled Gem in High Mountains Peaks

Pakistan is blessed with myriad wonderful places that are filled with natural beauty. Numerous lovely Lakes are also the part of it. They are also playing an imperative role in improving the beauty of Pakistan. Lulusar Lake is also among these momentous lakes that are the favorite tourist spot for many.  Lulusar Lake is located on Naran-Babusar Road, 50 km from Naran in the Kaghan Valley in the KPK province of Pakistan. Lulusar Lake is group of mountain peaks, and the highest peak has a height of 11,200 feet above sea level. Lulusar Lake at 3,410 meters is the primary source of water to  Kunhar River. The lake water flows southwest through the entire length of Kaghan Valley passing Jalkhand, Naran, Kaghan, Jared, Paras, Kawai, Garihabib Ullah and Balakot until its confluence with the Jhelum River.

The extreme height of the mountains keeps Lulusar Lake covered in snow the year long. However the lake is located in a special zone where water can flow in some months of the year. The water color of Lulusar Lake is mesmerizing, the scenery, everything about it is so great. The word “sar” is a Pashto word means “top” or “peak”. On average tourist reach Lulusar Lake in 2 hours from Naran. The lake can see from right side of road. Lulusar Lake formed due to the blocking of Kunhar River sometimes in past. The same way Attabad Lake in Hunza was formed in 2010 due to massive landslide blocking Hunza River. The road to Lulusar Lake closed from November till May-June. Lulusar Lake is wreathed in blue and gold wild flowers enchanting beauty and its view remains in the mind of tourist for a long time.

Lulusar Lake water is crystal clear and it freezes during winter. The high mountains around the Lulusar Lake are davoid of trees as the lake is above the tree line. For food, tourist needs to go to a small village “Besal” five km downstream but has a good restaurant named "Moon Restaurant". Some animals are very common such as foxes, black bear, Himalayan snow cock, lynx, brown Bear and Himalayan Ibex as well. Hawks and other similar birds are also common, including Griffen Vultures of Himalaya, Falcon, and the Himalayan Monal. However, if the season is right, Russian & other migratory birds can also been seen nesting in some places. However, you just have to wait until their season of migration in order to be able to see these birds. The best time to visit Lulusar Lake is the beginning of summer as by the time summer passes, the lake would lose much of the snow near its adjacent mountains. The best time is, therefore, end May till end of June. After that Lulusar Lake will not have much snow, only the greenery will be seen.

It is highly recommend that rise early from Naran, go straight to Lulusar Lake and relish the lake for at least one hour. Then go to Babusar Top around 16 km more, 40 minutes’ drive from Lake. Then you can have spent one hour or more over there. On the return journey, take lunch at Besal (Moon Restaurant). Tourist can also enjoy staying a while at Payala Lake on Jalkhand. Then enjoy water fall near Naran, take a cup of tea at Kunhar River and then deep sleep at Naran. A tourist from New York said that she had travelled across the world but had no words to state the beauty of Lulusar Lake. It’s rare and very unique, has soothing environment. The nature is everywhere. Only fewer human beings are here and therefore, the place is so serene, and peaceful in the midst of high mountains and greenish meadows. The Lulusar Lake splendor is unaffected by pollution unlike Saiful Muluk, which has lost picturesqueness due to littering by visitors.

Lulusar Lake is famous due to its historic place where the fifty-five participants of the 1857 Indian war of independence were arrested and the lake is still remembered for that reason. Lulusar Lake is amazingly beautiful, serene and somewhat freaky Lulusar Lake. It’s a vast calm lake in the center of the valley, and made for a perfect backdrop for Instagram selfies and cover photos. Lulusar Lake is surrounded by snowcapped hills whose purple and white forms are reflected in the green-blue waters of the silent lake, making it one of the most beautiful spots in the valley. The Dudipatsar, Lulusar and Saiful Muluk are the most popular lakes in Naran/Kaghan. Dudipatsar needs tracking by foot obviously good for health. The Naran to Lulusar road is in excellent condition with a black-top with reasonable width and builds quality.

In summer Lulusar Lake is ultimate destination for many domestic and international visitors. Even though the park near to him is actually known as Lulusar-Dudipatsar National Park is also visited by many tourists. If you are planning to visit Naran/Kaghan, then it’s a must visit place. If you are going to Gilgit, then the visit can be kept on that day as the road is located right on Naran-Babusar-Gilgit Road. Tourists should carrying emergency supplies such as first aid kits and other medical supplies such as nausea tablets, as many people tend to get carsick on the mountain roads. Moreover, cars and jeeps of the area can be prone to falling apart, so make sure that the vehicle is reliable and technically sound. Also tourist demanded that the Pakistan government should preserve Lulusar Lake and other such tourist attractions in the district.
Source: CP







Monday 23 July 2018

Ghaziser Lake on the Route to Babuser Top, Pakistan

Ghaziser Lake is a wonderful Point comes on the way to Babuser Top. Its a majestic lush green outfield and waterflowing in their own paths. Its a Stunning point to stay a while and enjoy the sheer beauty of Nature. The surrounding area is also covered with lush green trees and high mountains. You have put some extra efforts to get in down. The greenish patches are most integral part of this lake. Moreover, in July you can see pink flowers are bloomings in some part of this area, which are added more natural beauty. So, i would recommend to stay here and relish your time with your family and friends. Also, photographers can take some amazing snaps here. At this point, you will have no crowd and eating items. So be careful to have all stuff with you.

Sunday 1 July 2018

Head Ballocki and Outdoor Adventure of Hunting and Fishing

The Balloki Power Plant is a 1,223 MW natural gas power plant currently under construction near Chunian, in the Punjab province of Pakistan. Groundbreaking was commenced by Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif on November 11, 2015, and construction is scheduled for completion by December 2017. The project will utilize regasified liquefied natural gas (RLNG) for fuel, with diesel as an alternate backup. A 40 kilometer long transmission line with a capacity of 500 kilovolts will also be constructed between the new plant and a grid station in southern Lahore. Baloki Headwork’s to Sulemanki Headwork’s Link Canal is just being used to link up both Headworks. This is one of the famous fishing and hunting outdoors adventure place. it is a great spot for fishing in winter season.


 





Wednesday 20 June 2018

Nankana Sahib Lake Resort

Nankana Lake Resort is located two miles from Nankana Sahib City, in the heart of Punjab. The resort is located on the border of two old land grants of the mid-15th century; Rai Bular’s Estate and the old Rajput trail through authentic Punjabi villages approx. 90 Kilometers from Lahore.Nankana Sahib Lake Resort is nice place to have one day picnic with your family friends. It’s not far away from Lahore. Due to short time, i could not manage to cover most part of point. However, it’s not a rush place expect local holidays. If you want to go there, then choose the Saturday or week day.
The entry ticket is Rs. 250 per head for schools, and Rs. 350 per head for families. It includes: Entry to the Resort, Horse Riding, Ziplining, Boating, Music Show, Mini Golf (for families only). Nankana Lake Resort follows an early precedent set by Rai Bular, the pioneer who founded the original City of Talwandi (now Nankana Sahib) that has attracted visitors to the area from all over the world since 1457 A.D. The resort provides guests with the very best of facilities in which to relax and get away from the urban noise.

Wednesday 13 June 2018

Chandragup Mud Volcano, Baluchistan Pakistan

Pakistani Province Baluchistan is gifted with a diverse landscape. Among many geological wonders here, one big attraction is the presence of numerous mud volcanoes. Baluchistan has more than 80 active mud volcanoes in the Miani Hor-Hingol Valley region. Chandragup Mud Volcano is most famous mud volcano, also called Chandar-Gup or Chandrakup. The highest Concentration is just three hours’ drive from Makran Coastal highway towards North in Hingol National Park, Baluchistan, Pakistan. Instead of lava, ash, and sulfur dioxide, these volcanoes spew mud and methane. On rare occasions, the gas plumes spontaneously ignite, shooting flames high into the sky.
The Chandragup Mud Volcano height is between 800 to 1500 feet. Mud volcanoes hold clues to underground mineral resources, not to mention important geological and seismic information. It is considered the holy place of Hindus devotees who like to stay here for pilgrims on their way to the shrine of Devi Hinglaj. This is also a potential tourist attraction for adventure junkie. Another word which locally mentions this group of volcanoes is ‘Chandra coop’ which means Volcanoes of the Moon. Mud volcanoes have roots that go several kilometers underground and act as safety valves for high underground pressure. Mud volcanoes are generally not considered to be hazardous. Azerbaijan has the largest concentration of mud volcanoes in the world.
Scientific studies out in this area and find the presence of huge deposits of methane underneath the surface. Unfortunately, the gas deposits are in a solid form called methane hydrates. Perhaps in the future, the mud volcanoes might answer Pakistan’s energy needs. Dirt tracks leads to Chandragup Mud Volcano, only navigable in 4x4 vehicles. It is extremely hard to track here due to tiny sand flies. Who winged gnats seek exposed skin and their bites leave large, red itchy bumps that may turn into a rash. According to some claims, Chandragup mud volcano in Jhal Jhao tehsil of Balochistan is the largest and highest volcano in the world.
Moreover keep in mind that these sandflies are notorious to carry a host of viruses and people are known to have died from complications arising from sand fly bites. The individual should be fit enough as far as physical condition and vehicles is well equipped. This is extremely remote location and isolated from civilization, so no chance of rescue if required.  Make sure, no mobile service available within 50 kilometers in any direction. Another famous Mud volcano “Jabl-ul-Ghurab” is very close to Chandragup. Moreover, ancient Hindu temple ‘Hinglaj temple’ or ‘Nani Temple’ is also located near to Chandragup Mud Volcano. It is reported that during the infamous 8.1 intensity earthquake of Balochistan which occurred on May 31, 1935 a mud volcano erupted Northwest of Quetta, near the town of Surab and kept spewing out mud for 9 hours continuously.