Interesting Facts & History of the Tomb of Anarkali

It won’t be wrong to say that the Tomb of Anarkali is one of the most interesting architectural marvels from the Mughal era. According to the popular legend, it is believed that the Tomb of Anarkali is the place where the grave of Nadira Begum is located.

Nadira Begum was the popular lover of the Mughal crown prince Saleem. One of the prominent features of the tomb is its peculiar shape. Not only is this tomb a popular tourist destination among the locals but also among the international tourists.

In this blog, Graana.com delves deeper into the historical, architectural, and economic value of the Anarkali tomb in Lahore.

 

Location of Tomb of Anarkali

The Tomb of Anarkali in Lahore, found on the Civil Secretariat premises, tells a fascinating story about the city’s past. The Mall and Lower Mall junction, the tomb’s unique octagonal structure and dome make it easily recognisable. 

It’s named after both the famous figure and the lively Anarkali Bazaar, and its origins are linked to the rumoured romance between Anarkali and Mughal emperor Jahangir. Now, besides being a historical place, the tomb serves as a gallery displaying the history of Punjab province. Visitors need to stick to designated visiting hours to avoid any issues. Just a short distance south from 

 

History of the Tomb of Anarkali

 

 

While the Tomb of Anarkali has weathered transformations and neglect over the centuries, recent preservation efforts have sought to restore its Mughal grandeur. The Civil Secretariat of Punjab, housing the Libraries wing, now plays a vital role in safeguarding the historical significance of this site.

A Tragic Love Tale

Anarkali’s Tomb has its roots in the tragic love story between Nadira Begum, known as Anarkali, and Prince Salim, later Emperor Jahangir. Anarkali, a member of Akbar’s harem, faced accusations of an illicit affair with Prince Salim, leading to her execution in 1599.

 

Construction of the Tomb (1599 – 1615)

Six years after Anarkali’s demise, Emperor Jahangir commissioned the construction of her tomb, completed in 1615. Initially situated within a large garden, the tomb mirrored the design of the Asaf Khan Tomb.

 

Transformations in the 1800s

During the early 1800s, Anarkali’s Tomb underwent significant changes. It housed Kharak Singh, the son of Ranjit Singh, and later served as a residence for General Ventura, a French officer in the Sikh army. In 1851, the tomb took on a new identity as a Christian church, undergoing substantial renovations.

 

Church Era (1851 – 1886)

Functioning as a Christian church from 1851 to 1886, additions like a gallery and a cross on the dome were made in 1851. However, the church relocated to Lahore Cathedral in 1886, leaving Anarkali’s Tomb vacant for the subsequent four years.

 

Inclusion in the Secretariat (1891)

In 1891, the tomb found a place within the Secretariat once again, now serving as a record office. It became a storage space for chronicles, registers, accounts, and files from British-controlled areas, strategically located near administrative offices for easy access by law and policymakers.

 

Neglect and Record-Keeping

Over time, the tomb and its historical records faced neglect. Various departments utilise the space for storage, leading to missing files and documents. The absence of a proper tracking system resulted in some papers and files becoming unavailable according to department indices and lists.

Today, Anarkali’s Tomb stands as a historical site within the Civil Secretariat of Punjab, hosting the Libraries wing. It serves as a poignant reminder of a tragic love story and the passage of time.

 

Architecture of the Tomb of Anarkali

 

 

The Tomb of Anarkali stands as a testament to the architectural brilliance of the Mughal and British eras, built on an octagonal foundation with alternating sides measuring 44 and 30 feet. The focal point is the unique double dome, a distinct feature from the early Mughal era, supported by eight arches, each precisely measuring 12 feet 3 inches.

The exterior, now whitewashed, was once surrounded by a garden, as suggested by historical records. Today, the tomb serves as the Punjab Archives, limiting public access. Step inside, and the interior unfolds with a white marble cenotaph adorned with carvings depicting the 99 names of Allah. This masterpiece has been lauded by 19th-century historians as “one of the finest pieces of carving in the world.”

Commissioned by Emperor Jahangir to commemorate Anarkali’s tragic fate, the tomb bears the imprint of both Mughal and British influences. Anarkali, a member of Emperor Akbar’s harem, faced accusations of an illicit relationship with the crown prince and met her demise in 1599. 

Controversy surrounds the final resting place of Anarkali, with conflicting accounts placing her grave in the Punjab Secretariat instead of the tomb. The circumstances of her death remain enigmatic, with varying claims about her execution by Emperor Akbar or a natural demise. A note from British traveller William Finch in 1608 adds to the mystery, mentioning Emperor Jahangir’s command for a sumptuous tomb but leaving room for speculation about its historical accuracy.

 

Who was Anarkali?

The Tomb of Anarkali stands as an architectural masterpiece with an intriguing history rooted in the Mughal era. Commissioned by Emperor Jahangir in 1605 and completed in 1615, the tomb was built in memory of Anarkali, a woman believed to have been a member of Emperor Akbar’s harem. 

The tomb’s design is a blend of Mughal and British influences, featuring an octagonal foundation with semi-octagonal towers, a unique double dome supported by eight arches, and a white marble cenotaph adorned with carvings depicting the 99 names of Allah. 

Despite the uncertainties, the Tomb of Anarkali stands as a testament to the historical complexities of the Mughal era, reflecting its rich architectural heritage and the diverse influences it has witnessed over the centuries.

 

FAQs

Here are some frequently asked questions (FAQs) about the Tomb of Anarkali:

 

How has the purpose of the tomb evolved over time?

Over time, the tomb’s purpose has evolved, and it now functions as a gallery showcasing the history of the Punjab province.

 

What places can help locate the Tomb of Anarkali?

The tomb is a short distance south from the junction of The Mall and Lower Mall, featuring an octagonal structure and dome.

 

Apart from its historical significance, what other function does the tomb serve today?

Besides its historical significance, the tomb serves as a repository of archival materials, offering insight into the history of Lahore and the Punjab province.

 

What can visitors expect to see at the Tomb of Anarkali?

Visitors can expect to see not only a historical place but also a gallery with exhibits showcasing the rich history of the Punjab province.

This was all about the Anarkali tomb Lahore. For more information, visit Graana.com.