Today, after a long time, I visited a historical site. It felt as my university days had returned, the times when I used to roam around and explore historical buildings.
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The historical site I explored today is called Wazir Khan Baradari. "Baradari" is a building with twelve doorways or openings. This architectural style was common during the Mughal era.
This building was constructed in 1634 by the Governor of Punjab, Hakim ilim-ud-Din who is also known as Wazir Khan.
Look here: a snake is trying to climb a tree. These floral motifs are so delightful. They keep themselves in your mind and leave a lasting impression on your heart and your memory.
This building is recently under renovation. In fact, all historical sites across Punjab are being renovated under the 'Magnificent Punjab' project and are being enhanced to better attract tourism.
When I was exploring the site, there was no one else around, and surprisingly, this gave me the opportunity to look around thoroughly and enjoy.
I find the geometric patterns in Mughal-era architecture absolutely fascinating. I feel as though I get lost in them. On the other hand, modern architecture has become quite plain.I don't see that same vibrancy in it. So, modernity is a scam( when it comes to architecture).
Whenever I visit a Baradari having twelve doorwats, I feel as though I have stepped into a labyrinth. It is paradoxical situation for me. Ummm, more precisely, it is a maze where exiting one doorway leads me to get trapped at another. It's fun when you are with your friends in such places and playing hide and seek, isn't it?
I spotted a door leading to the second floor and decided to go up. I also wondered why there wasn't anyone else around exploring the place? Did no one else love to know about history? With all these questioning thoughts, I climbed up and reached the second floor. From there, I looked down at the fountains situated around the Baradari.
I saw many surrounding historical buildings from the rooftop. Most of the buildings had been constructed during the colonial era like Lahore Museum and Punjab Public Library.
Then I moved to the third rooftop, where I saw four large, beautiful, dome-shaped burjs (towers). I stood inside them and took a few photos.
I thought I should head back down, but i was enjoying the view and watching the life around ; some people were sitting at the college, others were walking along the road, and some were going toward the library.
On my way back, I took photos of the three fountains surrounding the Baradari from various angles. There were four fountain on the each side and fourth one was removed during the colonial era to make a library. As I was busy taking these pictures, a guard called out to me, stating that photography and visits were currently not allowed because of ongoing renovations and asked who had given me entry. Fortunately, I had already taken photos.
💌💫💌
