About 40 kilometers from Islamabad, on the GT Road towards Attock, lies the famous Mughal Gardens. The garden is located near the old village of Wah at 33°48'05.0"N, 72°42'01.5"E. It is a vast garden covering an area of at least 15 acres. The Mughals were very fond of gardens, and during their long rule they laid out hundreds across the length and breadth of India. In addition to parks, even their tombs and sarais (inns) were surrounded by gardens. In Pakistan, the most famous examples are the Shalimar Garden, the Tomb of Jahangir (also known as Akbari Sarai), and the Tomb of Noor Jehan. These are beautiful examples of Mughal architecture and landscaping. Many more gardens in and around Lahore have disappeared with the passage of time, and now only remnants of that glorious era can be seen near some old tombs.
This elegant garden was first laid out during the reign of Emperor Akbar. Raja Man Singh, the famous general of Akbar, stayed in this area from 1581 to 1586 to quell unrest on the northwestern frontiers. During his stay, he built a small garden around a natural pond and brook that existed here. A few years later, Emperor Jahangir, on his way to Kabul, stayed here for three days in 1607. He fished in the pond, admired the place, and named it Wah, a word of appreciative exclamation.
It was, however, Emperor Shah Jahan who expanded the garden on a grand scale and adorned it with beautiful buildings and pavilions. On his visit in 1639, he entrusted the work to his chief architect, Ahmed Ma'mar Lahori, who also designed several other Mughal masterpieces. Construction took two years, and the garden was laid out in the typical Mughal style with baradaris (pavilions), ponds, waterfalls, and water channels. Hamams (bathhouses) were provided with both hot and cold water. Many varieties of trees and flowers were planted to enhance its charm. Shah Jahan, a great lover of gardens, visited Wah on several occasions, in 1646, 1647, 1649, and 1654. His courtiers, such as Abdul Hameed Lahori and Muhammad Saleh Kamboh, praised its beauty, comparing it to paradise itself. Aurangzeb also stayed here briefly in 1676.
As you can see in the pictures below, the pond remains the central attraction of this garden. On one side are two graceful baradaris (pavilions). The pond is surrounded by green lawns, flowering plants, and shady trees, adding to the serene and timeless beauty of the place.
It was a very important stop for Mughal princes and officials and was famous as a farood gah or royal halting place. Thus, it served both as a sarai (inn) and a pleasure garden. After the decline of the Mughals, the garden fell upon hard times and suffered greatly during the Afghan and Sikh periods. During the British Raj, too, it was neglected. However, in the early 2000s, the Department of Archaeology began taking an interest in its preservation and restoration, initiating excavations and repairs. These efforts have now borne fruit, and today we have a beautiful garden to visit and enjoy. Still, more consistent efforts are needed to keep the garden in good condition.
Tariq Amir
January 15, 2022.
Islamabad
152. Hakimon ka Maqbara & Tomb of Lala Rukh - Hassan Abdal
Excellent work👍
ReplyDeleteSuper article and photography of Mughal wah Gardens. I have also written about places to see in Wah Cantt https://how2havefun.com/travel/wah-cantt-wah-gardens
ReplyDeleteMerge Gardens always fascinates me, especially when I learn about their historical significance and aesthetic charm. The Mughal Gardens at Wah are a stunning example of the grandeur and intricacy that define Mughal garden design. Their elaborate features, from the serene ponds to the meticulously designed pavilions, showcase the timeless beauty of this architectural style. If you’re interested in creating your own beautiful garden space, checking out how to enhance your garden with elements like those in Merge Gardens could provide some great inspiration. The combination of historical richness and natural beauty in these gardens is truly remarkable.
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