When was the Badshahi Mosque built and who ordered its construction?
The Badshahi Mosque was constructed between 1671 and 1673 under the orders of Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb. Construction began in 1671 and the mosque opened two years later in 1673.
Questions about Badshahi Mosque
Short answers, pulled from the story.
Who supervised the initial construction of the Badshahi Mosque?
Muzaffar Hussein, also known by his title Fidai Khan Koka, supervised the construction as the Emperor's foster brother. He oversaw the building process from its start in 1671 until completion in 1673.
What happened to the Badshahi Mosque during the Sikh rule in Lahore?
On the 7th of July 1799, the Sikh army of Ranjit Singh took control of Lahore and used the mosque courtyard as a stable for horses. Soldiers occupied the 80 Hujras surrounding the courtyard as quarters and magazines for military stores.
How did the British Raj change the structure of the Badshahi Mosque?
The British demolished the 80 cells built into the walls after the Indian Rebellion of 1857 and replaced them with open arcades known as dalans. They continued to use the mosque and adjoining fort as a military garrison throughout their rule.
When was the Badshahi Mosque officially returned to the Muslim community?
John Lawrence, Viceroy of British India, officially handed the building back to the Muslim community in April 1919. This followed efforts by Khan Bahadur Nawab Barkat Ali Khan to establish the Badshahi Mosque Authority in 1852.
Who supervised the restoration work on the Badshahi Mosque from 1939 onwards?
Sikandar Hayat Khan, Premier of the Punjab, began raising funds for restoration in 1939 under the supervision of architect Nawab Alam Yar Jung Bahadur. The renovation works were completed in 1960 at a total cost of 4.8 million Rupees.