When did Mughal Emperor Jahangir build the Shalimar Bagh in Srinagar?
Mughal Emperor Jahangir built the Shalimar Bagh in 1619. He transformed an ancient garden into a royal retreat on the northeast shore of Dal Lake.
Questions about Shalimar Bagh, Srinagar
Short answers, pulled from the story.
Who ordered the expansion of the Shalimar Bagh in 1630 and what name was given to it?
Emperor Shah Jahan ordered Zafar Khan to expand the garden in 1630. The governor renamed it Faiz Baksh or the bountiful place.
How many fountains supply the various enclosures within the Shalimar Bagh complex?
Four hundred ten fountains supply the various enclosures including the Zenana terrace. These water features are part of the hydraulic system that flows from top to bottom through all levels.
Which Persian poet wrote the couplet inscribed on the Black Pavilion at Shalimar Bagh?
A Persian couplet inscribed on the Black Pavilion reads It is heaven if it exists on earth. This verse was written by Orfi Shirazi during his visit to Kashmir though often wrongly attributed to Amir Khusrau.
What novel did Salman Rushdie publish in 2005 featuring a central character named Shalimar?
Salman Rushdie published a 2005 novel named Shalimar the Clown featuring a central character who becomes a terrorist. Critics described the work as a devastating portrait of destruction within the region.