Questions about Tomb of Anarkali

Short answers, pulled from the story.

Who was the woman named Anarkali honored by the tomb in Lahore?

The identity of the woman named Anarkali remains a subject of scholarly debate and may never have existed as a historical figure. Some historians argue that the story of a forbidden love between Prince Saleem and a courtesan named Anarkali is a complete fabrication invented to explain the building's existence. The only contemporary evidence linking a person to this name comes from the journals of Western travelers who visited the region, accounts that could not be independently verified by any other source.

When was the Tomb of Anarkali in Lahore constructed?

The structure itself dates to either 1599 or 1615, a period of intense political maneuvering within the Mughal court. The building was converted into the Anglican St. James Church by 1851, earning the title of Lahore's Protestant Cathedral. The transformation of the tomb into a place of Christian worship began in 1847 when the British repurposed the building into clerical offices.

Where is the Tomb of Anarkali located in relation to the Walled City of Lahore?

The site is located within the grounds of the Punjab Civil Secretariat complex, near the British-era Mall and southwest of the Walled City of Lahore. The structure is currently surrounded by the walls of the Punjab Civil Secretariat complex, isolating it from the bustling streets of Lahore. Public access to the building is limited, as the site is located within the grounds of the Punjab Civil Secretariat complex.

What architectural features define the design of the Tomb of Anarkali?

The structure is built upon an octagonal foundation with alternating side measurements of 44 feet and 30 feet, creating a rhythmic visual balance that draws the eye toward the center. At each corner of the octagon, semi-octagonal towers rise to support the weight of the double dome that crowns the building. The dome rests upon eight massive arches, each measuring 12 feet 3 inches, which once stood open to the elements in typical Mughal fashion.

Why was the Tomb of Anarkali converted into a church in the 19th century?

The transformation of the tomb into a place of Christian worship began in 1847 when the British repurposed the building into clerical offices. By 1851, it had been converted into the Anglican St. James Church, earning the title of Lahore's Protestant Cathedral. The occupant's cenotaph was removed during this conversion, and when the church congregation was relocated in 1891, the cenotaph was placed at the site of the former altar rather than its original location.

What is the current function of the Tomb of Anarkali in modern times?

Today, the Tomb of Anarkali serves as the Punjab Archives, a government facility that houses historical records and documents of the region. The building is listed on the Protected Heritage Monuments of the Archaeology Department of Punjab, ensuring its preservation for future generations. The whitewashed exterior and the blocked arches stand as silent witnesses to the building's long journey from a place of mourning to a center of administrative power.

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