Who ordered the construction of Wazir Khan Mosque in Lahore?
Hakim Ilam-ud-din Ansari, known by his royal title Wazir Khan, ordered the construction of a new mosque in Lahore. He served as the governor of Punjab under Emperor Shah Jahan.
Questions about Wazir Khan Mosque
Short answers, pulled from the story.
When was Wazir Khan Mosque built and how long did construction take?
Construction began in either 1634 or 1635 and took approximately seven years to complete. The project aimed to enclose the tomb of Miran Badshah, an esteemed Sufi saint whose shrine had previously occupied the site.
What architectural features distinguish Wazir Khan Mosque from other mosques in Lahore?
Bricks facing the exterior are richly embellished with Punjabi-style tile work known as kashi-kari. No other monument in Lahore from the Shah Jahan period matches this scale of decoration.
Where is Wazir Khan Mosque located relative to major landmarks in Lahore?
Wazir Khan owned substantial property near the Delhi Gate and chose this location for its proximity to existing shrines. The structure stands on an elevated plinth with outer perimeter measurements that run parallel to the Shahi Guzargah.
Why does Wazir Khan Mosque contain images of wine pitchers and fruit on interior walls?
Interior walls are plastered and adorned with frescoes depicting trees in pairs, pitchers of wine, and platters of fruit. These images serve as allusions to the Islamic concept of Paradise.
When did restoration projects begin for Wazir Khan Mosque after it fell into disrepair?
Restoration works began in 2004 under the Government of Punjab. The Aga Khan Trust for Culture partnered with the government in 2007 to restore the monument.