The seven-terraced structure known as Pari Mahal does not stand on flat ground but clings to the steep slopes of the Zabarwan mountain range, overlooking the city of Srinagar and the south-western expanse of Dal Lake. This Mughal garden was constructed in the mid-1600s by Dara Shikoh, the eldest son of the Mughal emperor Shah Jahan, who commissioned the project on the ruins of an ancient Buddhist monastery. The site serves as a striking example of Islamic architecture and the patronage of art during the reign of Shah Jahan, featuring arched doorways, terraced gardens, and intricate water channels that guide the eye down the slope. While the garden is now a popular tourist destination offering panoramic views of the lake and city below, its origins are rooted in a complex history of religious transformation and imperial ambition.
The Scholar Prince and His Library
Dara Shikoh, the eldest son of Shah Jahan, is believed to have stayed at this location during the years 1640, 1645, and 1654, transforming the ruins into a vibrant center of learning. The garden served as a library and a learning center for subjects like astrology and astronomy, reflecting the intellectual pursuits of the prince who was known for his interest in Sufism and Hindu philosophy. This intellectual focus stands in stark contrast to the military and political struggles that would eventually define his life, as he sought to create a sanctuary for knowledge rather than a fortress for war. The seven terraces were designed to accommodate these scholarly activities, with arched halls and fountains providing a serene environment for study and contemplation. The choice of location on the Zabarwan mountain range allowed for a quiet retreat from the bustling city of Srinagar, where Dara Shikoh could pursue his intellectual interests away from the court.From Monastery to Palace
The construction of Pari Mahal on the ruins of an old Buddhist monastery represents a significant layering of religious and cultural history in the region. The site was originally a place of Buddhist worship, but under the direction of Dara Shikoh, it was repurposed into a Mughal garden that blended Islamic architectural principles with the existing landscape. This transformation was not merely a physical change but also a symbolic one, as the Mughal Empire sought to assert its presence in the region while incorporating elements of the local religious heritage. The seven terraces were built to follow the natural slope of the mountain, creating a harmonious integration of architecture and nature. The garden's design, with its arched halls and fountains, reflects the Mughal style plan, which emphasizes symmetry and balance. This approach to architecture was a hallmark of the Mughal period, as seen in other great gardens of the era.