Shalimar Bagh, 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. The name Shalimar carries Persian-Arabic roots meaning Master of Buildings. This phrase shah al-‘imarat reflects the grandeur intended for the site. Other gardens across India and Pakistan share this title, yet the Srinagar location holds unique significance. It stands as the earliest imperial garden bearing the name Shalimar. Later projects followed in Lahore starting in 1641 and Delhi beginning in 1653. The original structure remains the high point of Mughal horticulture.
Emperor Shah Jahan ordered Zafar Khan to expand the garden in 1630. The governor renamed it Faiz Baksh or the bountiful place. During Sikh rule under Maharaja Ranjit Singh, the marble pavilion served as a guest house for European visitors. Electrification arrived later during the reign of Maharaja Hari Singh. The complex changed names repeatedly but retained its popularity as Shalimar Bagh. Jahangir and his wife Nur Jahan visited Kashmir at least thirteen times each summer. They moved their entire court from Delhi to Srinagar to escape the heat. Crossing the Pir Panjal mountain range on elephants was an arduous journey they undertook regularly. Their presence turned the garden into an imperial summer residence and royal court.
The garden covers a rectangular area with three distinct terraces running along a central axis. A main channel called the Shah Nahar flows from top to bottom through all levels. This design adapted Persian Chahar Bagh principles to fit the hilly terrain near Dal Lake. Builders diverted water from a well at higher elevation to supply the lower gardens. A canal about one kilometer long connects the garden to the open waters of the lake. Willow groves and rice terrices fringe the lake edge while broad green paths border the shore. Aspen trees line trellised walkways planted at regular intervals. Each terrace serves a specific function within the overall hydraulic system. The layout sacrifices radial symmetry for practical water flow down the slope.
The first terrace ends in the Diwan-e-Aam public audience hall where a black marble throne sits over a waterfall. The second terrace contains the derelict Diwan-e-Khas Hall of Private Audience surrounded by fountain pools. Four hundred ten fountains supply the various enclosures including the Zenana terrace. The third terrace houses the Zenana garden flanked by chinar trees and two small guard rooms. Shah Jahan constructed a baradari of black marble known as the Black Pavilion here. It stands encircled by a fountain pool receiving water from the upper level. Double cascades fall against walls carved with small niches called chini khanas. These arched recesses once held oil lamps that created a fairytale glow behind the waterfalls. Today flower pots reflect colors through the falling streams instead of light. Stone doors supported by pillars may have been ruins from demolished temples according to conjecture.
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. Jahangir reportedly expressed this sentiment on his deathbed regarding his cherished desire. Laurence Hope wrote a poem titled Kashmiri Song opening with lines referencing Shalimar. She set her own words to music making them popular across Europe. Salman Rushdie published a 2005 novel named Shalimar the Clown featuring a central character who becomes a terrorist. The book explores the fate of Kashmir moving from California back to the valley itself. Critics described the work as a devastating portrait of destruction within the region. Autumn and spring seasons bring color changes to the famed Chinar trees attracting visitors today. The garden remains one of the prominent attractions around Dal Lake for modern tourists.
Common questions
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.
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.