Traveling

Background And Historical Facts About Tombs In Pakistan

The land of Pakistan boasts to possess tombs of great historical personalities. These tombs are built as a reverence and admiration of the religious as well as social services. The tombs of saints and pious Muslims enhance the glory of the land. The tombs of many great rulers of history are also situated in Pakistan.

The tombs in Pakistan have ever been a great attraction due to their elaborate architecture, and elegant design. The national as well as international tourists flock to these places. These tombs have vaulted chambers dominated with the Islamic architecture.

The Mughal emperor Jahangir, a great ruler, is buried near the town of Shahdra Bagh in Lahore Pakistan. He actually died in Rajauri, but his body was brought to Lahore. His Tomb was built by his son Shah Jahan in 1637, almost ten years after his death. The tomb is believed to be designed by the Jahangir’s widow, Noor Jahan. Upon his will, the second story is kept unroofed to keep the grave open to the sky. The tomb extended over 55 acres, is made with marble, and red stones. It also bears the 99 attributes of Allah in Arabic Calligraphy.

Among the great tombs in Pakistan, the tomb of Noor Jahan is situated outside the Jahangir’s tomb. The tomb was built in 1645 AD near the railway lines in Shahdra Lahore. The marble cenotaph was built during her lifetime. However, after the decline of the Mughal Empire, the Jahangir and Noor Jahan tomb suffered much damage. All the treasures and tiles were taken off to decorate the Golden Temple in Amritsar India.
The tomb of another famous personality of past, Anarkali is also situated in Lahore. It is said to be built by the Mughal emperor Salim, after the death of Anarkali. The tomb signifies the unsuccessful love story of Nadra Begum, Anarkali, and Prince Salim. Akbar, father of Salim, and the then king interred Anarkali alive. The superstructure of the tomb was raised about 16 years after her death. After the British invasion, it was turned into church, with various design alterations. At present, though it does not stand as the original Mughal building, still it has great attraction for tourists, regarded by many as a symbol of love.

Multan, city of Pakistan is regarded as the land of saints, and is abundant in tombs. These tombs are the founders of funerary style tombs in Pakistan. The tomb of Hazrat Shaikh Baha-Al-Din Zakariya, a saint and preacher of Islam is situated in Multan. He was the disciple of Shaikh Shahab al-Din Suhrawardi. Shaikh Baha-Al-Din Zakariya was also awarded Khilafat in Baghdad. Some years after his death in 1627, his tomb was almost ruined by the British in 1848 AD.

The mausoleum of Shah Rukn-e-Alam is also situated in Multan. Based on his will, he was buried in the mausoleum of his Grandfather Shaikh Baha-Al-Din Zakariya. The land of Multan possesses the honour of raising the tombs of Hafiz Muhammad Jamal, Shah Yousuf Gardezi, and Shah Sabzwari.

The tombs of Quaid-e-Azam and Allama Iqbal are situated in Karachi and Lahore respectively. The tombs are built to pay tribute to the services of the great leaders. Liaqut Ali Khan and Fatima Jinnah are buried near the grave of Quaid.