THE GATEWAYS TO ETERNITY: EXPLORING THE EVOLUTION AND SIGNIFICANCE OF MUGHAL TOMBS GATEWAYS IN LAHORE

Sumbal Kashif; Sania Shahid; Zain  Zulfiqar; Wasim Rafi Khan; Saba Zulfiqar

doi:10.46662/jass.v12i1.524

Sumbal Kashif Assistant Professor, University of Lahore, Lahore Campus, 1 KM Defence Road, Lahore, Pakistan
Sania Shahid Assistant Professor, University of Lahore, Lahore Campus, 1 KM Defence Road, Lahore, Pakistan
Zain Zulfiqar Assistant Professor, University of Lahore, Lahore Campus, 1 KM Defence Road, Lahore, Pakistan
Wasim Rafi Khan Assistant Professor, University of Lahore, Lahore Campus, 1 KM Defence Road, Lahore, Pakistan
Saba Zulfiqar Lecturer, University of Lahore, Lahore Campus, 1 KM Defence Road, Lahore, Pakistan

DOI: https://doi.org/10.46662/jass.v12i1.524

Keywords: Mughal Tombs, Gateways, Charbagh, Form Analysis

Abstract

Mughal Architecture, exemplified by its funerary tombs, echoes the memory of its powerful monarchy. Mughal tomb architecture evolved to symbolize the transition from worldly life to the spiritual realm, with gateways framing sacred gardens inspired by Quranic descriptions of paradise. These elaborate gateways have been key elements in Mughal tombs from Akbar’s reign through Aurangzeb’s period. This paper explores the architectural evolution of gateways in Mughal tombs, focusing on the tombs constructed in Lahore during the reigns from Akbar to Aurangzeb (1556-1707) to identify surviving gateways and those that have disappeared. Two case studies, the gateways of Jahangir’s tomb and Nawankot Monument are selected to conduct comparative analysis of their forms through site visits and visual assessments. This research reveals distinct contrast in forms and decorations and calls attention to the urgent need for preservation efforts for future appreciation.