Picture Wall
Commenced by Jahangir in his 19th regal year in 1624-25 A.D., this wall of Shah Burj, known as the pictured Wall, was completed by Shah Jahan in 1631-32 A.D.
A feature of special merit of Shah Burj Gate and this wall is the gorgeous, elaborate and vivid mosaic decorations in pleasing colours on plaster base, done all over the wall and its extension on the north.
This famous specimen of Iranian art unequaled for its vastness, variety of designs and magnificence of its glowing colours, which, though more than 300 years old, still retains it freshness and brilliance. The total decorated surface both on the north and North West frontage is about 8,000 square yards. Though it mainly depicts the sports and other pastimes of Mughal Emperors such as elephant, camel and bull fights, a game of Chaugan (polo), etc., yet the subject includes a variety of geometrical and flower patterns.
The human figures on it afford a clear idea of the various styles of dress in vogue at that period from Royalty down to the servants and gladiators.
Each individual mosaic gives us an insight into the life and entertainment in the royal courts, such as battles scenes, royal portraits, mythical creatures, dance and music and geometric patterns; these unique elements became the principal reason for the Lahore Fort being declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1981.
Somehow, the wall had been neglected and not much importance was given to it in terms of tourism and conservation. People didn’t know the fact that it formed the longest mural wall in the world, decorated in fine embellishment of glazed tile mosaics, giving the Lahore Fort a world heritage status.
This wall envelops the Summer Palace and the Shah Jahan quadrangle, which includes the exquisite Sheesh Mahal and Naulakha Pavilion. The Hathi Paer gate forms an extension of the wall and entrance to the rest of the fort and latter structures, whereas the entrance to the surrounding context is served by the Postern Gate.
In 2018 the Aga Khan Culture Service Pakistan (AKCS-P) and Walled City of Lahore Authority (WCLA) took up the conservation of the western façade of the picture wall which is almost 240 feet long in length and 50 feet high on average whereas it consists of 635 decorated recessed panels composed on three levels and is most decorative and embellished.
The conservation of this picture wall proved as a land mark project in this region. The process of conservation included the stabilization and consolidation of the Picture Wall’s structure, as well as its decorative elements, and warranted the expertise of both heritage crafts as well as conservators. It also included archeological excavation in order to expose the original Mughal era floor level which is 7 feet below the present ground level.
The conservation of the Picture Wall was inaugurated by the Prime Minister of Pakistan who appreciated the efforts of the teams.