Shalimar Garden:
The Shalimar Garden has inscribed on the World Heritage list in 1981 under the UNESCO Convention concerning thr protection of the world cultural and natural heritage 1972. The inscription on this list confirms the outstanding universal value of Cultural Heritage sites, which deserve protection for the benefit of all humanity. Shalimar Garden is located along with the Grand Trunk Road some 5 km northeast of the main city. The garden was laid at the command of Emperor Shah Jahan(1627-1658 A.D) in 1641 A.D and was completed in 1642 A.D. The project was carried out under superintendence of Khalil Ullah Khan, a noble of Shah Jahan's court in co-operation with Ali Mardan khsn and Mulla Abdul Mulk Tooni. Shalimar Garden enclosed by high parameter walls has been laid out from south to north in three descending terraces. The upper terrace named as "Farah Buksh"(Best over the pleasure), the middle terrace named as "Faiz Buksh" (Beat over the plenty) and the third terrace named as "Hayyat Buksh" (Best over the life).
The garden fountains provided in the garden. 105 fountains play on the upper terrace, 152 on the middle terrace and 153 in the lowest terrace. In addition, there are five cascades including the great marble cascade and famous "Sawan Bhadoon". The Shalimar Garden has all the important features of Mughal Landscaping with raised walkways, pavilions and water canals etc. To irrigate the garden, a canal "Shah Nahar" (Royal Canal) was brought from Raj Pur(presently Madhu Pur in India) a distance of over 100 miles. The trees were planted for summer and winter seasons including Mango, Cherry, Apricot, Peach, Gokcha (Sultani Irea Jaman), Apple, Almond, Mulberry, sour and sweet Orange etc. Sapling of Cypress Poplar and verities of odoriferous planyts and shurbs. The garden contains many large and imposing buildings. These charming buildings include Baradaries or Summer Pavilions, Diwan-e-Khas-o-Aam or hall of private and public audience, Khawabgah or Sleeping Chamber, Hamam or Royal Bath and two Gateways. The famous Awan or Grand Hall, Aramgah and Khawabgah of Begum Sahiba, Sawn Bhadoon pavilions, Nagaar Khana and its buildings in this historic garden. The garden has been since its inauguration is the venue for royal and state visit. It has witnessed great glory and wanton destruction. The Directorate general of Archaeology, Government of the Punjab is now maintaining the Shalimar Garden and concert efforts are being made to preserve the historical buildings on the original patterns and restore the garden to their original appearance.
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