Gulzar Mahal, Bahawalpur
The Gulzar Mahal (Palace) is an iconic beauty of the Bahawalpur state as this mahal presents beautiful synthesis of traditional and Islamic architecture.
The palace Gulzar Mahal was constructed in Bahawalpur, Pakistan, between 1906 and 1909. it is named after the Nawab Bahawal Khan’s wife. It was built after Noor Mahal, Sadiq garh Mahal, and Dolat khana Mahal.
It is located inside a sizable quadrangle that is enclosed by high defensive walls and lush green grounds. It is located inside a sizable quadrangle that is enclosed by high defensive walls and lush green grounds
Apart from the Queen, it was intended to accommodate the other female members of the royal household of the former princely state of Bahawalpur. It was commissioned during the reign of Sadiq Mohammad Khan V.
The palace is situated in the Bahawalgarh Palace Complex, near to the palaces of Darbar Mahal, Farrukh Mahal, and Nishat Mahal. It is surrounded by a sizable park. Since 1966, the military has been renting out the palace, which is not now accessible to the general public.
History
Named after the wife of Nawab Bahawal Khan V The construction of this palace was started during the reign of Nawab Sadiq Muhammad Khan Abbasi’s father, Bahawal Khan Abbasi, but it was completed during the Nawab Sadiq Muhammad Khan Abbasi’s reign. Its construction was started in 1906 and completed in 1909.
Long walls were built around this palace. During the construction of this palace, Nawab Bahawal Khan Abbasi used to visit for Hajj and he used to take his son Nawab Sadiq Muhammad Khan Abbasi along with him. Nawab Sadiq was two years old at that time. Nawab Sadiq father died on the return of Hajj.
Nawab Sadiq father was 25 years old then. After the death of Nawab Bahawal Khan Abbasi in his youth, Gulzar Mahal was declared cursed and this palace was banded for some time.
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All the palaces of Bahawalpur were built for royal women. Before the construction of these palaces, all the royal ladies used to live in Daulat Khana. In Daulat Khana Palace Nawab Sadiq Muhammad Khan V was born. The Bahwalgarh Palace complex was surrounded by a very beautiful garden which now has no name or sign.
Architecture
During the reign of Nawab Sadiq Muhammad Khan IV, the Gulzar Mahal was constructed. Like the Noor Mahal, it has exquisite architecture that is influenced by Europe. It’s interesting to note that the Mahal was the first structure in Bahawalpur to have hidden electrical wiring, and the system ran on a diesel generator.
It is worthwhile to visit The Mahal since it showcases a stunning mix of conventional and Islamic architecture. This palace has a 34 acre total land area.
The idea of Gulzar Mahal is that lavish structures shouldn’t have too many doors. Amazing carpets and furniture are used to embellish the rooms. Elegant maroon curtains with rich tiers cover the doorway. The roofs are tiled, and all of the walls are built of marble.
A palace complex was built in Bahawalpur called the Bahawalgarh Complex, which included the Noor Mahal, Darbar Mahal, Nishat Mahal, Farukh Mahal, Gulzar Mahal and, Dolat khana Mahal. At present Bahawalgarh complex is under the custody of the army. Gulzar Mahal Bahawalpur comes from Bahawalpur Dc Office Chowk and before one Unit Chowk it takes Right side.
Interior and exterior
Seeing the beautiful building of the palace, both the breath and the steps stop. And wants to go inside, but has to take permission from the Pakistan Army. Gulzar Mahal has four parts.
The lowest and first part has basements and tunnels which have been closed. From these tunnels, the Nawab Sadiq Muhammad Khan Abbasi used to go from one Palace to another on his horse.
In the second part there is a hall-like large gallery. On the right and left side of the gallery different rooms were made which is used by Pakistan Army as its office.
The walls of the hall are decorated with pictures to show the Nawabi and Cholistani culture. The palace’s magnificence has been enhanced by the big lamps set there. In the main hall, an art gallery served and was home to valuable antiques. Although there are currently no rules in this gallery, several rare images of the past Bahawalpur State rulers are displayed on its walls.
The rooms on both sides of the hall of the palace will be made into separate dining rooms.
In the third part, there are beautiful rooms on both sides which were used as guest accommodation But now these rooms are used as guest rooms for army officers. There is a wooden staircase on the stairs leading to the upper floor. At that time, chairlifts were also installed to reach the upper floor of the palace, which operated with the help of paths, but now it has been modernized.
In the fourth part, there is the roof of the palace, where beautiful minaret-like rooms will be built in the four corners of the palace. One of them was used by Nawab Sadiq Muhammad Khan Abbasi to smoke cigars.
The remaining towers were used for security purpose. Apart from this, many buildings were also built in the palace, including a kitchen, a mosque, stables for horses and water well.
The roofs of this palace were decorated with beautiful flowers. The Gulzar Mahal’s exterior and interior show a similar blending of Italian and Indo-Saracenic architectural elements.
Although there is no such royal carriage on exhibit at Gulzar Mahal, the circular road that leads to the pale limestone-colored structure has a very regal atmosphere.
Since 1966, the military has been leasing out the palace, which is not now accessible to the general public. Similar to Darbar Mahal, only the main hall and limited number of guest rooms are open to the public.
The expansive grounds of Gulzar Mahal appear strangely deserted in the spring heat. The building is still standing, and the grounds and glass panels bearing the Bahawalpur seals are equally well-kept.
However, there are no enquiring guests. Nobody shouts in amazement at the magnificent sight of the enormous marble hall, and no one stops to take in the panoramic views from the upper terrace.
