Shalimar Gardens, Lahore was established under the orders of Shah Jahan. Divided in three sections, the beautiful garden was laid in the 17th century. The three sections of the garden stand on three different terraces. The terraced Shalimar Garden at Lahore was modeled similar to the Royal Gardens in Kashmir, patronized by the same ruler.
Shalimar Gardens in Lahore stretches over an area of 8 kilometers. There are descending terraces, which are three in number, embellished with fountains and pools. Water
channels dissipate through these terraces.
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Of the three, two terraces replicate the four fold square gardens or the 'charbaghs'. These are symmetrically divided into quarters and stylized as the parterres, a commonly design used in the Mughal era. Laid on the second terrace are the marbled pavilions and halls. These were used as residential quarters of Shah Jahan and his daughter.
Shalimar Gardens of Lahore was popular as a recreational site in the Mughal age. Lahore owes its pseudonym of The City of Gardens to Shalimar Gardens, Lahore.
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