Lahore under the Mughals reached its apex in architecture and glory, with the patronizing kings, Akbar and Jahangir promoting the construction of magnificent buildings and structures. The legendary king Akbar, ushered in the Mughal rule in Lahore, when he ascended the throne in 1584.
Akbar held court in Lahore between 1584 and 1598 and in the 14-year period, he patronized the construction of the city walls and Lahore Fort. A defensive structure, the fort was built on the foundations of the old citadel and surrounded by red brick city walls, which had 12 gates. Although in the state of ruins, some parts of these structures have survived the ravages of time and still stand in the city of Lahore.
Jahangir and Shah Jahan succeeded Akbar and were engaged in extending the fort and building palatial structures and tombs within the city. Gardens were also laid around the
citadels by these rulers.
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The tombs of Jahangir and Noor Jahan, his wife also lay in Shahdara. The architectural glory of Lahore during the Mughal rule reached its zenith during the reign of Aurangazeb, who constructed the most reputed monuments such as Alamgiri Gateway and Badshahi Masjid.
The Badshahi Masjid, also known as the Emperor's Mosque, was constructed in the year 1673. The majestic and grandiose structure was embellished with stucco tracery and frescoes and has the capacity to accommodate in access of 55, 000 worshipers. The Alamgiri Gateway was constructed in the same year. The antechamber stood facing west towards the Badshahi Mosque.
The decadence of the Mughal influence in Lahore started in the 18th century, when the city was constantly plundered by a number of hordes. Lahore emerged as a 'suba' or a province under the autonomous rule of the provincial rulers. The struggle between these rulers continued in Lahore till the warring Sikh king, Ranjit Singh gained control of the province.
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