A Journey from Conception to Conservation: A Case Study of the Tomb of Nur Jahan at Shahdara, Lahore

Abstract

Built heritage is very important for any nation. The objective manifestation of human mind is evident in the built monuments and historic sites. The tomb of Nur Jahan is one such monument which is reminiscent of the glorious reign of the Mughal Empire. It has its own importance because it is located in the Garden Complex of Shahdara, which has remained an important gateway to Lahore since the Mughal period. The tomb has remained a neglected monument in the Garden Complex of Shahdara due to various reasons. The objective of this study is to document the monument in addition to identifying its similarities with the other tombs of the complex, reasons of its decay, and the conservation work done. The tomb has lost its gardens, architectural elements, and landscape features. It has also sustained many damages and undergone repair with the passage of time. Previous studies showed that there have been multiple causes of decay, among which flood is a major one. Although, recent conservation has saved the monument from further deterioration. Thus, a thorough conservation and restoration strategy for this neglected piece of history would be developed using documented data and visually analysed historical asset, highlighting the asset's significance within the Shahdara Garden Complex.