Shahi Hamam artefacts to star as tourist attraction

LAHORE: Royal chambers, artefacts and remains hidden from the public eye for centuries, within the premises of the Shahi Qila, have now been deemed unrestricted by the Walled City of Lahore Authority (WCLA).

Restoration work of the Shahi Qila’s Hamam constructed during the reign of Emperor Akbar has begun in the wake of the decision.

Tourists would be able to see regal relics, once the renovation work is completed by the Punjab University (PU) Department of Archaeology and international experts.

The authority had recently discovered a new series of tunnels beneath the basement of Diwan-e-aam along with antique utensils during a dig near the eastern side of the fort built during Akbar’s era.

WCLA Director Conservation Najm-us-Saqib said that the bathing site was unearthed last year while cleaning up the garbage and debris from the area.

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“We then continued further site excavation and called the local and international carbon dating experts to determine the exact epoch of the bath’s construction, as well as the pottery, remains,” he added.

The authority also found several interconnected passageways discerning it to be in use of the members of the royal family.

He told The Express Tribune that the arsenal, royal bath and kitchen of the fort would be opened for tourists.

“There is hardly any other place in the world like the royal fort of Lahore, where several emperors and rulers built extensions during their reign.”

“Mughal Emperor Akbar had built a strong fortress in his times, which was further consolidated and expanded by the latter Mughal emperors particularly, Jahangir and Shah Jahan. Then on, Sikh emperors and British rulers continued to construct extensions of the stronghold, turning it into a unique historical structure,” he remarked.

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WCLA is researching on the recently found remains and relics including the unexplored hidden chambers in collaboration with the PU Department of Archaeology and nongovernmental organizations (NGOs).

“We are aiming to complete the conservation and renovation efforts in a couple of months before the arrival of the British Archaeological Expert Stephen in March 2020 so that he is able to witness the unique aspects of the fort,” the director of conservation further added.

Experts warn that it is important that we follow the standards prescribed by the International Council on Monuments and Sites to preserve our heritage from the impact of infrastructure modernization and climate change.

Published in The Express Tribune, December 17^th, 2019.