Badshahi Mosque
The mosque's was commissioned by the Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb in 1671, with construction overseen by the Emperor's foster brother, and Governor of Lahore, Muzaffar Hussein - also known by the name Fidai Khan Koka.[10] Aurangzeb had the mosque built in order to commemorate his military campaigns against the Maratha leader Shivaji Bhonsle.[4] After only two years of construction, the mosque was opened in 1673.
The Badshahi Mosque (Punjab) or "Imperial Mosque") is a Mughal era mosque in Lahore, capital of the Pakistani province of Punjab.[1] The mosque is located west of Lahore Fort along the outskirts of the Walled City of Lahore.[2] The mosque is widely considered to be one of Lahore's most iconic landmarks.[3]
Near the entrance of the mosque lies the Tomb of Muhammad Iqbal, a poet widely revered in Pakistan as the founder of the Pakistan Movement which led to the creation of Pakistan as a homeland for the Muslims of British India.[6] Also located near the mosque's entrance is the tomb of Sir Sikandar Hayat Khan, who is credited for playing a major role in preservation and restoration of the mosque.[7]