Summary
There are many historical places and areas in Pakistan. However Bahawalpur has its own wonderful culture and history. Many historical places still exist in their original condition. One of them is Noor Mahal. Noor Mahal Bahawalpur is also considered as a historical heritage. In 1872, a castle was worked close to Basti Maluk Shah for the home of Nawab Sadiq Muhammad Khan IV of Bahawalpur. Named Noor Mahal.
Construction
This palace is a rare masterpiece of architecture. The style of construction of Noor Mahal is Italian. Nawab Sadiq Muhammad Khan IV had a special interest in the construction of beautiful structures. In this regard he also called The Shah Jahan Bahawalpur. He built many more beautiful buildings in their state.
The Noor Mahal building designed by Mr. Helen. He was a state engineer. Construction began in 1872 under Mr. Helen’s supervision. Construction of Noor Mahal completed in 1875. The palace covers an area of 40,600 feet. Noor Mahal is a masterpiece of Islamic and Italian architecture. A huge amount of money spent for the construction of this palace. The goods and furniture of this palace exported from Italy. It was excellent and very beautiful.
There are various famous stories in this regard. One of which is that Nawab Sahib had this palace built for the Queen. The Queen remained here just for one evening. Because during the stay the Queen could see the graveyard from the window. So the queen refused to stay in the palace any longer.
The residence of Nawab Sadiq Muhammad Khan IV in Noor Mahal was very small. But in spite of this Noor Mahal remained reserved for official functions. The ceremony of handing over power to Nawab Sadiq Muhammad Khan IV also performed in this palace.
Nawab Sadiq Mohammad Khan V’s Dasthar also held in this palace. Also was the stay of the second Prime Minister of Pakistan Khawaja Nazimuddin during his visit to Bahawalpur. Nawab Sadiq Muhammad Khan V gave a garden party in his honor. The palace used as an official guest house till 1955.
Today swords and different weapons from the Bahawalpur state are embellished on the dividers of Noor Mahal. Around the large hall inside the palace are pictures of the Nawabs of the Abbasi family and a short brief account of their lives.
On the upper floor of the palace there are photographs of Nawab Khan, especially Nawab Sarsadiq Muhammad Abbasi, Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah, the British royal family and other important personalities.
Last Massage Of Nawb Sir Sadiq Muhammad Khan – V
The rule of the rulers of the former Bahawalpur state lasted for about 250 years. Half a century of which he spent in establishing his dominance.
Noor Mahal was handed over to the Pakistan Army in 1977. Palace is still standing in its original condition. The palace is open to tourists daily from 7 am to 7 pm.