Hidden Mughal chambers rediscovered after centuries under Lahore Fort

A centuries-old secret beneath the Lahore Fort has been rediscovered. The long-forgotten Khilwat Khana chambers, hidden below the fort’s Khilwat Khana and Shah Burj Quadrangle, have been meticulously restored under a major conservation initiative led by the Aga Khan Cultural Service–Pakistan. The restoration, undertaken as part of the Heritage and Urban Regeneration: Tourism Development in Lahore Fort and its Buffer Zone project, was executed in collaboration with the Walled City of Lahore Authority, with financial support from the Agence Française de Développement and the Government of Punjab. Once used for royal privacy and palace operations, the underground chambers comprise an intricate network of rooms, stairways, and corridors. Over the centuries, these subterranean spaces fell into neglect and disrepair, buried under layers of time and history. Now, through scientific restoration and traditional craftsmanship, they have been revived as one of the fort’s most fascinating and least-explored attractions. The conservation work focused on structural strengthening, drainage and ventilation improvements, and safe visitor access, while preserving the authentic Mughal architecture. Experts describe the project as a model of heritage preservation that blends ancient building methods with modern conservation techniques to ensure long-term stability and public engagement. Locally known as Teh Khanay, the chambers span three levels and cover nearly 816 square metres. Historical records suggest that the lower levels were once used for storing perishables and royal documents. Some accounts also indicate that one section functioned as a detention area for prisoners during later periods of the fort’s history. According to Aga Khan Cultural Service–Pakistan (AKCS-P) officials, the chambers will soon open to the public through guided tours, offering visitors a rare glimpse into Mughal life. The space has been enhanced with soft lighting, interpretive displays, and ambient sounds designed to provide an immersive experience while maintaining the sanctity of the heritage site. “This conservation effort has turned unknowns into knowns,” said Wajahat Ali, Director of Conservation & Design at AKCS-P. “Through structural repairs, we’ve redistributed the load of the monuments above, consolidating and strengthening the fort’s northern section. We’ve also rectified water damage caused by later interventions during the Sikh and British eras.” Ali noted that the project’s impact goes beyond architectural revival — it has also revitalised traditional craftsmanship by involving local artisans and craftspeople at every stage of the process. “We see it as heritage brought back to life,” he added. The Khilwat Khana restoration represents not just a technical achievement but a reconnection with Lahore’s layered past. It reveals an overlooked dimension of the Lahore Fort — a site where architectural mastery, history, and culture converge. Dating back to the 11th century, the Lahore Fort, or Shahi Qila, is one of South Asia’s most magnificent Mughal monuments. Rebuilt by Emperor Akbar (1556–1605) and later expanded by Emperors Jahangir and Shah Jahan, the fort is home to landmarks such as the Sheesh Mahal, Diwan-e-Khas, and Naulakha Pavilion. Despite later modifications during Sikh and British rule, its Mughal essence has endured through time.

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