Nidokidos: [nidokidos] Noor Mahal Part -I

Thursday, March 17, 2011

[nidokidos] Noor Mahal Part -I

Noor Mahal Part -I

The Noor Mahal (Urdu: نور محل) is a palace in Bahawalpur, Pakistan. It was built in 1872 like an Italian chateau on neoclassical lines, at a time when modernism had set in.There are various stories regarding its construction. According to one legend, Nawab Sadiq Muhammad Khan IV had the palace made for his wife; however,
she was only there for one night, as she happened to see the adjoining graveyard from her balcony,
and refused to spend another night there, and so it remained unused during his reign.Noor Mehal is one of the hidden gems of Bahawalpur, since not many know about it and it is not open to public.
It is currently in possession of the army and is used as state guest house and for holding state durbars and meetings with foreign delegations.The construction of Noor palace was undertaken by Nawab Subah Sadiq the fourth, who was also known as the Shan Jahan of Bahawalpur for his passion of
constructing beautiful buildings. Mr. Hennan, an Englishman who was the state engineer, designed the building. The foundation of Noor Palace was laid in 1872.
A map and coins of the state were buried in its foundation as a good omen. Most of the palace's materials and furniture were imported from England and Italy.
The construction of the palace was completed in 1875 at a cost of Rs. 1.2 million. Noor Palace covers an area of 44,600 square feet (4,140 m2).
It has 32 rooms including 14 in the basement, 6 verandas and 5 domes.JAN 11, 1890: His Highness Prince Albert Victor was there as a guest in Noor Mahal.DEC 22, 1892: Sir McOrth Beck CCIS Senior Financial Comissioner of Punjab with family stayed at the palace for three days.MAY 11, 1897: The court was held on the 60th Birthday of the Queen Vicotria.FEB 9, 1933: A historical function was arranged because of the union of the Birtish Government and the Bahawalpur State.MARCH 8, 1934: The Government of the State of Bahawalpur arranged a ten years jublie celebration in the lawn of Noor Mahal.

Click here to view the historical place

or download attached pps file.