A treasure trove of old relics and grand history of Nawabs, Nur Mahal in Bahawalpur resonates with pride. Often referred to as a “hidden gem”, the grandeur and majestic sight Nur Mahal presents a breath-taking architecture.
The foundation for Noor Mahal in Bahawalpur was laid in 1872, but it was completed in 1875. At the time, the construction of the captivating structure cost somewhere around RS 1.2 million.
At the beginning of the 20th century, then-Nawab of Bahawalpur Muhammad Behawal Khan added a mosque to the premises. It was inspired by the design of Aitchison College in Lahore.
After the independent state of Bahawalpur merged with Pakistan in 1965, the Auqaf Department of the government took over the palace. In 1971. In 2001, the Government of Pakistan’s Department of Archeology declared Noor Mahal as ‘a protected monument.’ They also opened it for the general public. Being one of the most stunning historical places in Pakistan, this palace has become a rather popular spot for educational field trips and photo shoots in Bahawalpur.
There are a lot of old things present in it. It includes many Nawabs’ used things. There are many old swords, old currency notes and coins, old laws that were made in that time, an old piano that Nawabs used to play, old furniture used by Nawabs etc. There is also a long wall in it that contains imaginary pictures of Nawabs.
As the story goes, Nawab of Bahawalpur Sir Sadiq Muhammad Khan IV, also known as the ‘Shan Jahan of Bahawalpur’ for his interest in architecture, built Noor Mahal in honour of his wife. However, she refused to live there due to its proximity to the Basti Maluk Graveyard. This double-story palace later served as a guest house for noble families. Friends of the Nawab, as well as dignitaries and other prominent personalities visiting the princely state, also stayed here. Occasionally, Nawab Sir Sadiq Muhammad also used Noor Mahal to hold cabinet meetings or as a State Court.