Masjid Wazir Khan

Name of Monument: Masjid Wazir Khan

Location: Lahore

Date of Construction: 1641 AD

Materials of construction and Finishes: Brickwork, lime plaster, fresco paintings, faience mosaic, uker kari.

Wazir Khan Mosque is located at the western end of the Delhi gate bazaar immediately after crossing the Chitta gate. Its design was inspired by Central Asian tradition; i.e., the bazaar attached to the main entrance of the mosque. The mosque has three entrances, the main entrance from the forecourt and the other two from either end of bazaars, one opening into the residential area and other openings towards katra Wazir Khan. Revenues from these shops and hammām were meant to serve as a waqf, or endowment, for the maintenance of the mosque.

The mosque’s prayer hall on the west is 130 feet long and 42 feet wide. It is divided into five bays aligned into a single long aisle running north to south following the traditional design concept. The central bay of the prayer hall is bigger than the four on either side topped by a 31 feet tall dome with a diameter of 23 feet resting upon four squinch arches. The remaining compartment in the prayer hall is topped by a 21-foot tall dome with a diameter of 19 feet. The northernmost and southernmost compartments contain small cells which house spiral staircases that lead to the rooftop and to the minarets.

The mosque is built on an elevated plinth, with the main portal opening onto the Wazir Khan Chowk. The outer perimeter of the Wazir Khan Mosque measures 279 feet by 159 feet, with the long axis parallel to the Shahi Guzargah. The lower portion on the east and north side contains shops.  Almost every surface of the mosque is richly decorated. Bricks facing the mosque’s exterior are richly embellished with the Persian-style title work known as kashi-kari, Façades facing the inner courtyard are richly embellished with motifs and palette which display strong influences from 17th century Persia. Persian-style colors used include lajvard (cobalt blue), firozi (cerulean), white, green, orange, yellow, and purple, while Persian-influenced motifs include star-shaped flowers and grapevines.

Unlike other contemporary mosques, the interior walls of Wazir Khan Mosque are decorated with extraordinary fine fresco paintings. The interior decorative style is unique for Mughal era mosques, as it combines imperial Mughal elements with local decorative styles. The underside of the dome features frescoes depicting trees in pairs, pitchers of wine, and platters of fruit, which are an allusion to the Islamic concept of Paradise.

Portrait of Nawab Ilm ud Din Wazir Khan