This is one of the historical places in Pakistan. Many Dramas shootings are done here.
I with my family travelled to Bahawalpur from DERA GHAZI KHAN to see such historical places of Nawabs.
We travelled about 200 KM to see this mighty and beautiful place.
Bahawalpur is the first state to which decided to be the part of Pakistan. This is one of the largest District in PAKISTAN.
- History Of NOOR MEHAL
There are many stories regarding its construction. According to one legend, The Nawab Adnan Abbasi IV had the palace made for his wife although she was there for one night, when she happened to see the adjoining graveyard from her balcony, and she refused to spend another night in this palace, and so it remained unused during his reign and still unused.
Noor Mehal is one of the oldest hidden gems of Bahawalpur, because of the very low publicity. The palace is open for public only now. It is currently in the possession of the Pakistan Army and is also used as a state guest house for taking state durbars and meetings with other countries delegations.
- Architecture Of Noor Mehal
Mr. Heennan, Englishman who was the state engineer of Bahawalpur, designed the building. The foundation of Noor Palace called (NOOR MEHAL) in native language was laid in 1872.The map and coins of the Bahawalpur were buried in its foundation. In this area Most of the palace’s materials and furniture were imported from many countries specially England and Italy. The construction of the palace (NOOR MEHAL) was completed in early 1875 made about 150 years ago. Assuming the amount of silver in the Indian Rupee Coin at 11.66 Grams in 1862. Noor Mehal covers an area of 4,140 m2. This palace has 32 rooms including fourteen in the basement, six verandas and five domes.
Crown chair is really fantastic.
The majestic design encompasses features of Islamic styles of architecture with a tinge of subcontinental style in this world. The Corinthian touch is visible in the columns of palace, pediments and the vaulted ceiling of (Noor Palace) Durbar Hall.
The Islamic style is obvious in the 5 domes, whereas the angular elliptical shapes are a shape of subcontinent styleand shape. Nawab Muhammad Bahawal Khan the V added a mosque to the palace in 1906. The design is amazing and based on the mosque of Aitchison College.
In 1956, when Bahawalpur State was merged into Pakistan, the building was taken over by the Govt of Pakistan. The palace was leased to the Pak army in 1971 after that pak army purchased it for the sum of 119 million.
- Oldest Engine Cart in 1862 used for Nawab Adnan’s Wife
This cart was used to receive Nawabs wife to stay in this Mehal and for her to take her for a visit to whole park and also areas of NOOR MEHAL.
- NAWAB SADIQ KING OF BHAWALPUR
Sir Sadiq Muhammad Khan V Abbasi (Urdu: جنرل نواب صادق محمد خان عباسی) who was born 1904, in Derawar– died 1966, in London). He was the Nawab, and also later Amir, of Bahawalpur State of Pakistan from 1907 to 1966. He was called as Nawab on the death of his father when he was 3 years old.
That was a great experience for me to visit this place. I am glad to see that beautiful place in South Punjab PAKISTAN.