Noor Mahal is a beautiful palace located in the heart of Bahawalpur, a city in the Punjab province of Pakistan. The palace was built in 1875 by Nawab Sadiq Muhammad Khan IV as a summer residence for his wife, Begum Vilayat Mahal.
The palace was designed by a British architect, Heenan and Fawcett, who had also designed other important buildings in Bahawalpur, such as the Sadiq Garh Palace and the Abbasi Mosque. The palace is a blend of Gothic and Islamic architecture and features over 32 rooms, including a Durbar Hall, a banquet hall, a ballroom, and a harem.
The construction of the palace was completed in just three years, and it was designed to provide a comfortable and luxurious environment for the Nawab’s wife. The palace features a central courtyard, which is surrounded by rooms on all four sides. The palace also features a beautiful garden, which was designed by the famous landscape architect, Molonglo.
After the partition of India and Pakistan in 1947, the palace was used as a government guesthouse, and it was also used as a state guesthouse by the Government of Pakistan. In 1999, the palace was converted into a museum by the Government of Punjab, and it was opened to the public for visits.
The museum showcases a collection of paintings, furniture, and other artifacts that belonged to the Nawab’s family. The palace has been preserved in its original state, and visitors can see the beautiful stained glass windows, intricate woodwork, and ornate chandeliers that adorn the palace’s rooms.
Noor Mahal is now a popular tourist destination in Bahawalpur, and visitors from all over the world come to see the palace’s beautiful architecture and learn about its rich history. The palace is a testament to the Nawabs of Bahawalpur’s love for their wives and their desire to create beautiful and luxurious surroundings for them.
