Akbari Quadrangle: A Forgotten Jewel of the Lahore Fort
Nestled within the historic Lahore Fort, the Akbari Quadrangle stands as one of the oldest surviving structures from the Mughal era. This remarkable complex once housed the Akbari Mahal. It was originally built as part of Emperor Akbar’s grand vision when he shifted his capital to Lahore in 1586. For thirteen years, Lahore became the center of his imperial activities, leading to the development of several majestic structures, including this quadrangle.
Located at the easternmost end of the Lahore Fort complex, the Akbari Quadrangle was designed to serve both as a royal residence and an administrative center. It encompassed the Daulatkhana–i-Khas-wa-‘Aam, the Khwabgah-i-Jahangiri to its north, and the Hall of Red Sandstone with the Royal Baths to the west. These buildings, adorned with Akbar’s signature architectural elements, reflected the grandeur of the Mughal court. Renowned travelers and historians, including Father Edouard Leioton, Christofle de Vega, William Finch, and Abu’l Fazl, documented its significance, with reports of grand assemblies and even an unfortunate fire in 1597 that necessitated urgent repairs under Akbar’s orders.
Despite its historical importance, the quadrangle underwent significant changes under later Mughal rulers. Emperor Jahangir demolished parts of Akbar’s original palace to build his own structures, while Shah Jahan constructed the Diwan-i-‘Aam, further altering the space. The quadrangle continued to exist as a royal palace during Aurangzeb’s reign, as noted by historian Sujan Rai. However, its fate took a darker turn during the latter Mughal and Sikh era chaos when much of it was destroyed, and latter a haveli was built over its ruins. The first floor, containing a hammam in the southeast corner, seems to have been used for leisure rather than residence. A Sikh-era painting labels it as “Haveli Sarkaran Kashmir,” suggesting its association with the ruling elite.
British-era records, particularly J.P. Vogel’s Historical Notes on Lahore Fort (1911), describe the structure as a “large and plain building” used as a summer hospital, possibly linked to Sher Singh. While traditionally it has been associated with Maharaja Kharak Singh, no concrete evidence supports this claim. Successive neglect under colonial rule and post-independence governments led to further deterioration. Many parts of the Akbari Mahal were lost, and the quadrangle’s original structure faded into obscurity.
Recognizing its historical significance, the Walled City of Lahore Authority undertook an extensive conservation project to preserve the remaining portions of Akbari Mahal. Through careful restoration, this forgotten gem has been revived and is now open to the public, allowing visitors to witness a once-lost chapter of Lahore’s architectural heritage. Efforts are also underway to make the upper portions of the Sikh-era additions accessible, ensuring that the Akbari Quadrangle remains a vital part of our cultural legacy.
Unearthing a Forgotten Legacy
In August 2023, an extraordinary discovery was made at Akabri Mahal. A team from the Walled City of Lahore Authority (WCLA), alongside faculty members and students of GCU and BNU, was tasked with assessing the condition of the Archaeology department’s storage rooms. What they found was astonishing nearly 20,000 archival files, glass plates, negatives, and photographs buried under decades of dust and debris. Left in a state of severe neglect, these invaluable records had remained hidden for years, suffering from environmental damage and deterioration.
The Initial Cleaning Phase
The recovery process began in September 2023 under expert guidance. Faculty members and students meticulously cleaned and restored the fragile materials. Layers of dust, paper remnants, and accumulated waste were carefully removed to prevent further damage. A thorough inspection was also conducted to check for termite infestations, ensuring the long-term preservation of these historical documents.
One of the major challenges was the high humidity trapped within the paper, which posed a serious risk of mold growth and further deterioration. To address this issue, dehumidifiers were installed before the cleaning process began. These devices helped regulate moisture levels, creating a stable environment to protect the fragile documents.
Preliminary inspections revealed extensive degradation. Many documents showed severe yellowing, brittleness, and fraying along the edges. Glass plates and photographs displayed cracks and warping, requiring immediate stabilization. To preserve their structural integrity, documents were carefully flattened, and protective measures were taken to prevent further deterioration.
Another critical issue identified during the cleaning process was the presence of metallic pins, paper clips, and other stationery items that had been attached to the documents over time. These fasteners had rusted due to prolonged exposure to humidity, leading to stains, corrosion, and in some cases, tearing of the paper. Removing these items was a delicate process, as excessive force could further damage the fragile documents. Using precision tools, the team carefully detached rusted pins and clips, ensuring that no residue was left behind.
The entire collection underwent a three-stage cleaning process using specialized techniques and equipment. Different types of soft brushes were employed based on the material being cleaned. Gentle brushes were used for delicate, brittle papers, while slightly firmer brushes were applied to remove debris from thicker documents. Throughout this process, the team ensured that every item was handled with extreme care, preserving its historical value while restoring its clarity.
By the end of this phase, thousands of archival records had been successfully cleaned and stabilized, marking a significant step in the preservation of this invalu able collection.
Sorting and Preservation
By mid-November 2023, the cleaning phase was nearly complete. With the fragile documents restored, the focus shifted to systematically sorting and securely packing the materials. Each item, including documents, photographs, and glass plates, was carefully assessed and categorized based on its content and age. This classification ensured that the materials would be stored in an organized manner, making future access easier.
In December 2023, the archival materials were transferred to a climate-controlled storage facility designed to ensure long-term preservation. This facility maintained optimal temperature and humidity levels, protecting the documents from environmental threats such as excessive moisture, temperature fluctuations, and exposure to light. The stable conditions were essential to prevent further deterioration.
During the transition, each item underwent a final inspection. Documents and photographs were re-examined for any remaining dust or signs of damage. Additional cleaning was performed if necessary before packing. Fragile materials, especially glass plates, were handled with extra care to prevent cracks or warping.
Once relocated, the entire collection was systematically arranged based on its categorization. This structured approach ensured both proper preservation and ease of retrieval for researchers and scholars. The completion of this process marked a significant achievement in safeguarding these invaluable historical records for future generations.
Organizing the Collection
Once the cleaning process was completed, the team faced a new challenge categorizing the vast and diverse collection. Since no prior documentation or classification system existed, a meticulous framework was developed through extensive discussions and evaluations. Many files lacked titles or labels, requiring a detailed examination to determine their content and historical significance.
The records were ultimately categorized into 20 distinct types, including:
Cataloging for Future Research
The cataloging process involved multiple steps to ensure accuracy and long-term preservation. Files were first sorted based on their genre and chronological sequence. Each item was then assigned a unique identification number, making it easier to locate within the archival system. Additionally, a brief description of the content and physical condition of documents requiring special handling was recorded to guide researchers before accessing the materials.
For untitled files, it was explicitly mentioned in the catalog that they were originally untitled. To enhance accessibility, a new title was assigned based on the file’s content while ensuring that this addition was clearly documented. This step was crucial for maintaining the provenance of the data and assisting researchers in understanding the subject matter without altering the document’s historical integrity.
In cases where files contained traces of dead termites, although these were completely removed during the cleaning process, this information was included in the catalog. Such details were necessary for careful handling and future preservation measures. Likewise, any photographs, maps, or supplementary materials enclosed within the files were specifically noted in the catalog. This ensured that researchers could easily identify and access these visual records without needing to sift through multiple documents.
Through this structured and detailed cataloging process, the archival system became more organized, improving both the protection and accessibility of the materials for future scholars.
Digitization and Online Accessibility
In March 2024, the digitization process commenced to create high-quality digital copies of the archival materials. Advanced scanners and imaging equipment were used to carefully scan fragile documents, photographs, and glass plates. Special attention was given to delicate glass plates and negatives, which required thorough cleaning and expert handling to prevent damage. Every effort was made to ensure that even the smallest details were preserved during the scanning process.
To enhance accessibility, all black-and-white glass plates were digitally processed and developed in color, making it easier to identify monuments and other historical elements. Approximately 100,000 pages were successfully scanned and uploaded to the archives’ website, where they are freely accessible to researchers and scholars. The remaining materials are still undergoing digitization.
Following the completion of scanning and cataloging, the catalog was also uploaded to the archives’ website. This ensures that scholars can easily search for and access specific materials, streamlining the research process and improving the overall usability of the collection.
A Historical Treasure Trove
The Akbari Mahal Kutub Khana and Archives house an extensive collection of records spanning from 1901 to 1947, covering the entire Indian subcontinent. The collection includes documentation from renowned figures such as Sir John Marshall, who established the Archaeological Survey’s headquarters in Lahore, and R. E. M. Wheeler. Post-Partition, the archives document archaeological missions and explorations up to the year 2000.
Significant historical records include pre-millennial excavation reports on the Indus Valley Civilization, Gandhara explorations, and Buddhist heritage in South Asia. The archives also contain rare photographic negatives of Indian monuments, correspondence involving scholars like J. P. Vogel, John Marshall, Rafiq Mughal, Walli Ullah Khan, and F. A. Khan, as well as early attempts to decipher the still-undeciphered Indus script.
A New Era for Research
This remarkable discovery has opened new avenues for historical and archaeological research. The Akbari Mahal Kutub Khana and Archives are not just a collection of old documents they are a gateway to untold stories, forgotten legacies, and invaluable insights into the region’s rich past. By preserving these records, we ensure that future generations of researchers and scholars can continue to explore, learn, and uncover the narratives hidden within these archives.
The Archival Library: A Treasure Trove of Knowledge
Alongside our archives, we have established a state-of-the-art library that serves as a hub for researchers, historians, and scholars. This library houses a remarkable collection covering diverse fields such as history, anthropology, architecture, museology, art, archaeology, numismatics, and various other disciplines.
An Extensive Collection
Our library boasts a collection of over 20,000 books, journals, and research reports. With some books dating back to 1870, much of the material holds immense historical and archival significance. This is why the library is strategically located alongside the archives, ensuring seamless access to valuable resources for academic exploration and research.
Rare and Unique Holdings
The library holds a wealth of fascinating records and reports, spanning both the colonial and post-colonial eras. Some of the most notable collections include:
A Researcher’s Paradise
This library is designed to be a center of intellectual engagement, offering researchers access to rare and invaluable sources of knowledge. With its extensive archival and academic resources, it provides a unique opportunity for scholars to explore untapped aspects of history, archaeology, and cultural heritage. We welcome researchers, historians, and students to explore this treasure trove of knowledge and contribute to the ever-growing field of academic discovery.
