The Vanishing Heritage of Sheikhupura Fort: Causes, Condition, and Conservation

Abstract

Mughal forts are renowned for their architectural grandeur, strategic significance, and cultural legacy, serving as enduring symbols of the empire’s power and aesthetic sophistication. Among these, the Sheikhupura Fort, located 35 km northwest of Lahore, stands as a remarkable yet underappreciated example. Built in the early 17th century by Emperor Jahangir, the fort was part of the royal hunting resort of Jahangirpura, situated near the iconic Hiran Minar. This region, once a dense forest famed for its wild antelope herds, was a favored recreational spot for the Mughal elite and a key stopover for imperial caravans. The fort not only exemplifies Mughal architectural brilliance but also encapsulates the historical transitions it endured under subsequent British and Sikh rule, ultimately falling into ruin in the modern era. Despite its historical and cultural importance, the fort has suffered from severe neglect, with its intricate fresco paintings and structural integrity damaged due to mishandling by locals and tourists, as well as the indifference of authorities. This paper examines the fort’s chronological evolution, its aesthetic transformations, and the factors contributing to its current state of decay. It also contrasts the fort’s neglect with the successful restoration and revenue generation of the nearby Hiran Minar, underscoring the urgent need for conservation efforts. By highlighting the fort’s historical significance and present deterioration, this study advocates for immediate action to preserve Sheikhupura Fort as a vital link to the Mughal Empire’s rich architectural and cultural heritage. The following paper is an attempt to understand and study in detail the changes fort went through, its glory in the form of Mughal Art, its demolition and the current undergoing process of its conservation.