The Badshahi Masjid (English: The King's Mosque) was constructed by the Mughal Emperor Aurengzeb in 1673 in Lahore. Lahore city is considered and called as the heart of Pakistan because it is the center of all cultural activities and it is rich in Mughal heritage. Badshahi Masjid has the capacity to accommodate more than 55, 000 worshipers. It has the honor of being the second largest Masjid of Pakistan followed by Faysal Masjid of Islamabad.

Brief History

Badshahi Masjid has a resemblance in its structure with the Jama Masjid, Delhi. Aurengzeb Alamgir who was the 6^th Emperor of Mughal era constructed Badshahi Masjid. It took two years in the completion of the construction of Badshahi Masjid. The foster brother of Aurengzeb, Muzaffar Hussain supervised the construction of Badshahi Masjid, later on he was appointed as the governor of Lahore in 1671. Badshahi Masjid is located opposite to the Lahore Fort; a gate that is open towards the Badshahi Msajid was added to the Lahore Fort. The gate is named on the name of Aurengzeb Alamgir as Alamgiri gate.

Sikh Rule

During the Maharaja Ranjit Sing rule Badshai Masjid was used as a stable to rare army horses. Badshahi Masjid was harmed and treated very badly by the people. People stole the precious jewelry and marbles from the Masjid.  Muslims were restricted to the small place outside the Masjid. Muslims were not allowed to worship under the boundaries of Masjid.

Britain Rule

During Britain rule, again the Masjid was used for military practices and Muslims were not allowed to continue their religious activities under the boundaries of Masjid. Later on Britain rulers handed over the control of Masjid to the Muslims for a good gesture. Badshahi Masjid Muslim administration re-constructed the damaged parts of Masjid. In 1960, the re-construction of Masjid was completed at the expense of 4.8 million rupees.

Architecture of Badshahi Masjid

Badshahi Masjid is the best example of the Mughal architecture. It is furnished with the expensive jewelry, marbles, gold etc.   Masjid is made up of red brick stones.

The Badshahi Mosque