BEHRAM KI BARADARI, A POET’S PLACE

INTRODUCTION

The best monument in the area in terms of architecture is Behram ki Baradari. This is surrounded by a sizable enclosure wall made of lime plaster and tiny bricks, with merlon ornamentation specifically on the west enclosure wall. Sang-e-Abri is used for the pillars, while black stone is used for the front frames.

To give Behram ki Baradari a rectangular courtyard and a well-balanced appearance, the entire construction has been thoughtfully placed in the center of the southern side.

LOCATION

As you travel towards Peshawar from Rawalpindi via Attock Bridge, you will come across a magnificent palace called Behram ki Baradari. Behram ki Baradari is located in Attock, Punjab.

WHAT IS THE MEANING OF BARADARI IN THE MUGHAL GARDEN?

The word “baradari” means “twelve doors”. A baradari is a pillared Mughal pavilion, Situated on the eastern wall of the garden, under Humayun’s Tomb, the eastern fountain. The West Gate, the baradari at Humayun’s Garden Tomb is also known as “The East Pavilion”.

ABOUT BEHRAM KI BARADRI

Behram ki Baradari is said to be believed that it was built by Behram Khan, the son of the well-known Pashto poet Khushal Khan Khattak.

When you enter the boundary of Baradari you will see a vast yard which is divided into four parts by water channels and these water channels connect with a pond in the center. The boundary walls are tall throughout the entire area. The Baradari is in the southern part of the palace. The Baradari’s four pillars were constructed using finely trimmed Abri stones.

There are two rooms on each side of the Baradari, decore with lime plaster in diamond and geometrical design. The Baradari hall features small water channels that flow down from a slope. That connects a pond that helps to irrigate four gardens. In the back of the north wall of Baradari, there are some artifacts of the Royal Bath and there is a hall on the left side which also has the pillars of Abri stone.

WHY DOES BARADARI’S WERE BUILT?

These buildings were especially suitable for the honorable concubines’ “courtesan dance” presentations. They were also suitable for private performances and live exhibits by various writers and artists in front of the reigning monarchs during the period.

The Baradari, or Pavilion, is a typical building type, as a late spring construction throughout the Mughal Empire.

Baradaris also often used to held religious gatherings, particularly for Muslim people (such as Friday and Eid prayers).

CONCLUSION

This is a cultural heritage and religiously close to the sentiments of the people of Pakistan. It is a building or a pavilion with twelve doors to allow free flow of air. Behram ki Baradari has three doorways on each side of a square-shaped structure. The particular structure is valuable for its fresh air during summer.