Preserving Mughal Glory: Book Launch & Music Event Celebrates Picture Wall
Historic Launch at Alliance Française Lahore
On April 19, 2025, the Alliance Française de Lahore hosted the launch of a new book by Dr. Kanwal Khalid. The book is titled “Picture Wall of Lahore Fort: The Longest Mosaic Kashi Wall in the World.” It explores the art and architecture of the famous Picture Wall at Lahore Fort.
The event was held in partnership with the Aga Khan Cultural Service – Pakistan (AKCS-P) and the Walled City of Lahore Authority (WCLA).
A Monumental Work of Art
Fabrice Disdier, Director of Alliance Française Lahore, welcomed the guests and praised the wall’s importance.
“This evening is about more than a book. We are reconnecting with a 400-year-old masterpiece,” he said.
The Picture Wall stretches 1,450 feet long and stands 50 feet high. It is one of the largest and most detailed mosaic walls in the world.
Dr. Khalid’s Discoveries
Dr. Khalid shared insights from her research. She compared the wall’s mosaic style to assembling a giant puzzle. She found limited historical records and relied on traditional sources and visual study.
She also suggested that some patterns may show musical sounds from Mughal instruments.
“Let the wall sing,” she said.
Art Inspired by Many Cultures
The wall features designs from many cultures. These include Iranian legends, European art, Judaism, Christianity, and Hindu mythology.
One unusual discovery was the image of blue-spotted tigers. This detail matches a story from Emperor Jehangir’s memoirs.
Voices from the Cultural Community
Aisha Khan of WCLA praised the detailed floral, animal, and geometric patterns. She said they reflect the high skill of Mughal artists.
Tausif Khawaja, CEO of AKCS-P, said the wall was a major reason why Lahore Fort became a UNESCO World Heritage site. He explained that the restoration project involved many experts—architects, engineers, artists, and archaeologists.
“Each panel is restored after careful planning and discussion,” he said.
Restoration Nears Completion
Most of the wall has already been restored. Khawaja announced that the full project will finish by the end of 2025. A grand reopening is planned for early 2026, with guests from around the world invited.
A Musical Finale
The event ended with a live performance from Hunza’s Lief Larson Music Centre (LLMC). Musicians played traditional instruments such as the Chitrali Sitar, Rubab, Xghini, and Dadang. The performance, titled “Ishq-e-Lahore,” celebrated the city’s rich musical and cultural roots.
A Legacy Worth Preserving
This event celebrated both Dr. Khalid’s research and Lahore’s historical beauty. The Picture Wall is a symbol of Pakistan’s heritage, and this book ensures its story will reach new generations.
