Under the “Magnificent Punjab” vision of CM Maryam Nawaz, the restoration of the Tomb of Ali Mardan Khan has reached its most symbolic milestone: the revival of the Northern Ornamental Gateway.
In Mughal architecture, the gateway was never just a door; it was a statement of status and a ceremonial threshold designed to prepare the visitor for the beauty within.
The Northern Double-Storey Gateway
The Tourism, Archaeology & Museums Department (TAM) is currently working to bring back the “grandeur at the threshold.” This double-storey structure is a masterpiece of its own, featuring:
Kashi Kari Revival: Once richly adorned with intricate tile-work (Kashi Kari), the gateway is being meticulously restored to its former brilliance, piece by piece.
Ceremonial Importance: The scale of this entrance signals the high rank and historical importance of Ali Mardan Khan, the master engineer of the Mughal Empire.
Authentic Restoration: Every arch and alcove of the gateway is being treated with historical precision to ensure the site’s ceremonial integrity remains intact.
Preservation in Motion
By restoring the ornamental gateway, the Punjab government is ensuring that the first impression of this monument is as striking today as it was in the 17th century. This project is a key part of the broader mission to transform Punjab’s archaeological sites into world-class heritage destinations.
“True grandeur begins at the threshold. We are ensuring that every visitor experiences the same awe-inspiring entrance that the Mughals once did.”