Re-Fragmenting the historicity of early Mughal architectural structures within Lahore Fort. A particular architectural style is distinguishable by its “character defining elements”, in short, the CDEs. These elements are unique fragments of a structure forming part of an architectural composition. For instance, the type and style of an Opening – a doorway, a window, an archway, or the Material used for surface decorations – sandstone, marble, inlay of various materials, or a symbol / motif, or a supporting element such as a bracket, a railing, or an intricately carved marble jali.

Every dynasty has a particular architectural style, distinguishable by its unique CDEs. The Mughal dynasty was no exception. They came from a land rich in architectural features, into a land even more diverse in its architectural traditions and symbolism. The early Mughal era structures present a story of the evolution of a unique Mughal style of architecture in this region. These early Mughal Emperors created a new kind of architectural composition of elements inspired by either their home country, or by the areas they conquered here in Hindustan. Each Emperor had their own unique set of preferred elements which later defined their individual architectural signature and its CDEs. The architectural evidences, archival documents, historians and historic timelines have linked the particularities of these elements with its respective Emperor.

It is aimed that through Re-Fragmenting – taking one particular CDE at a time and cross referencing it with various timelines, architectural styles and regional influences – the historicity of a given structure can be Re-Evaluated.

The selected area for this initial research paper is the Lahore Fort. The selected structures are the most vulnerable / altered structures, mainly located in the Jahangiri Quadrangle. These comprise of:

1. Sehdari / Bangla
2. Daulat Khana Khas-o-Aam, located between the Diwan-i-Aam and Jahangiri Quadrangle
3. Eastern Mahal and Iwans / Dalans
4. Western Mahal and Iwans / Dalans
5. Ground floor of Kharrak Singh’s Haveli
6. Zenana Hammam
7. Kala Burj, located in the Paien Bagh Quadrangle

These structures will be observed contextually whilst taking into account the unique CDEs they represent, and the regional influences they incorporate. This observational information will act as the baseline for evaluating the historicity of a structure.