Lahore Fort has been inscribed on the World Heritage List of the Convention Concerning the Protection of the World Cultural and Natural Heritage, 1981 of UNESCO. Inscription on the World Heritage List, first confirms the outstanding universal values of cultural heritage site, which deserves protection for the benefit of mankind.
According to the available historical sources, the origin of Lahore Fort is pretty obscure. Traditionally the foundation of of Lahore and its citadel or the old Fort is attributed to “Loh” son of Lord Rama Chandra (a major deity in Hinduism and the seventh incarnation or avatar of Lord Vishnu; and is the main protagonist of the ancient epic – Ramayana). However, during the archaeological excavation at the fort conducted in the year 1959 AD, the remains of pre-muslim period as well as a gold coin of Mehmood of Ghazna, dated (A.H.416-1025 AD) were unearthed. These excavations confirmed that habitation here existed long before the advent of Muslims in Lahore.
Further reference to the Fort is traceable in connection with Shahab ud Din Ghori’s successive invasion of Lahore from 1186 AD. It was destroyed by Mongols in 1241 AD, and was rebuilt by Ghiyas-ud-din Balban in 1267 AD. Later on, it was again destroyed by Amir Timur‘s army in 1398 AD, and reconstructed in mud walls by Sultan Mubarik Shah of Syed Dynasty in 1421 AD. In 1432 AD, Sheikh Ali of Kabul carried out repairs of the Fort. Mughal Emperor Akbar rebuilt the Fort in burnt brick masonry in circa 1566 AD, on its earlier foundation and extended its confines towards the river Ravi, which then was flowing along its fortification on the north.
Emperor Akbar also built Akbari Mahal, Daulat Khan-e-Khas-o-Aam, the famous Jharoka and Masjidi Darwaza etc. Mughal emperors continued to add magnificent building in the Fort. Emperor Jahangir (1605-1627 AD.) added Daulat Khana and Jahangiri Quadrangle in 1618 AD. Emperor Shah Jahan (1627- 1658 AD.) built Shish Mahal, Dewan-e-Aam in 1631 AD., Khawabgah Shahjahani (Sleeping Chamber of Shah Jahan), Shahi Hammam (Royal Bath), Khilwat Khana (Private Chamber) in 1633 AD. and Dewan-e-Khas in 1645 AD. and probably Moti Masjid (Pearl Mosque) in the same year Emperor Aurangzeb rebuilt the graceful Alamgiri Gate in 1674 AD.
The outer fortification wall on the north with moat area, Athdara (building with eight opening), Haveli Mai Jindan (Mai Jindan Palace) and Baradari Raja Dhiyan Singh (Dhiyan Sing’s Pavilion with twelve openings) were constructed by the Sikh ruler Ranjit Singh (1799-1839 AD). It was occupied by the British and remained in their army’s possession till 1927 AD, when it was handed over to the Archaeological Survey of India after demolishing a portion of the fortification wall on south and converting it into flight of steps. The Fort is girdled around by a formidable fortification wall strengthened with semi-circular bastions at regular intervals and fixed by three gates. No buildings of the pre-Mughal period exist now. The Mughal period buildings are grouped into four large quadrangles. Twenty one different edifices in these quadrangles include magnificent structures such as Sheesh Mahal, Dewan-e-Khas, Dewan-e-Aam, Moti Masjid, Daulat Khana-e-Khas-o-Aam, Sleeping chambers of Shah Jahan and Pictured wall etc.
Lahore Fort is inscribed in the UNESCO’s World Heritage List as a protected monument under Antiquity Act 1975, which confirms its outstanding universal value.
In 2014, the administrative control of Lahore Fort was handed over to the Walled City of Lahore Authority (WCLA).