Ath Dara

This open pavilion comprising the eight arches composed in classic Sikh architecture (thus the name ‘Athdara’) near the present entrance to Sheesh Mehal  was added during Maharaja Ranjit Singh’s rule. This pavilion was used as court of justice or kachehri  by the Maharaja.

The marble and red sandstone brackets inside the structure along side the marble screens with red sand stone posts in the railing on the roof indicate that these were taken or inspired from mughal architecture. The frescoes on the exterior and interior niches are beautifully rendered in Kangra styled frescoes, mostly depicting Hindu deities like Krishna are the works by Sikh-era court painters.

The conservation of this pavilion began with the mutual efforts of Wall City of Lahore Authority (WCLA) and Agha Khan Cultural Service Pakistan (AKCSP), to stabilized the wooden roof, restore the decorative ceiling and clean the fresco panels.  The conservation was completed and it was opened for public in 2026.