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Noor Palace. Image by Tanzeel Uz Zaman Babar –

Top 10 Fascinating Facts about Noor Palace Bahawalpur

The Noor Palace, famously known as the Noor Mahal, is located in the city of Bahawalpur, Punjab province of Pakistan. The city was the former capital of the Princely State of Bahawalpur under the rule of the Abbasi family, the Nawabs (royal title indicating ruler), known for their rich architectural design, among them being the Noor Palace.

It remained unoccupied during the reign of Nawab Abbasi IV after the refusal of the wife to move into the palace. It later served as a guest house for nobles, close friends, and dignitaries visiting the princely state.

The palace is known for its colorful, exquisite exterior made of cut and dressed bricks that make this a unique piece of historical architecture. Noor Mahal鈥檚 distinguishing architectural feature is the use of five domes built in the traditional style.

1. Nawab’s wife refused to stay in the palace after a night

Statue of Nawab inside Noor Mahal. Image by Syeda Aamna Amjad –

Nawab Adnan is renowned for his passion for constructing beautiful buildings. he built Noor Mahal in the middle of a spacious garden having a water tank and fountains. It consisted of 32 rooms, including a basement. After construction, it was decorated with thick carpets and paintings made by western artists.

It was adorned with exquisite furniture and fixtures like chandeliers and cupboards that were imported while it also consisted of a rich collection of arms in its armory. And as part of the Mughal traditions, some swords and muskets are also on display inside the palace.

Nawab Adnan Abbasi IV then gifted it to his wife. After all this, she only stayed there for a night and refused to stay any longer after she noticed a graveyard adjacent to the palace while glancing from the balcony.

2. Queen Victoria鈥檚 60th birthday was celebrated at Noor Palace Bahawalpur

Dining room in Noor Mahal. Image by Aus 2002 – Many state functions have happened in this palace. These include:

On January 11, 1890, Prince Albert Victor visited Noor Mahal as a guest.

On December 22, 1892, Sir McOrth Beck, who served as a senior finance commissioner of Punjab, stayed at the palace for three days with his family.

On May 11, 1897, Queen Victoria鈥檚 60th birthday was celebrated at the palace.

On February 9, 1933, a historical function was held to celebrate the union of the British Government and Bahawalpur State.

On March 8, 1934, 10-year jubilee celebrations were arranged by the State of Bahawalpur at Noor Mahal.

3. It was designed by an Englishman

Noor Mahal’s interior. Image by Mohsinkhawar –

This beautiful building inspired by the Italian construction style is one of the hidden gems of Bahawalpur and was built by a British Engineer named Heenan, the then state engineer, in 1875 at a cost of Rs1.2 million. 

Since its construction, the palace shot Bahawalpur鈥檚 popularity among tourists, who throng the site every day to have a glimpse of the vintage marvel.

4. A burying ritual was done before the construction of the palace

Noor Mahal. Image by AkramRahi194 –

Based on the ancient superstition of cementing or burying coins on the doorstep for good luck and prosperity, with older coins believed to bring more blessings, various coins, artifacts, and maps of the state were buried under the palace to invoke good omen.

5. Noor Palace Bahawalpur was infused different styles

Inside of the Noor Palace. Image by Vasiq Eqbal –

The property is enriched with traditional crafts and intricate works that echo the designs and charm of the past. 

Elements of Corinth, Indian and Islamic architecture coupled with classical influences were incorporated into the construction of the palace. The columns and guardrails reflect Corinthian elegance while the domes with angular oval shapes reflect the Islamic and Indian styles. Most of the artworks displayed on the walls are of western origin.

6. It is managed by the Pakistan Army

Historic Medals exhibit in Noor Mahal. Image by Cancershan –

According to an old tale, a property dispute took place among the heirs of the last ruler which led to its abandonment. It was locked under a judicial order but most of its artifacts were smuggled out. Its furniture, carpets, paintings, and crockery were sold by thieves almost all over the country.

On October 12, 1997, the army took over possession of the palace and restored it. Later, it was used as an army club. The building is still in the army鈥檚 possession. 

When the Bahawalpur State was merged into Pakistan, the palace was leased to the army and was used as a state guest house to host various state events and dignitaries. The property was later sold to Pakistan and was for $199 million in 1977.

7. A mosque was added to the structure

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In 1906, a mosque was added to the palace by Nawab Bahawal Khan, a later ruler of the state of Bahawalpur. He also renovated the structure at a cost of Rs100,000.

He was inspired by the design of Aitchison College, Lahore which was charged with the responsibility of educating the princely elites so,  directed that a mosque be constructed on the premises despite it not being in the original plan.

8. The Noor Mahal Bahawalpur is a protected monument

Noor Mahal’s interior. Image by Thealimir –

It is one of the latest monuments in Punjab that was placed under the antiquities act. It was built for the residence of Nawab Sir Muhammad Sadiq.

However, he did not live in the palace as the royals did not prefer to live near a graveyard 鈥� the Basti Muluk Shah Graveyard was located a few meters away.

The palace was declared a protected monument in 2001, 24 years later, by the Department of Archeology of Pakistan, and is open to the public. It includes a museum and a public park and is refutably the best-maintained palace in the city.

9. It is also known as The Palace of Lights

Noor Mahal’s view at night. Image by Umairsid – Wikimedia

The elegant architectural design of the monument is magnificent. At night, the lighting has been installed in such a way that it emits splendor at night. It has been described to be 鈥渕ore magnificent鈥� at night hence the name Palace of the Lights.

10. Durbar Hall is the most pleasing part of the monument

Chandelier in Noor Mahal. Image by Syeda Aamna Amjad –

The expansive nature of the Noor Mahal stands at 44,600 square feet (4,140 m2) and has a basement and two floors, comprising 32 rooms in total with 14 rooms in the basement.

However, amidst the elegance is the Durbar Hall which hosted kings and dignitaries who were deemed the most important. It has grand chandeliers hanging from a high-rise ceiling and sofas used by kings.