The Hidden Gem of Masti Gate
Maryam Zamani Mosque
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South-East of Lahore Fort a tiny street leads to Moti Bazar, here once stood Masti Gate
Kanahya Lal tells it's named after Masti Baloch, the for-life guard at the gate
Syed Latif differs, it's a used up form of Masjidi Gate

If we keep our heading, upon reaching Moti Bazar chowk just where the grand Akbari Gate of Lahore Fort appears on the right, there's an easy to miss entrance to what appears to be a mosque
This low profile entrance hides within its confines a gem
The Mother of all Mosques

A Persian inscription on the entrance tells us that the building was completed "under the auspices of His Majesty" and that "The founder of the edifice, the place of salvation, is Queen Maryam Zamani"
We also deduce the date of construction from the couplet 1023 AH i.e. 1614 CE

The mosque was built in Jehangir's reign, by his mother Maryam Zamani (a title meaning 'Mary of Her Times')
@TaniaQureshi tells us this probably referred to Akbar's wife Maharani Jodha Bai
Ain-e-Akbari tells us this was the daughter of Raja Behari Mal and sister of Bhagwan Das

Also called Begum Shahi Masjid, this not so grand yet spectacular structure is believed to be the earliest dated Mughal Mosque at Lahore
Constructed in brick and plaster it's a beautiful fusion of Lodhi and Mughal architecture, a fact much evident from the domes and arches

The four centered arches have high parapet and a projected frame
Inside the prayer chamber we have breathtaking high and deep arched recesses decorated with motifs

The niches and mehrabs of the central arch bears profuse stucco arrangement that has both floral and geometric patterns
The patterns are torn in patches and the colors are fading yet they retain the glory of their artisans

On the interior the inner arches showcase a fine fresco decoration
The square pavilions and arches topped by cupolas present a sight to behold
This being the true manifestation of the expression 'Mother of All Mosques'

The mosque during Sikh rule was captured and used to store gun & powder for Ranjit Singh's forces
It was then it came to be known as Barood Khana Masjid
We know of major repair completed during British Raj when it was handed back
What now survives is the ghost of a glorious past

شوق تیرا اگر نہ ہو میری نماز کا امام
میرا قیام بھی حجاب میرا سجود بھی حجاب

shouq Tera agar na ho meri namaaz ka imaam
mera qayaam bhi hijaab mera sujood bhi hijaab