Restoration project reveals hidden Mughal architecture once used for royal privacy
A centuries-old secret beneath the Lahore Fort has been rediscovered. The long-forgotten Khilwat Khana Chambers, hidden beneath the Khilwat Khana and Shah Burj quadrangle of the fort, have been meticulously restored as part of a major conservation initiative led by the Aga Khan Cultural Service – Pakistan.
The restoration, undertaken as part of the Heritage and Urban Regeneration: Tourism Development of Lahore Fort and its Buffer Zone project, was carried out in collaboration with the Lahore Walled City Authority, with financial support from the French Development Agency and the Government of Punjab.
Once used for royal privacy and palace operations, the underground chambers comprise a complex network of rooms, staircases and corridors. Over the centuries, these underground spaces have fallen into neglect and disrepair, buried under layers of time and history.
Today, thanks to scientific restoration and traditional craftsmanship, they have once again become one of the fort’s most fascinating and least explored attractions.
Conservation work focused on structural strengthening, improved drainage and ventilation, and secure visitor access, while preserving authentic Mughal architecture. Experts describe the project as a model of heritage preservation combining ancient construction methods with modern conservation techniques to ensure long-term stability and public engagement.
Known locally as Teh Khanay, the rooms are spread over three levels and cover almost 816 square meters. Historical records suggest that the lower levels were once used to store perishable goods and royal documents. Some accounts also indicate that one section served as a holding area for prisoners during later periods of the fort’s history.
According to officials of the Aga Khan Cultural Service of Pakistan (AKCS-P), the chambers will soon be opened to the public through guided tours, offering visitors a rare glimpse into Mughal life. The space has been enhanced with soft lighting, interpretive exhibits and ambient sounds designed to provide an immersive experience while preserving the sacred character of the heritage site.
“This conservation effort has transformed the unknown into the known,” said Wajahat Ali, director of conservation and design at AKCS-P. “Through structural repairs, we redistributed the load from the monuments above, consolidating and strengthening the northern part of the fort. We also repaired water damage caused by later interventions during the Sikh and British eras.”
Ali noted that the project’s impact goes beyond architectural revival: it has also revitalized traditional crafts by involving local artisans every step of the way. “We see it as a heritage that brings life back to life,” he added.
The restoration of Khilwat Khana represents not only a technical achievement but also a reconnection with Lahore’s complex past. It reveals a neglected dimension of the Lahore Fort: a site where architectural mastery, history and culture converge.
Dating from the 11th century, Lahore Fort, or Shahi Qila, is one of the most magnificent Mughal monuments in South Asia. Rebuilt by Emperor Akbar (1556-1605) and later expanded by Emperors Jahangir and Shah Jahan, the fort houses monuments such as the Sheesh Mahal, the Diwan-e-Khas and the Naulakha Pavilion. Despite later modifications under Sikh and British rule, its Mughal essence has endured through time.
