Punjabs own Taj Mahal

The Taj Mahal, built by Emperor Shah Jahan in love with his beloved wife Mumtaz, is famous all over the world. Very few people know that before Shah Jahan, his father Jahangir had also built a beautiful palace for his wife Nur Jahan (Mehrunnisa). His name was Nurmahal. It is situated in the town of the same name Nurmahal in Jalandhar district. Due to its poor condition, Nur Mahal is not as famous as Taj Mahal. However, curious tourists and historians know its importance and do visit Nurmahal when visiting Jalandhar.

Nur Jahan was born here

Nurmahal is about 40 km from Jalandhar district headquarter. During the Mughal period, this place used to fall on the way from Lahore to Delhi. Historians claim that Nur Jahan was born here while her father, Mirza Gyara Mohammad Baig, was travelling from Delhi to Iran. When Beg's convoy stopped here, his Begum started having labor pains and then Nur Jahan was born.

After the passing of her first husband, Jahangir got married.

Nur Jahan's first marriage was with Sher Afgan Ali Quli. Both lived in Bengal. Despite this Jahangir wanted to marry her. He sent this message to Noorjahan many times that she should divorce Ali Kuli and marry him, but she did not agree. It is said that Jahangir got Ali Quli murdered after assuming the Mughal throne. However, historians are divided on this issue. Noorjahan was ready to marry him after a lot of respect.

Noor Mahal was completed in the year 1613

In order to grant Noorjahan her heart's desire, Jahangir commissioned the massive Noormahal to be built in her birthplace in 1613. Today it is called Nurmahal Ki Sarai. There used to be a mosque, Rang Mahal and Dak Bungalow inside it. It is said that Nur Jahan loved birds very much. Noor Mahal Sarai has 48 cells and two turrets, on which birds keep curling. At the main gate of Nurmahal, two elephants are seen welcoming the visitors with their trunks raised.

Schools and police stations running in the fort today

Today, a large portion of Noor Mahal Sarai is in ruins as a result of neglect. Because it is not as well-known as the Taj Mahal, very few tourists travel to this location to see. Those who are aware of its significance will undoubtedly visit the Noor Mahal Inn. Presently school and police station are functioning here.

How to reach Nurmahal

The trip from Delhi to Amritsar takes about 470 km. From Delhi to Amritsar, a car ride takes about 8 to 9 hours. You can hire Innova car to get there.This area of Amritsar is where you should go if you want to learn about the city's history and enjoy a great day out. You can take a diversion from the Wagah border to get there, and the drive there will be gorgeous and green. The settlement is 5 miles from the Wagah Border and 35 km from Amritsar. Starting from Amritsar, you must cross Attari before continuing for another 500 yards. A road leading to Attalgarh will soon emerge from the right side of the road. At the end of this road is Pul Kanjari/Pul Moran.

Frequently Asked Question

Q1. Does Punjab have the Taj Mahal?

A1. The Taj Mahal, a mausoleum composed of ivory-white marble, is located in the Indian city of Agra on the south bank of the Yamuna river.

Q2. Where can I find Pul Moran?

A2. One such memorial is Pul Moran aka Pul Kanjari, a modest bridge built by Maharaja Ranjit Singh for his favourite dancer Moran, a Muslim dancer from the nearby village of Makhanpura, and situated 35 km from Amritsar on the canal severing the Amritsar-Lahore route.