Pari Mahal, Terraced garden palace in Srinagar, India
Pari Mahal is a terraced palace building that rises across seven levels on the Zabarwan Mountains in Srinagar, offering views of Dal Lake below. The structure features garden areas and rooms built into the mountainside at different heights.
The building was constructed in the mid-1600s by Prince Dara Shikoh, the eldest son of Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan, as a residential palace. The site served as a center for learning and scientific observation during that period.
The structure shows Islamic design with arched doorways and geometric patterns throughout its terraced layout, reflecting the artistic craftsmanship of its era. Visitors can see these details clearly as they move through the different levels.
The site is accessible by foot, but the numerous steps require reasonable fitness to explore all levels comfortably. Visitors should wear sturdy shoes and allow time to walk through the terraces and take in the views.
The grounds were used by scholars as an observation station for studying the movements of the heavens and teaching astronomical knowledge. This scientific use made it an important center for learned activities within the Mughal realm.
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