Hidden Mughal chambers rediscovered after centuries under Lahore Fort

A centuries-old secret beneath the Lahore Fort has been rediscovered. The long-forgotten Khilwat Khana chambers, hidden below the fort’s Khilwat Khana and Shah Burj Quadrangle, have been meticulously restored under a major conservation initiative led by the Aga Khan Cultural Service–Pakistan. According to AKCS-P officials, the chambers will soon open to the public through guided tours, offering visitors a rare glimpse into Mughal life. The space has been enhanced with soft lighting, interpretive displays, and ambient sounds designed to provide an immersive experience while maintaining the sanctity of the heritage site. “This conservation effort has turned unknowns into knowns,” said Wajahat Ali, Director of Conservation & Design at AKCS-P. “Through structural repairs, we’ve redistributed the load of the monuments above, consolidating and strengthening the fort’s northern section. We’ve also rectified water damage caused by later interventions during the Sikh and British eras.”