Mausoleum Complex

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NATIONAL HISTORY & LITERARY HERITAGE DIVISION.

GOVERNMENT OF PAKISTAN.

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1. Area of Mazar

The total area of 131.71 acres was earmarked for the building of the Mausoleum. Its allied area has been bifurcated into 61 acres where Bagh-e-Quaid-i-Azam has been developed while the remaining area of 70.58 acres outside the peripheral roads has been reserved for future developments. The detailed is as follows:

i)	Main Mazar Area	:	61.253 Acres.
ii)	South Zone	:	35.277 Acres.
iii)	South East Zone	:	2.967 Acres.
iv)	East Zone	:	15.364 Acres.
v)	Nizami Road Plot	:	0.487 Acre.
vi)	Peripheral Area Roads	:	16.37 Acres.
	Total	:	131.71 Acres.

2. Main Mausoleum Building

The Quaid-i-Azam Memorial Fund' was founded after the death of Quaid-i-Azam. The people of Pakistan enthusiastically received an appeal for the donations by the incumbent Governor General, Khawaja Nazimuddin. The shanties surrounded the burial place where the Muslim migrants from India were living. They were requested to vacate the area, which was earmarked for the Quaid's Mausoleum. They readily left the area in deference to the Quaid's lasting memory. They were allotted land in other areas of Karachi. The donations poured in from the public. The Central, Provincial and the Quaid-i-Azam Memorial.

Fund Committee received the donations. By December 31, 1973 a total of Rs.26.036 million had been collected in the fund. In the beginning the fund was managed by a committee under the chairmanship of the Governor- General and then by the President of Pakistan.

It was decided that the memorial for the Quaid would be a magnificent one, which would be an imposing tribute to the founding father. The memorial would be a fine combination of traditional Muslim and modern architecture, matching with the general topography. The following memorials were initially proposed to honour the Quaid's memory.

A meeting of the Central committee was held on January 21, 1956. It decided that due to insufficient funds, the priority would be given in the construction of the Mausoleum and the adjoining gardens. The construction of other memorials would be initiated after the completion of the Mausoleum.

An International tender for the architectural design of the Mausoleum was floated in 1958. Various international architects submitted the designs. A considerable time was spent on the examination of the design for the Mausoleum building submitted by the Turkish Architect (MR. A. Vasfi Egeli), the Indian Architect (Nawab Zain Yar Jang) and the British Architect (Mr. Raglan Squire). These designs were not approved and eventually the work was entrusted to Mr. Yahya C. Merchant, an Indian Architect in deference to the wishes of Miss Fatima Jinnah. It was in December 1959 that Mr. Yahya C. Merchant submitted his design. The committee, on the express wish of Mohtarma Fatima Jinnah, approved the design presented by the architect Yahya C. Merchant and the work was started in 1960.

Priority was given to the construction of the main building of Mausoleum, which today stands distinguishable by its magnificent structure and dignity, as work of art and a centre of attraction, the parallel of which exists nowhere in Pakistan. Besides being a representation of our cultural heritage, the building is in conformity with the traditional Muslim architecture in harmony with the modern architectural concepts, matching with the general topography. Back to Top

President of Pakistan General Ayub Khan laid the foundation stone of the mausoleum on 31st July 1960. The work had started a bit earlier on 8th February 1960. Here, perhaps, it will not be out of context to mention, albeit sorrowfully, that it took nearly twelve years to lay the foundation stone of Quaid's Mausoleum. All these twelve years the grave of the Quaid was lying under a canopy.

The construction began on a grand scale. Pile work started on 7 March 1961. Hundreds of construction workers and civil engineers worked tirelessly to build the Mausoleum. Work on the construction of the basement began on 7 May 1961 and completed on 10 March 1962. Work on the upper structure was undertaken on 1st August 1962 and it was completed on 31st May 1966. This construction process was slow but continued under the guidance of Quaid-i-Azam Memorial committee. Then the marble work on the tomb began on 6 August 1966. It was a tedious process, which required lot of caution and expertise. Stonemasons of high standard were employed to do this intricate work. 6000 tons of cement was used to build the upper structure of the Mausoleum. 21,200 cubic feet of marble was used. 500 tons of the finest quality steel and 12 tons of copper were used.

The main Mausoleum building is a square measuring 116 ft. by 116 ft. at plinth. It has an octagonal main chamber, which has an internal dimension of 22 ft. width and 36 ft. height. This is a massive structure, which is adorned with Mullaghori white marble on the walls in an offset pattern. Grave is in the basement though a replica is made in the main chamber, which is surrounded by bronze and silver fence. Four staircases from the four corners of the main chamber descend into the basement. Quaid's grave is in the middle. These staircases ascend to the balcony, which is 52 ft. high from the plinth of the platform. The balcony-level octagonal hall of the main chamber takes a round shape with a peripheral round wall. The 70 ft. dome emerges from here. The dome is of reinforced cement concrete resting on l4-ft.high circular walls.

The Mausoleum structure, from the outside, is of a frustum of a square pyramid 90ft at base and 82ft at the top. The corners of the frustum protrude to about 7ft over the staircases on all the four corners. The building is earthquake proof and the cement concrete machine made masonary courses have been combed with each other from top to bottom. The internal walls have been provided with a pattern of green marble (Onyx).

An elegant chandelier, a masterpiece of its kind gifted so graciously by the Muslims Association of the Peoples Republic of China, hangs from the ceiling of the dome. Covered with gold-leaf, this chandelier has 48 shaded lights in four tiers and a total length of 81'. The first tier is at a height of 19' from the floor of the chamber.

The work on Mausoleum was completed on June 2, 1970. The Mausoleum was inaugurated and opened for the public by the then President M. Yahya Khan on January 15, 1971. The total expenditure on Construction was Rs.14.8 million.

3. Bagh-e-Quaid-i-Azam

Aiwan-e-Nawadrat-e-Quaid-i-Azam (ANQA) Green landscape increases the aesthetic beauty. Gardens and fountains have always been a source of everlasting joy to the humans. The Kings, Nobles and common people alike have built the gardens from the time immemorial. We know about the Hanging Gardens of the Babylon. It was famous for its beauty, architectural value and for the painstaking labour which was used to build this garden. That is why it is regarded as one of the Seven Wonders of the World.

Gardens have always been a royal hobby of the royals in the sub-continent. The royals and the nobles created beautiful gardens. Mughal rulers were the great patrons of magnificent buildings and beautiful gardens. The Taj Mahal in Agra, Red Fort and Jamia Masjid in Delhi, Badshahi Masjid and the fort in Lahore are a few of the many buildings, which are the living memory of the Mughal patronage. The Mughals were the creators of many lovely gardens all over the India. The Mughals built Shalimar gardens of Lahore famous for its beauty and the architectural design. Back to Top

Quaid-i-Azam was a great lover of the naturenature lover and loved strolling in the lush gardens bordering the rolling hills of Shimla and Kashmir. After independence, the Quaid used to go to Malir. At that time, Karachi was a clean and well-managed city. Malir was in the suburbs. The maddening rush, noise and air pollution at Karachi was unheard at the time. However, the Quaid preferred the salubrious air and solitude of Malir. May be he was planning how to build the new country from its humble beginning and inadequate resources.

The authorities responsible for building the Mausoleum felt that a splendid garden should be with the Mausoleum to increase its splendor and intrinsic beauty. The citizens of Karachi also wished to have a magnificent garden along with the Mausoleum.

The Prime Minister of Pakistan Muhammad Khan Junejo was moved by this desire. He announced in a public meeting on 14 February 1986, held at Karachi that a garden will be built around the area of the Mausoleum. He said that the proposed garden would be built on the pattern of famous Shalimar Garden at Lahore.

It was initially decided that an area of 96 acres would be used to build the gardens. An additional 20-acre land was earmarked for the QMMB offices and some other buildings. However, the Cabinet Committee ruled that the Building complex idea should be dropped. A Park exclusively for the women, children and handicapped people would be developed on the same area. Sub-Consultancy job of the design and PC-1 was given to PEPAC Ltd on March 1986, under the watchful eyes of Syed Zaigham. S. Jaffery, Architect at Design Bureau in K DA. An agreement for this task was signed on 18 June 1987. The design Bureau presented many proposals to the experts of the QMMB. One design was accepted on 31st December 1996.

(i) Architectural Conceptualization:

The Quran describes the paradise as a garden with ever flowing water channels and fountains. The garden is lined with fruit and aromatic trees and shrubs. The blessed will enjoy these bounties of God in accordance with their standing (Darajat).

In the Islamic Architecture "Chahar Bagh" is temporal representation of the garden of paradise. It represents the features of paradise, like water channels, cascades, pools, fountains, walkways, green lawns and fruit laden and aromatic trees. When viewed in totality it transpires that Muslim Garden is a formal entity. Order, symmetry, linearity and rhythm are its hallmarks. Nearly all the Mughal Garden of South Asia has been planned on this concept.

The design is inspired by and based on a thorough study of historic gardens, attached to the Tombs, Mosques and palaces and developed on the Islamic landscaping concepts. The following buildings were studied for this purpose: Back to Top

Taj Mahal, Agra
Itmad-ud-Daulah's Tomb, Agra
Humayun's Tomb, Delhi
Akbar's Tomb, Sikandra, Agra
Jahangir's Tomb, Shandra, Lahore
Shalimar Garden, Lahore
Nishat Bagh, Indian occupied Kashmir
Madar-e-Shah Garden, Isfahan, Iran
Mayadan Garden, Isfahan, Iran
Bagh-e-Fin, Kashan, Iran
Bagh-e-Erum, Shiraz, Iran
Ataturk's Tomb, Turkey
Cordova (Qurtba) Gardens, Spain
Granada (Gharnata) Gardens, Spain

Bagh-e-Quaid-i-Azam is a step further in the same direction. It is an elegant and harmonious fusion of Islamic architectural tradition, modern architectural trends and modern technologies. As the Mazar area did not lend itself for symmetrical utilization, hence it was divided into two portions i.e. formal area based on Chahar Bagh concept and informal area mainly comprising woodlands. In the informal areas, as far as possible existing levels, contours and landforms have been retained but brought into proper shapes. Apart from water channels and adjacent lawns, bulk of the area has been converted into woodlands. As the Mausoleum is the most important structure hence the green canopy has been planned in a way that it shall never mask its view from any side.

The basic principle of Islamic Gardens is walkways, water channels, and water ponds. Fountains, Water cascades, Green areas, Resting platforms, intricate patterns and Floor patterns have been used to create rhythm, symmetry, order and linearity. The design has been made considering the site features, contours, the form, size and placing of the Mausoleum. As the Mausoleum is the prominent and the main feature on the site, it was decided that no prominent vertical feature or construction would be included in the design, which would compete with the main mausoleum structure. Hence, the Baradaries and other visible structures like kiosks and washrooms were either removed or placed in such a way that they formed part of the landscape. To integrate the garden design with the mausoleum, the size of the podium (250x 250 ft.) was adopted as a design module. There are equal sized green areas bounded by walkways and water channels. These water channels are provided with fountains. A large fountain marks every intersecting point of these channels. The green areas are again divided by straight walkways with a raised platform at its center of submerged sitting areas with vertical cascades in the center. The entire area in front is terraced into five levels in the front facing Muhammad Ali Jinnah Road and four levels facing Shahrah-e-Quaideen. A ramped drive for VIPs is provided on Muhammad Ali Jinnah Road towards the North.

Natural levels and theThe existing trees have been maintained in the area between Peripheral Road towards the east end of the Mausoleum. The terracing is based on natural contours with minimum cutting. In the Peripheral area towards the southeast, a path and water channel network, matching that of in the Mausoleum area, a Children Park will be built. This park will have a Pakistan's map. The map will contain the natural topography of the different regions of Pakistan; Roadways and Railways network will be shown on the map. It will also depict the models of important buildings and structure at their actual locations.

The trees in the periphery have been planted in such ways that do not obstruct its view. The paths along the main entrances have row of fountains in water channels at the center and Palm trees on both the sides, framing the Mazar in the center. All the materials used in landscaping are locally produced. However, the electrical lights fixtures have been imported as they last longer, maintenance cost is less and have aesthetic values as well.

Prime Minister Muhammad Nawaz Sharif approved the funds required for building the gardens. President Muhammad Rafiq Tarar performed Earth breaking ceremony on 281h August 1999. The work on the Bagh-e-Quaid assumed real pace when in October 1999, General Pervez Musharraf visited the Mausoleum and ordered the army to expedite work on the project. Brigadier Asif Ghazali, Commander Corps of Engineers took over the task. The actual work on the site started on 1st March 2000. President Pervez Musharuf performed the opening ceremony of the gardens on December 24, 2000.

(ii) Civil Works:

The project was divided into formal and informal areas. Informal area, bulk of civil works included marbled water channels, marbled/paved walk ways and retaining walls at level changes. In addition certain structures were built to add to the beauty of the area. In informal areas, civil works were restricted to paved/stone walkways. Mother sources were explored for basic building materials like marble, granite, cement, steel and pavers. Samples were tested / examined for quality assurance and finally procured after deliberate negotiation on their price.

(iii) Electrical Works:

The lighting system has been planned in a way that a well lit Mausoleum remains centre of attraction. This allows only moderate lighting in the remaining areas. In all 870 lights have been installed which include 111 lights to illuminate the exterior of Mausoleum building. 248 under water lights have been used in water channels.

(iv) Plumbing Works:

The beauty of a garden depends solely on good water network. In view of large area manual watering was considered not feasible. Hence it was decided that the formal area lawns would be watered through popup sprinklers while the woodland would be drip irrigated. These modern systems of irrigation shall not only ensure lush green lawns and fast growing trees but also an overall economy of water. In addition all the water channels would have gushing type fountains. This needed extensive piping net work. The design and quantum of work placed it beyond the pale of ordinary plumbing concerns.

To charge the system about 300,000 gallons of water is required initially. Once the system is charges, the daily requirement is about 150,000 GPD. Each day one channels is cleaned and its water is used for sprinklers and irrigation thus ensuring water conservation and economy. Back to Top

(v) Horticulture:

Once the development works are over, more than anything else, proper horticulture acts as a multiplier in enhancing the beauty and elegance of this Bagh. Lush green lawns, manicured flower troughs and well-groomed woodland are the features, which attract the people of Pakistan in multitudes.

Different species of trees and flowers have been planted in the garden. Flower-bearing coconuts trees in the garden increase its beauty while the fragrance-emitting flowers like Jasmine, Gardenia, Red Rose, etc make the environment soothing and a sense of relaxation comes to the visitor. Seasonal flowers in the garden bloom in different seasons and hence no autumn sets in the garden. China rose (Hibiscus Rosa), Gul Mohur Tree further creates a sense of beauty, and the garden becomes attractive to the nature-lovers.

In this Bagh some 5,000 trees of 38 varieties have been planted. On the eastern side these plants are radial to the centre of the dome. On Shahrah-e-Quaideen side these are planted in square areas. Here a clearing of 80'x 80' has been left open, where sitting arrangements have been laid out for the people. In addition to trees, 1,18,841 sft of flower troughs and 15,20,342 sft of grassing in both formal and informal areas have also been planted. There are 125 lawns or terraces. These lawns are arranged on different levels such as 60 feet, 65 feet, 70 feet and 75 feet above mean sea level (MSL). In these lawns including the woodland, various varieties of plants are planted. Plantation in Bagh-e-Quaid-i-Azam is primarily divided into Ground Covers, Shrubs & Climbers, Trees, Seasonal Flora, Palms and Cactus.

All in all plantation in Bagh-e-Quaid-i-Azam is laid out in such a way that flowers bloom throughout the year, so deciduous, Semi-deciduous & evergreen plants are alternately used. Tree & shrubs are selected carefully based on stern, foliage & flowering beauty. Some trees have beautiful stem, others have been selected for their beautiful foliage (color & shape). These flowering trees are evergreen and flowers bloom in the different seasons of the year. The selected floras are mostly of robust type. They withstand the onslaught of the large number of visitors. Almost all the variety from ground covers to palms & cactus are included here that are considered to be of the best for a "Standard Garden Plan".

4. Aiwan-e-Nawadrat-e-Quaid-i-Azam (ANQA)

On the western side of the Mausoleum, in a large size hall, are the graves of National Leaders. The hall is extended to words North to make another large sized hall for exhibiting the relics of the Quaid-i-Azam. Quaid's relics include the object of this personal use, Welcome Addresses, Poems, two Cars, Holly Qurans, Presentations, Dress, Footwear, Postage Stamps, Currency Notes, Stationary, Furniture, Carpets, Crockery, Cutlery and glass ware, Decoration objects, Sports Gears, Arms and Armour etc.

The collection displayed in memorial room was graciously donated by Mohtanna Shireen Bai, sister of the Quaid-i-Azam and represents only a part of Quaid's personal effects. All the relics were gathered by a commission of enquiry setup by the Government of Pakistan in 1969, comprising of Mr. M.A.H. Ispahani Chairman, Late Raja Sahib Mahmoodabad and Dr. F.A. Khan the then Director General Archeology members. The relics were cleaned, chemically treated, varnished and identified with the help of Mr. M.A.I I. Ispahani and Raja Sahib Mehmoodabad. Thereafter, these were handed over to the department of Archeology in 1970 and to Quaid-i-Azam Mazar Management Board (QMMB) in 1985 for safe custody, preservation and display for the benefit of the Nation. The salient features of the collections are briefly enumerated below:

(i) Holly Qurans:

Nine copies arc displayed in the memorial room. The copies of Holly Quran include several copies published by Taj & Co. Lahore one copy each published at Mecca and Baghchah Serai (USSR) and two elegant copies published at Cairo, autographed by Late Hasan Banna Leader of "Akhwan-ul-Muslamin" of Egypt. This copy was presented to Quaid-i-Azam in 1946 at Cairo, where he stopped over on his return Journey to India after attending the Round table conference at Landon.

(ii) Postage Stamps & Currency Notes: The first series of postage stamps of various denominations placed in a beautiful Album was presented to Quaid-i-Azam by Late Sardar Abdul- Rab Nishtar, Minister for Communication. An album containing currency notes of one, two, five, ten and hundred rupees denominations was presented by the Ministry of Finance, Government of Pakistan. These currency notes issued by the British Government of India bears the words "Government of Pakistan" super imposed on them. Back to Top

(iii) Addresses of Welcome Welcome Addresses & Poems:

A number of welcome addresses and poems were presented to the Quaid-i-Azam during the period, when he was the president of the All India Muslim League and the Governor General of Pakistan. These addresses are placed either in decorated silver tubes, decorated silver casket or glided silver and wooden frames. In all there are nineteen welcome addresses, poems which are at display in ANQA.

(iv) Dress, Foot Wears and Other Objects:

The dresses comprise both Pakistani and European style. The collection of European style dresses include three-piece suits, tail coats, pant trousers, gents braces, shirts, separate collars, bows and neckties and breeches. Most of the dresses are tailored in London, Paris and Bombay and bear his initials "MAJ" and name of tailors. The tailors include reputable specialists such as Messers Lesley and Roberts, London, Watson Fagerstrom and Hughes Ltd London, Laffan's Bombay and Muhammad Tailors, Dehli. It is generally believed that Quaid-i-Azam started wearing Pakistani dress only after being elected President of All India Muslim League in 1934 but a china silk sherwani in this collection was tailored by Hoar & Co Bombay in 1925.

The footwear of Quaid-i-Azam in this collection comprises boots, slipon, shoes, sandals, slippers and khoosa type shoes. A black pump "Grugabi" (a slipon with bow) which Quaid-i-Azam used on several ceremonial occasions, including Oath taking ceremony as Governor General of Pakistan. Butler shoes were favorite shoes of the Quaid-i-Azamas he is seen wearing these shoes in many photographs. Some shoes were made in England and France.

(v) Miscellaneous Collections Passport, Monocles, Spectacles, Cigarette Boxes, Walking Sticks Etc:

The miscellaneous personal effects include the passport of Quaid-i-Azam issued to him in year 1931. His monocles, spectacles, purse, used by him during the last ten years of his life, table timepiece, clock, his typical cigarette lighter, cigarette boxes of different types and design ashtrays of different forms and shape etc. bears monogram "MAJ" embossed on the outer side. Three walking sticks are quite interesting.

(vi) Furniture, Bedroom, Dining Room , Drawing Room:

The furniture in this collection has been classified under drawing room. Study, dining room, bed room and miscellaneous items. The drawing room furniture set consists of central table with ornamental square base side cupboard with ornamental five open shelves and one close shelve provided with a door mirror at the back made of Burma teak wood. Dining room furniture consists of twelve armed chairs seat & back cushioned with Rexene cover and one teak wood dining table with plate glass top. The furniture was manufactured and supplied by the Bombay Art Furnishing. It was purchased at the time of his marriage. The study room furniture consists of revolving chair, a table with glass top, one sofa with built inside table and shelves, upholstered in green leather and four sofa armed chairs upholstered in leather to match the sofa and one central table with plate glass top. This was the pet sofa of the Quaid-i-Azam and some of the important decisions were taken by him while sitting on this sofa.

(vii) Carpets, Rugs, Etc:

Quaid-i-Azam had a good collection of carpets & rugs. There are five carpets at display in ANQA. All the carpets have been numbered and bear initials "MAJ" on them. One wall carpet was presented to Quaid-i-Azam by Allah Buksh, Muhammad Baksh Paracha Merchants Pakistan. It depicts Quaid-i-Azam in national dress sitting in a chair.

(viii) Crockery, Cutlery & Glass Vase:

The collection of crockery comprises two incomplete dinner sets and various stray dishes, cups and saucers etc. The dinner set with palm design was the favorite dinner set of Quaid-i-Azam. The cutlery also comprises folding set of fork, desert spoon and knife with ivory handles.

(ix) Decorative Object:

A variety of decorative objects including, porcelain jars, china vases, wooden and lacquered ivory and metal objects has been displayed in the ANQA.

(x) Sports Gears:

Quaid-i-Azam is known to have been found of billiard and golf. Several photographs of his playing billiard are also displayed in the ANQA. Three sets of golf clubs from his collection bear testimony to his love for golf. All the golf clubs are of superior quality and made in Great Britain.

(xi) Arms and Armours:

The collection of arms and armours comprises six guns and rifles, nine swords, three daggers and shield. Two shot guns are Belgium made. Three 303 rifles made in "Darra" (Khyber Pakhtonkhaw, Province) were presented to Quaid-i-Azam by local craftsman on his visit to Darra, (Khyber Pakhtonkhaw, Province).

5. Quaideen Grave Hall

On the eastern side of the Mausoleum in a large size hall, are the graves of five leaders, Shaheed-e-Millat Liaqat Ali Khan, Sardar Abdur Rab Nishtar, Mohtarma Fatima Jinnah, Noorul Amin and Begum Rana Liaquat Ali Khan. The graves are also clad with Malagori Marble, same marble that has been used to clad the grave of Quaid-i-Azam.

6. Audio Visual Hall

The Audio Visual Hall has recently being constructed in the Bagh-e-Quaid-i-Azam. It has a covered area of 5800sft with total seating capacity of 169. It has been built right in the footsteps of Main Mausoleum Building. This is an air-conditioned hall with all the latest gadgetries like multi-media & sound system etc. This is QMMB's another humble effort to perpetuate the dignity and fame of Quaid-i-Azam in a manner befitting to his stature.

To establish Audio Visual Room at the prestigious premises of Mazar-e-Quaid Project is itself a unique idea, to motivate people about the ideas of Pakistan and awareness of life of the Father of the Nation (Muhammad Ali Jinnah), his struggles, movement of Pakistan, memories of his companions and other heroes through exhibition of motivational programs, public service messages and documentaries on environment and various subjects as well as national theme. The formation and establishment of AV Hall shall not only promote the Mazar-e-Quaid Project but also provide several incentives to the Visitors and citizens of Karachi in different shapes.

The project has its great importance as it will be a source of providing public awareness and motivation to national spirit which is an essential need of time. This project will generate funds itself to meet the expenses through Membership of Education Institutions, Sponsorships of National, Multinational Companies and public shows.

The primary target audience of this AV Hall is school children, as usually one to two schools daily visit Bagh-e-Quaid-i-Azam. The program for schools has been designed as not only to show documentaries to children but also create awareness among the children and public to keep Mazar-e-Quaid neat and clean. The motive of the program is to educate the builders of the nation about Quaid's struggle for the homeland, environment and national heritage. The participation of the students will help to give guidelines of all walks of life to preserve and protect the beauty of Mazar-e-Quaid. This program will develop a strategy for preservation and improvement of our environment in general as well.

The construction of Audio Visual Hall has been completed and it was inaugurated on March 23, 2013 by the Honorable Governor Sindh, Dr. Ishrat-ul-Ebad Khan. The AV Hall will be opened for general public in near future.