Badshahi mosque was built by the sixth Mughal emperor Aurangzeb Alamgir in 1671. The mosque was completed in 1673and has the honour of the 2nd largest mosque in south Asia and the fifth largest mosque in the world. The mosque still stands with mughal grandeur and passion. It is the main attraction of tourist in Lahore.
For a period of 313 years the mosque remained largest mosque in the world, from 1673 to 1986. Four minarets are built on the four sides of the mosque and these minarets can be seen from far place. Government of Pakistan has recommended the mosque as world heritage site in 1993 and it is still in tentative list for possible nominations in the List by UNESCO. 
The mosque is constructed at a raised plat form to avoid flooding from the nearby river at that time. The mosque was constructed with bricks and compacted clay. Red tiles were brought from jaipur in Rajasthan and domes were built in white marble. Emperor Aurangzeb appointed Muzaffar Hussain in May 1671 to see the construction of the mosque. A new gate was also built to Lahore fort opening with face to Mosque. The gate was named Alamgiri gate after the name of the emperor.
The mosque has seen many phases. The mosque was built in the period Of Aurangzeb Alamgir after mughal rule it came under Sikh rulers on 7 July 1799. Ranjit Singh used the courtyard of the mosque as a stable for army’s horses and its Hujras were used as quarters for the soldiers. The civil Sikh war took place in 1841 and Sher Singh used the largest minaret of the mosque to keep his Zamburahs(cannons). The war also damaged the various buildings of the Fort as the opponent Maharaani Chand kaur was taking refuge in the Fort.
In British rule the mosque continued serving as army quarter. 80 hujraas were built to serve as study room. The british demolished the original one to avoid anti british policies and rebuilt these dallans with open arches. These arches are still in practice today.
In 1852 the British return the mosque to the muslim and allowed to restore it as worship place. After that many repairs were done. After 1947, when Pakistan came into being, much restoration was done. In 1960 the mosque stood restored at the cost of 4.8 billions. A small Islamic museum was established in the galleries of the mosque above the main entrance. The mosque stands with all architectural features and designs. The architecture has the influence of Persian, Islamic and central Asian architecture. All architectural features of mosque can be examined in the mosque. Stairs are provided to approach the main entrance of the mosque and when you cross the stairs you will have a view of magnificence mosque showing its full grandeur. The people who visit Lahore must visit the mosque. 
