Baradari (building)

Baradari, also spelt as Bara Dari, is a building or pavilion with twelve doors designed to allow free flow of air. The structure has three doorways on every side of the square-shaped structure.

Hazuri Bagh Baradari in Hazuri Bagh, Lahore, Pakistan

Because of their outstanding acoustic features, these buildings were particularly well-suited for mujra dance or courtesan dance performances by the noble courtesans. They were also well-suited for live performances and private concerts by various musicians and poets in front of the ruling kings of the time. They were also valued for their fresh air during hot summers of India. Bara in Urdu/Hindi means Twelve and the word Dar means 'door'.

Notable examples

Some of the historic baradaris include Taramati Baradari, ^[1] Hazuri Bagh Baradari, ^[2] Wazir Khan Baradari, Goshamal Baradari, Lucknow Baradari, Baradari at Daulatabad Fort, and Baradari at Palace of Man Singh I at Amber Fort, among others.

Gallery

• 
  Baradari at Mansingh Mahal, Amber Fort, Jaipur
• 
  Heera Mahal Baradari, Red Fort, Delhi
• 
  Hazuri Bagh Baradari, Hazuri Bagh, Lahore ^[2]
• 
  Baradari at Shalimar Gardens, Lahore
• 
  Lahore Fort Baradari
• 
  Baradari at Hiran Minar, Sheikhupura, Pakistan
• 
  Baradari at Umaid Bhawan Palace, Jodhpur
• 
  Baradari at Shalimar Gardens, Lahore
• 
  Baradari in Sherawala Garden, Gujranwala
• 
  Baradari at Roshanara Bagh, Delhi
• 
  Taramati Baradari, Hyderabad
• 
  Wazir Khan Baradari, Lahore
• 
  Baradari of Kamran Mirza, Lahore
• 
  Inner View of Baradari at Sherawala Garden, Gujranwala
• 
  Baradari of the Golconda Fort
• 
  Baradari at Katasraj Mandir, Choa Saidanshah, Chakwal District, Punjab, Pakistan
• 
  Baradari at Ana Sagar, Ajmer.

References

1. "Cultural Hamlet". The Hindu . 27 January 2004. Archived from the original on 15 February 2004. Retrieved 28 February 2017.
2. "Hazori Bagh". Lahore City History. Archived from the original on 21 January 2020. Retrieved 29 November 2025.