The Shalimar Gardens, laid out at the command of Emperor Shah Jahan, reflect the genius of the Mughal landscape architecture, and embody the Mughal concept of a perfect garden: an enclosed area divided into symmetrical patterns of turf, containing water canals, ornamental tanks, and fountains, lined by cypresses and rose bushes . Having lost much of their original splendor and beauty, at the hands of Sikh plunderers during the rule of Ranjit Singh, the Gardens were handed over to the Department of Archaeology in 1913. Since then, sustained efforts have been made to preserve the buildings, restore the Gardens to their original appearance and, recreate the former atmosphere.