Ranjit Singh built the marble pavilion in the tree-lined terraces of the Hazuri Bagh in Lahore in 1818. It was to provide a cool garden retreat where he could take refuge from the heat. The European gentleman in the pavilion is likely to be James Craddock, who often included himself in his photographs.
Ranjit Singh (1780-1839) was a Sikh chief who was known as the Lion of the Punjab. He united the Sikh provinces and became the most powerful ruler in India. He was an important ally of the British.