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The Sheesh Mahal, a 17th-century Mughal-era palace located in Shalimar Bagh, North Delhi, was recently restored and reopened to the public by the Union Culture and Tourism Minister. The restoration was carried out by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) and the Delhi Development Authority (DDA).

About Sheesh Mahal

• Built in 1653 by Izz-un-Nisha Begum, wife of Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan.
• Inspired by and a replica of Shalimar Bagh in Kashmir, designed as a royal retreat from Shahjahanabad.
• The garden was originally called Aizzabad Garden, later renamed Shalimar, meaning “abode of pleasure”.
• The palace was the site of Aurangzeb’s first coronation in 1658.
• Declared a monument of national importance in 1983, under ASI protection.

Architectural Features

• Constructed using red sandstone and brick masonry.
• Features archways, three-arched dalans, and a central hall with compartments on each wing.
• A Baradari (pavilion) lies in the main building with a water channel passing through it.
• Houses mirror-worked chambers with paintings in Kangra and Rajasthani qalam, depicting poetic imagery by Keshav, Surdas, and Bihari.
• Adjacent structure served as a Hamam (bathhouse).

Restoration Highlights

• ASI restored the palace’s original heritage features.
• DDA recreated the traditional Mughal Char Bagh-style landscape.
• Traditional materials used: Lime surkhi, lakhori bricks, gud (jaggery), belgiri, and urad dal.
• An old baradari and three heritage cottages were also restored.

New Additions for Public Engagement

• Two heritage cottages repurposed:
  • The Readers Café Corner – a literary café.
  • Café Shalimar – for general visitors.