Castle of glass
– Photo : Amar Ujala
Expansion
Conservation work has begun on the historic Sheesh Mahal, where Mughal ruler Aurangzeb was crowned. This Mughal-era monument located in Shalimar Bagh will soon be seen in its original form. In this way, it will attract domestic and foreign tourists from far away.
The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) is preserving its main structure. This work will be completed in different phases. ASI’s special emphasis is to restore the main structure to its old form. ASI has set a deadline of four months to preserve the palace. Sheesh Mahal, which was once the resting place of Shah Jahan’s Begums, was suffering from neglect for a long time.
Sheesh Mahal under the protection of ASI since 1983
The 17th century Sheesh Mahal is being conserved after a long time. This monument is under the protection of ASI since the year 1983. Red sandstone from Rajasthan is being used in the conservation. Also, thin red bricks are also being used. After the conservation of the main structure, the plaster process will be conserved through lime panning. In this, lime, surkhi, jaggery, belgiri and tur dal will be used to fix the structure and fill the gaps.
The building has deteriorated over time
This historic building has become dilapidated over time. It has developed cracks due to weather and time. Plaster has fallen off from many places. The paintings on its walls and ceilings are damaged. There are many wells around it, which have now turned into a jungle. In view of this, the Archaeological Department has started the work of preserving it. In this, along with strengthening the building, conservation work will also be done on the roof, door frames, balconies.
Shah Jahan built it for his Begum
Experts say that Sheesh Mahal was built by Shah Jahan for his Begum. His Begum and her friends used to come here to swing. Beautiful paintings can be seen here. Vines and flowers have been beautifully carved in red and green colors. There are also rooms on both sides of the water waterfall above the Sheesh Mahal. It is said that there was also a tunnel here, which went up to the Red Fort.
Artisans from Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh are working
Artisans from different states have come to preserve the palace. Artisans from Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh are included here. There are 30 to 40 artisans in it. An ASI official said that the biggest challenge in this is to find skilled artisans. He says that not every artisan can do the work of preserving the monument. At the same time, artisans from the same place are needed depending on the type of monument and the stone used. He said that soon this monument will attract tourists.
History of Sheesh Mahal
The Sheesh Mahal located in Shalimar Bagh is a 17th century monument. The Sheesh Mahal was built by Shah Jahan in memory of his Begum Aizjunnisa. In 1658 AD, Mughal emperor Aurangzeb was crowned at this place and given the title of emperor. ASI Delhi Circle Chief and Superintendent Archaeologist Praveen Singh said that the conservation work of the Sheesh Mahal is being done. It is a historically important monument. Soon it will come back to its old form. In this way it will attract tourists. Many types of facilities will also be provided to the tourists here.
