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Published 19:38 IST, September 7th 2024

‘Sheesh Mahal In Shalimar Bagh To Be Restored By End of 2024’: Delhi LG VK Saxena

Delhi Lieutenant Governor, VK Saxena announced that the Sheesh Mahal in Shalimar Bagh will be restored by the end of 2024.

Reported by: Digital Desk
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Sheesh Mahal, Shalimar Bagh in Delhi to be restored by December 2024
Sheesh Mahal, Shalimar Bagh in Delhi to be restored by December 2024 | Image: X

New Delhi: After conducting an inspection at the Mughal Era- Sheesh Mahal Complex in Delhi’s Shalimar Bagh area, Delhi Lieutenant Governor, VK Saxena on Saturday announced that the architecture building will be restored by the end of this year. 

"Coming December, the capital will have another restored and rejuvenated DDA Recreational Green spread over 150 acre at Shalimar Bagh in North-North West Delhi," an official release issued by Delhi LG office read. 

This was LG's third visit, after he first visited the site on January 20, this year. He appreciated the effort of both Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) and DDA, who are working in tandem to bring the dilapidated structure to its past glory.

The main building, once a grand edifice of Red Sandstone adorned with intricate carvings (naqqashi) on its pillars and jharokhas, had lost its vibrant color over time. The pillars and jharokhas had become weathered and dilapidated. Behind the building, there was a well from which water was drawn and stored on the roof. From there, the water cascaded down in a gradient, feeding the channels in front of the building. The gradient created pressure that caused the water to flow out of the fountains in the channels.

History of Sheesh Mahal

Out of many pleasure gardens built by Mughals north of Shahjahanabad, the Shalimar Bagh is known to be most extensive. The Sheesh Mahal and the bagh were the country house of Mughal emperor Aurangzeb and the site of his coronation in 1658. The site was used as summer lodge during British time.

The Sheesh Mahal Monument and the remains of the water channel leading to the fountain area are the only visible remnants of that era on site. The vast existing layout of pathways and trails apparently bear no connection to the historic layout. 

Updated 19:38 IST, September 7th 2024