Skip to main content

Sheesh Mahal (Lahore Fort)



The Sheesh Mahal (Urdu: شیش محل‎; “The Palace of Mirrors”) is located within the Shah Burj block in northern-western corner of Lahore Fort. It was constructed under the reign of Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan in 1631-32. The ornate white marble pavilion is inlaid with pietra dura and complex mirror-work of the finest quality. The hall was reserved for personal use by the imperial family and close aides. It is among the 21 monuments that were built by successive Mughal emperors inside Lahore Fort, and forms the "jewel in the Fort’s crown."[1] As part of the larger Lahore Fort Complex, it has been inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since .

Design

The Sheesh Mahal is elaborately decorated with a myriad of reflective glass tiles.The building’s ceiling is also adorned with mirror-work.The Sheesh Mahal was built by Emperor Shah Jahan. It was built in the middle of Jahangir's rule. The façade, consisting of five cusped marble arches supported by coupled columns, opens into the courtyard. The engrailed spandrels and bases are inlaid with precious stones. The pavilion is in the form of a semi-octagon, and consists of apartments roofed with gilded cupolas and intricately decorated with pietra dura and convex glass and mirrormosaic (ayina kari) with thousands of small mirrors.At night they light candles. [8] The decorative features also include stuccotracery (munabat kari) and carved marblescreens in geometrical and tendril designs.[9]The roof of the central hall rises up to two storeys. The hall was originally decorated with fresco paintings that were later replaced with glass mosaic in different colours.[1]
Close up view of the building's mirror-workThe solid brick foundations of Lahore Fort were laid in 1566 under the reign of Mughal emperor Akbar the Great on the location of an earlier mud-fort. To build the new fort, the Emperor brought experienced artisans after the completion of Fatehpur Sikri.[4] Later, Shah Jahan converted the fort into a pleasure resort and added Diwan-i-Khas, Moti Masjid, Naulakha Pavilion, sleeping chambers, and Sheesh Mahal in to the complex. Sheesh Mahal is located within the Shah Burj (King's Pavilion) block that was actually built by his predecessor Jahangir

History


Close up view of the building's mirror-workThe solid brick foundations of Lahore Fort were laid in 1566 under the reign of Mughal emperor Akbar the Great on the location of an earlier mud-fort. To build the new fort, the Emperor brought experienced artisans after the completion of Fatehpur Sikri.[4] Later, Shah Jahan converted the fort into a pleasure resort and added Diwan-i-Khas, Moti Masjid, Naulakha Pavilion, sleeping chambers, and Sheesh Mahal in to the complex. Sheesh Mahal is located within the Shah Burj (King's Pavilion) block that was actually built by his predecessor Jahangir. The chamber was exclusively used for private council meetings as part of the daily routine of the emperor, whereas the whole block was only accessible to the imperial princes, the vizier, and selected courtiers.[5] The extension work of private quarters by Shah Jahan continued between 1628 and 1634. The distinctive Shah Jahani architecture is reflected in the extensive use of white marble and hierarchical accents of the construction.[6] During the Sikh Empire, Shah Burj became Ranjit Singh's favourite place. He built a harem over the top of Sheesh Mahal.[4] This was also the place where he used to display his prized possession, the Koh-i-Noor.[7]





The chamber was exclusively used for private council meetings as part of the daily routine of the emperor, whereas the whole block was only accessible to the imperial princes, the vizier, and selected courtiers.[5] The extension work of private quarters by Shah Jahan continued between 1628 and 1634. The distinctive Shah Jahani architecture is reflected in the extensive use of white marble and hierarchical accents of the construction.[6] During the Sikh Empire, Shah Burj became Ranjit Singh's favourite place. He built a harem over the top of Sheesh Mahal.[4] This was also the place where he used to display his prized possession, the Koh-i-Noor.[7]

Comments

Popular posts from this blog

Lotus Temple TEMPLE, NEW DELHI, INDIA

The Lotus Temple of Delhi is called Bahai Temples, situated near kalka Ji.Lotus Temple is a house of Worship for every religion and best place for meditation and peace. Bahai Faith is spiritual unity of all humankind, there are eight continental Houses of Worship have been built around the world. Lotus Temple is one of them and the prominent attraction in Delhi.Lotus Temple, Bahāʾī Faith house of worship, or mashriq al-adhkār (Arabic; a place where the uttering of the name of God arises at dawn), in New Delhi. In the early 21st century it was one of only seven mashriqs in the world. BRITANNICA Lotus Temple TEMPLE, NEW DELHI, INDIA Lotus Temple, Bahāʾī Faith house of worship, or mashriq al-adhkār (Arabic; a place where the uttering of the name of God arises at dawn), in New Delhi. In the early 21st century it was one of only seven mashriqs in the world. Lotus Temple, New Delhi, India.© jedi-master/Fotolia The Lotus Temple was consecrated and opened to the public in December 1986. It wa...

Sanssouci Palace, Germany

Sanssouci Palace, Germany Sans souci, which means “without concerns” in French, was the summer palace and private refuge of the King of Prussia, Freidrich the Great. A place where he could retreat without care to relax in the company of his greyhounds, the Schloss Sanssouci or Sanssouci Palace is located in the city of Potsdam, bordering Berlin. Built on raised ground with cascading vineyard terraces, the architecture of Sanssouci is more ‘Frederician Rococo’ because of a strong influence of the King’s personal tastes. The Palace was designed by Georg Wenzeslaus von Knobelsdorff, with construction starting in 1745 and completed by Jan Bouman in 1747. King Frederick William IV expanded and improved it in the 19th century and, after it somehow emerged from World War II without a scratch, Sanssouci became a tourist attraction in East Germany. Sights in Sanssouci not to be missed are the Pantheonesque gold and white Marble Hall reception area, the Voltaire Room (the French philosopher was...

Yangtze River in china.

The longest river in Asia holds great historical, economical and cultural importance to the country. It accommodates the controversial Three Gorges Dam which is the largest hydro-electric power station in the world. It also thought by many to divide Northern and Southern China; both areas are immensely different in terms of climate, culture, economics, folk customs and landscape. Along the river there are many areas of historical interest, as well as much natural beauty. Because of its vast size, one of the most relaxing ways to enjoy the river is by taking a cruise or a tour of the area. Independent Asia specialists Exotissimo offers a cruise which includes stops at the mysterious Fengdu Ghost City and the precious stone fortress, Shibaozhai. Yangtze River, world’s 3rd longest river, is not only a winner of its length. However, floating across from the western region to east edge of China, this mother river for Chinese people presents one of the superb natural splendors for tourists ...