Sheesh Mahal reopens after 370 years: A royal Mughal retreat returns to life in Delhi
Union Culture and Tourism Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat inaugurated the restored site, calling it a milestone in preserving Delhi's cultural legacy. With its revived Mughal gardens and restored architecture, Sheesh Mahal now stands as a symbol of the city's rich historical and architectural heritage.
Sheesh Mahal reopens as a living tribute to Delhi's Mughal heritage
Once a royal retreat built by Emperor Shah Jahan in 1653, the Sheesh Mahal at Shalimar Bagh has reopened after an extensive restoration, shining once again as a living tribute to Delhi's Mughal heritage.
From its intricate architecture to the blooming gardens inspired by Char Bagh design, the palace now blends historical grandeur with public accessibility. The revival, led by ASI and DDA, invites visitors to explore a rare glimpse into the city's regal past and cultural richness.
With its gardens blooming once again and its palace walls shimmering under the Delhi sun, Sheesh Mahal at Shalimar Bagh now stands not just as a relic of the past, but as a living museum—open, accessible, and deeply meaningful to both residents and visitors.
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Whether you're a history buff, architecture lover, or just looking to reconnect with Delhi's royal roots, Sheesh Mahal offers a rare glimpse into the city's timeless Mughal legacy.
From love to legacy: The story of Sheesh Mahal
Originally constructed in 1653 during the reign of Emperor Shah Jahan, Sheesh Mahal was once part of a magnificent garden complex designed to serve as a royal retreat. Shalimar Bagh, historically known as Aizzabad Garden, was reportedly commissioned by the emperor in memory of Aizzun-Nisha Begum.
The name 'Shalimar', derived from the words Shala (home) and Mara (pleasure), translates to 'abode of pleasure'—an apt description for the serene Mughal garden it once was.
Beyond its architectural beauty, the palace also holds a notable place in Indian history—it was the site of Aurangzeb's first coronation in 1658, adding further historical weight to its preservation.
How a 2024 visit sparked Sheesh Mahal's restoration
For decades, Sheesh Mahal and the surrounding Shalimar Bagh complex—now under the protection of the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI)—suffered from decay and neglect.
The turnaround began in earnest following a site visit by Delhi's Lieutenant Governor Vinai Kumar Saxena in January 2024, which brought attention to its dilapidated state.
Following his visit, the ASI took charge of restoring the palace's Mughal architecture, while the Delhi Development Authority (DDA) focused on reviving the garden layout based on the traditional Char Bagh (four-part garden) design—an integral element of Mughal landscaping.
Recreating Mughal glory with original techniques
The restoration work was grounded in historical accuracy. DDA's conservation team used traditional construction materials such as:
Lime surkhi (lime mortar with crushed bricks)
Lakhauri bricks (thin Mughal-era bricks)
Natural binders like gud (jaggery), belgiri (bael fruit), and urad dal (black gram paste) to mimic original Mughal techniques
This dedication to authenticity extended to the restoration of a baradari (pavilion) and three heritage cottages within the garden complex.
Historic cottages reimagined as cafés for readers and visitors
In a creative blend of preservation and public utility, two of the restored cottages have been repurposed for community use:
The Readers' Café Corner:
A literary space for book lovers and cultural enthusiasts
Café Shalimar
: A casual eatery designed for park visitors and heritage tourists
These additions aim to make the site more inviting while promoting cultural engagement.
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