In 17th-century Mughal-era Shalimar Bagh, palace complex, 3 heritage-era cottages unveiled after restoration

Indian Express

2 days ago

Once in a dilapidated condition, the palace complex in the 17th-century Mughal-era Shalimar Bagh in North Delhi has now been restored to its former glory. Union Culture and Tourism Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, Lieutenant Governor VK Saxena, and Chief Minister Rekha Gupta on Wednesday threw open to the public the revived Sheesh Mahal, a baradari (pavilion), and three heritage-era cottages.
Of the three restored cottages, two have been adaptively reused — one now houses the 'Readers Café Corner', facilitating literary engagement, while 'Café Shalimar', the other, is where the visitors can come, eat, and enjoy with their loved ones.
The third cottage has been repurposed for official use while maintaining its heritage character.
The restoration was carried out by the Delhi Development Authority (DDA) under the technical supervision of the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI).
The work began following the L-G's visit to the site in January 2024. During that visit, the L-G had taken note of the dilapidated condition of the structures, which were buried under layers of silt and overgrown vegetation, according to the DDA.
The Shalimar Bagh, DDA underlined, was built in 1653 and has witnessed multiple phases of Delhi's history — from the Mughal period to the British rule. As part of its restoration, while the ASI worked on conserving the architectural elements of Sheesh Mahal, the DDA redeveloped the surrounding garden in the traditional Char Bagh or a Persian-style garden layout.
The baradari and cottages were restored using traditional material such as lakhori bricks, lime surkhi, lime concrete, and organic binders like gud, belgiri, and urad.
Speaking at the unveiling event, Shekhawat said the Centre was committed to supporting conservation efforts in Delhi in line with the Prime Minister's vision of 'Vikas Bhi, Virasat Bhi' (development with heritage).
Hitting out at the previous AAP government, Shekhawat said, 'When this restoration project was first taken up by L-G Saxena, there was a repulsive government in Delhi. Now, there is a double-engine force multiplying government in Delhi, and CM Gupta, this will transform Delhi into 'New Delhi' soon.'
L-G Saxena said the project would help preserve Delhi's architectural legacy and urged citizens to safeguard such restored spaces from future neglect.
Meanwhile, the Chief Minister gave credit to the L-G for taking the lead in protecting heritage sites across the Capital and thanked him for his 'constant guidance' in developmental work.
DDA said the latest project follows its recent conservation work at sites such as Mehrauli Archaeological Park, Hazrat Nizamuddin Basti, St. James Church, and Anangpal Tomar Van.