The 17th-century gem of Delhi's Mughal heritage, namely the Sheesh Mahal, has finally been reopened to the public after a long period of conservation. Located within the historic Shalimar Bagh in the north of the city, the monument which was once a royal retreat for Emperor Shahjahan, has been plugged back into the tourist circuit by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), replete with guided public access for the first time in over 370 years. The unveiling marks a significant step in the heritage history and tourism in Delhi.
The Sheesh Mahal, or ‘Palace of Mirrors’, was taken up with a conservation initiative led by the ASI and supported by the Delhi government. The work began in 2021 and was completed in phases, focusing on stabilising the structure, restoring the decorative motifs, and preserving the original Mughal plasterwork. Over the years, the monument had suffered from encroachment, environmental degradation, and structural damage due to neglect.
The palace's distinctive elements, including its scalloped arches, jharokhas, floral designs, and traces of mirror work, have now been preserved with little alteration to preserve authenticity, according to ASI officials. Using conventional materials and methods, the restoration also made sure that the Mughal lime plaster and stones were cleaned and solidified.
The site, flunged far north, was once obscured by overgrown foliage and fencing. It is now accessible to the public via guided tours. Security, lighting, and interpretive signage have also been added, enhancing the visitor experience while ensuring preservation.
The Sheesh Mahal was a component of the expansive royal retreat at Shalimar Bagh, which was constructed in 1653 during the reign of Shah Jahan. It is thought that the emperor remained here both during his military expeditions. The architecture is typical of the late Mughal period—restrained in scale compared to grander imperial structures, yet rich in detailing. The interior was once adorned with intricate mirror inlay, coloured tile work, and frescoes, remnants of which are still visible. Some scholars believe the design of the Sheesh Mahal also influenced later palace architecture in regions like Rajasthan and Punjab.
Chiefly, however, the structure was witness to pivotal moments in Delhi’s political history. In 1658, it was here that Aurangzeb is said to have been crowned after deposing his father Shah Jahan. Later, during the Revolt of 1857, Shalimar Bagh and its pavilions were reportedly used as strategic encampments by British forces.
Tucked away in northwest Delhi near the Bhalswa landfill not far from the Outer Ring Road, the Sheesh Mahal exists in a way out of the usual tourist circuits of Delhi. Yet its restoration and the recent opening comes in also as a hope to inculcate it within the go-to spots in Delhi.
In addition, the revival also raises hopes for the larger rejuvenation of Shalimar Bagh, which was once a grand garden patterned after Persian charbagh styles yet remained overlooked in view of the more accessible gardens of Delhi. Much of the Shalimar, unfortunately, has been forever lost to urban encroachment.
In the efforts being made to integrate the site into Delhi’s broader heritage circuit, the idea is to potentially create a northern heritage trail that includes Coronation Park, Mutiny Memorial, and Ashokan-era sites in the vicinity.
Though slightly off the typical tourist map, Sheesh Mahal has the advantage of being at the heart of the peak of 17th and 18th century Delhi and as such close to several historic landmarks that can enrich a heritage walk. These include the Coronation Memorial, where the historic Delhi Durbars were held; the Mutiny Memorial (Ajitgarh), which commemorates British soldiers from the 1857 uprising; and the remnants of the Mughal canal systems that once irrigated the Shalimar Bagh.
In addition, visitors can also explore the more modern colonial-era ruins in the vicinity which gives way to the usual binge of Red Fort, Chandni Chowk and Jama Masjid when one hikes down south from the Shalimar Bagh area, all of which illustrate Delhi's nuanced connection with memory and urban development.
