SHEESH MAHAL - The PALACE OF MIRRORS, Lahore, Pakistan

SHEESH MAHAL - The PALACE OF MIRRORS, Lahore, Pakistan

The palace of mirrors or Sheesh Mahal used to be the private chamber of the Mughal kings in Lahore Fort (Shahi Qila). Adorned with thousands of mirrors and precious jewels, the kings and their very close aides could set foot inside this beautiful palace. It still stands today and has been recently renovated.

The Sheesh Mahal is located within the Shah Burj block in the 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 mirrorwork of the finest quality.

Sheesh Mahal, in the Urdu language, literally means 'Crystal Palace.' However, with its pietra dura decorations and intricate mirror-work inlaid into the white marble walls and ceilings creating the gleaming effect, the lavish room has come to be known as the 'Palace of Mirrors' and sometimes the 'Hall of Mirrors.' Similar halls are also found in the contemporary palace of the Agra Fort and show influence on the later additions to Amber Fort.

The 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. Later, Shah Jahan converted the fort into a pleasure resort and added Diwan-i-Khas, Moti Masjid, Naulakha Pavilion, sleeping chambers, and Sheesh Mahal into the complex. Sheesh, Mahal is located within the Shah Burj (King's Pavilion) block built by his predecessor Jahangir. The chamber was exclusively used for private council meetings as part of the daily routine of the emperor. In contrast, the whole block was only accessible to the imperial princes, the vizier, and selected courtiers. 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. During the Sikh Empire, Shah Burj became Ranjit Singh's favorite place. He built a harem over the top of Sheesh Mahal. This was also the place where he used to display his prized possession, the Koh-i-Noor.

A pavilion within the Shah Burj of Shahi Qila (Lahore Fort Complex), Shah Jahan built the Shish Mahal for his empress. A highly ornate chamber, the central portion of the façade is composed of five cusped marble arches supported by coupled columns in marble on bases inlaid with precious stones. The interior is decorated in saying Kari-style glass mosaic.

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