New Delhi: The battle for Delhi Assembly elections 2025 is heating up with Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) Rajya Sabha MP and Delhi minister Saurabh Bhardwaj being denied entry to the bungalow at 6 Flagstaff Road where former Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal used to live. The BJP has repeatedly claimed that the bungalow was turned into a ‘Sheesh Mahal’ during Kejriwal’s tenure. To counter the claim, the AAP had announced that Sanjay Singh and Saurabh Bhardwaj would lead a media tour of the residence. Bhardwaj went to the bungalow on January 8 to search for the ‘golden commode, swimming pool, and mini bar’ as claimed by the BJP.
While the term ‘Sheesh Mahal’ has become popular in the Delhi politics and has become the cornerstone of the verbal clashes between the BJP and the AAP, there is one palace with the same name in Rajasthan which is famous for its bedazzling architecture. In this article, we will take a look at the real-life ‘Sheesh Mahal’ including its history and significance.
Sheesh Mahal: An architectural marvel in Rajasthan
Also known as the ‘Palace of Mirrors’, the Sheesh Mahal is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Jaipur. It is situated in Amber Fort and was constructed with red sandstone and marble. Since the ancient times, mirror-work has long played a significant role in different types of decor, and Rajasthan takes the credit for introducing the world to novel ways of utilising mirrors. Notably, the Amber Fort in Jaipur is a popular historical place in Rajasthan and is a UNESCO World Heritage site. The fort is one of the best examples of Rajput architecture and was influenced by the Mughal architectural style. Constructed of red sandstone and marble, the attractive, opulent fort was built by Raja Man Singh.
Why was the Sheesh Mahal built?
Raja Man Singh started the construction of the Sheesh Mahal in the 16th century but it was completed in 1727, the same year when the Jaipur state was founded. One of the queens of the king wanted to see the twinkling stars while sleeping as women were not allowed to sleep in the open. Hence, the king constructed the Sheesh Mahal so that the queen could watch the stars. The Sheesh Mahal is made with glass and stones, and at night, the mirror image of two candles gives the effect of a star-lit room.
The dazzling beauty of the Sheesh Mahal
The Sheesh Mahal is a treat for the eyes with the light and mirror effect. It was made in such a way that even if a single ray of light enters the palace, it will get replicated in the mirrors, enlightening the entire hallway. It has well-designed pillars and one of them has a flower etched on the base that exhibits changing colours of flowers when viewed from various angles.
The walls have numerous miniscule mirrors which form a far-fetched pattern and lending an awe-inspiring effect. The Sheesh Mahal is adorned with the coloured glasses and patterned mosaics. Also, it has mirrors from floor to ceiling, due to which a lighted candle can enlighten the entire hall of the fort. The beauty of the interiors of the palace are further heightened by floral motifs, ornate frescos and richly detailed inlay work. The numerous mirrors inside the palace reflect the light in a way that evokes awe among the visitors, making Sheesh Mahal one of the must visit places in Rajasthan.
The recent political spat in Delhi over a purported Sheesh Mahal in Arvind Kejriwal’s former residence prompts a look at Rajasthan’s actual Palace of Mirrors. Located in Amber Fort, Jaipur, this architectural marvel, built in the 16th-17th centuries, is renowned for its stunning mirror work and unique design. knowledge Knowledge News, Photos and Videos on General Knowledge
