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Restored Sheesh Mahal Opens to Public in Delhi’s Shalimar Bagh

The renovated 17th-century Sheesh Mahal complex now includes community cafés in heritage cottages as authorities prepare to restore its central fountain.

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The restoration efforts by both ASI and DDA began after Saxena’s visit to the site in January 2024. Active conservation work commenced in June the same year. (PTI)
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Restored Mughal-era Sheesh Mahal in Shalimar Bagh | Photo: Manisha Mondal | ThePrint

Overview

  • The Delhi Development Authority and Archaeological Survey of India completed conservation of the pavilion, baradari and three heritage cottages using lakhori bricks, lime surkhi and traditional organic binders.
  • Two of the restored cottages have been adaptively repurposed as the Readers Café Corner and Café Shalimar to foster public engagement with Mughal architecture.
  • Union Culture Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, Chief Minister Rekha Gupta and Lt Governor Vinai Kumar Saxena formally inaugurated the site on July 2, marking its first public access after decades of neglect.
  • Plans are underway for the next restoration phase to revive the ornamental fountain courtyard and reinstate the complex’s original Char Bagh layout.
  • At the unveiling, CM Rekha Gupta contrasted the public heritage project with allegations over former CM Arvind Kejriwal’s private ‘Sheesh Mahal,’ underscoring ongoing political narratives over heritage stewardship.