The historic Sheesh Mahal, a stunning relic of Mughal grandeur nestled in the heart of Shalimar Bagh, has reopened to the public following an extensive restoration effort. The unveiling on July 2 marked a new chapter for the 17th-century marvel, blending preservation, public engagement, and Delhi’s rich cultural identity.
Constructed in 1653 during the Mughal dynasty, the centuries-old site had been neglected for years and was in poor condition. After L-G Saxena visited in January 2024 and observed the deteriorating buildings, the Delhi Development Authority (DDA) completed the restoration under the expert guidance of the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI).
Under Prime Minister Narendra Modi's desire to preserve India's legacy while promoting progress, the restoration is a component of the current "Vikas Bhi, Virasat Bhi" campaign. It comes after comparable fruitful initiatives at Anangpal Tomar Van and Mehrauli Archaeological Park.
To guarantee authenticity, the DDA and the ASI employed traditional materials and methods during the restoration, such as lime surkhi, lakhauri bricks, and natural binders like gud and belgiri. Three heritage huts and a nearly dilapidated baradari were also renovated. In order to combine history with community involvement, two of these have been adaptively repurposed as Readers Café Corner and Café Shalimar.
Sheesh Mahal remains one of the few surviving Mughal garden pavilions in Delhi, placing it alongside the Red Fort, Humayun’s Tomb, and Safdarjung’s Tomb in architectural and cultural value. Its revival is more than cosmetic—it’s a statement of civic pride and heritage continuity.
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