New Delhi

A Mughal-era palace, Sheesh Mahal, located in Shalimar Bagh, North Delhi, was restored and unveiled on Wednesday (July 2, 2025) by Union Culture and Tourism Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat. Built in 1653 during Emperor Shah Jahan’s reign, the palace and its surrounding gardens—now protected monuments under the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI)—had long been in a state of disrepair.

The restoration project gained momentum following Lieutenant Governor Vinai Saxena’s visit in January 2024. The ASI undertook the restoration of the palace’s heritage features, while the Delhi Development Authority (DDA) recreated the Mughal-style Char Bagh landscape to revive its original grandeur.

Shalimar Bagh, originally known as Aizzabad Garden, is believed to have been commissioned by Shah Jahan in memory of Aizzun-Nisha Begum. The name Shalimar—derived from ‘Shala’ and ‘Mara,’ meaning ‘abode of pleasure’—was reportedly given by the emperor himself. The Sheesh Mahal also holds historical significance as the site of Aurangzeb’s first coronation in 1658.

DDA also restored a decayed baradari (pavilion) and three heritage cottages using traditional materials such as lime surkhi, lakhauri bricks, and organic binders like gud, belgiri, and urad dal. Two of these cottages have been repurposed: one houses The Readers Café Corner, a literary café, while the other, Café Shalimar, serves park visitors.

At the inauguration, Mr. Saxena urged the public to help preserve the restored site: “Let us ensure these priceless monuments remain clean, green, and protected from encroachment.”

Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta praised the efforts to revive Delhi’s historical legacy and took a swipe at former CM Arvind Kejriwal: “Mr. Kejriwal built a ‘Sheesh Mahal’ for personal luxury using taxpayer money. We’re restoring one for the public good. That’s the difference.”