Sheesh Mahal

Sheesh Mahal is the most fascinating place I found in whole Lahore fort. So i decided to write an whole article for it.
Sheesh Mahal which literally means 'Crystal Palace' is among the 21 monuments that were built by successive Mughal emperors inside Lahore Fort, and forms the jewel in the Fort's crown.

As we all know Sheesh Mahal was constructed by Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan. It is called Sheesh Mahal (Crystal Palace) due to its pietra dura decorations and intricate mirror-work inlaid into the white marble walls and ceilings creating gleaming effect. Sometimes it is also called "Hall of mirrors" because its main hall is full of mirrors.

The facade which consists of five marble arches opens into the courtyard. The engrailed spandrels and bases  are inlaid with precious stones.

The courtyard of Sheesh Mahal is very big and it has number of water pathways. It also contains a small  central pond which has a platform

Another important structure present in its courtyard is Naulakha Pavilion which is a prominent white marble personal chamber with a curvilinear roof.

It was also built by Mughal emperor Shah Jahan as a small summer house. But this small summer house cost around 900,000 rupees when it was built which was an exorbitant amount at that time. It is called Naulakha because in Urdu language this word means 9 lakh (0.9 million) rupees.
It cost that much because it was decorated with precious metals and stones.

I hope you liked this trip :)