Former Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal’s residence has often been called a “Sheesh Mahal” by the BJP, with the party frequently targeting the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP). On Friday, during a rally in Delhi, Prime Minister Modi took a jibe at Kejriwal, saying that if he wanted, he could have built a Sheesh Mahal too. While the term “Sheesh Mahal” might be used sarcastically in the context of Delhi’s politics, India actually has several Sheesh Mahals built by different rulers within their forts. Among them, the Sheesh Mahal in Jaipur’s Amber Fort is the most famous.
The Sheesh Mahal in Amber Fort, Jaipur, was constructed by Raja Man Singh in 1623 AD and was completed in 1727. This was the same year the foundation of Jaipur city was founded by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II. The palace is renowned for its unique architecture and exquisite glasswork, making it one of the most stunning parts of Amber Fort.
Sheesh Mahal Jaipur is not only a symbol of love, but also a testament to the artistic and cultural heritage of Rajasthan. It reflects the influence of Mughal and Hindu styles, as well as the craftsmanship and creativity of the local artisans.
The Sheesh Mahal gained further fame when it was featured in the Bollywood classic Mughal-e-Azam, especially for the iconic song “Jab Pyar Kiya To Darna Kya.”
The mirrors used in the Sheesh Mahal were imported from Belgium, adding to the palace’s grandeur. In addition to the mirrors, precious gemstones such as jade, lapis lazuli, emerald, ruby, and pearl were also used in its decoration. The walls and ceilings are adorned with intricate paintings and carvings depicting flowers, birds, animals, and geometric patterns. The Sheesh Mahal is part of the Jai Mandir, and it is considered the most popular and beautiful section of Amber Fort.
Sheesh Mahal Jaipur is said to be inspired by Versailles Palace in France, which also has a hall of mirrors.
One of the most fascinating aspects of the Sheesh Mahal is that if a single candle is lit in the dark, the entire palace lights up, with millions of tiny reflections sparkling across the walls. This unique feature is one of the reasons why the Sheesh Mahal is regarded as one of Jaipur’s most captivating tourist spots. The brilliance of this palace was famously showcased in the song “Jab Pyar Kiya To Darna Kya” from the movie Mughal-e-Azam, adding to its allure and charm.
