|
| Home » Major Sites to Visit in Agra » Shish Mahal |
|
Shish Mahal |
Shish Mahal, otherwise known as Glass Palace is one of the best example of Mughal architecture in Agra. A visit to Agra will make all the visitors know a lot about the beauty and grandeur of Mughal architecture. This is one city, where history has stopped moving and people can feel an old world charm in the various lanes and by lanes of Agra. Shish Mahal in Agra is one such beautiful artistic creation of the Mughals. This is located on the western side of Muthhamman Burj and is below the hall of Diwan-i-Khas. The beautiful building of Shish Mahal, which literally means glass house was built by Shah Jehan between 1631 and 1640. this building was initially used to built as a imperial building.
The interiors of Shish Mahal had thick walls, so the inside remains cool. However, the name Shish Mahal is derived from the extensive use of mirrors inside Shish Mahal. Not only the walls, but mirrors were mirrors fixed also on the ceilings. This is one of the epitome of Mughal architectural style. Thousands of mirrors together create a illuminating effect inside Shish Mahal and altogether there is a dramatic effect here. However, the light and dark effect was purposefully created to bring in an artificial effect in Shish Mahal.
Shish Mahal is divided into two big chambers. These two chambers are connected by a broad arch and has two narrow passages on two sides. There are only three ways through which the outside can enter inside Shish Mahal, two doors and ventilator located on the wall in the southern corner of the house. There are fountains in both the chambers and system was such that there was marble tank in both the chambers. There were arrangement for both hot and cold water in Shish Mahal.
|
|
|
| |
| |
|
|
