Sheesh Mahal, Lahore Fort

Sheesh Mahal Courtyard, Lahore Fort

The Sheesh Mahal complex, located within Lahore Fort, is centered around a square-plan courtyard, reflecting the characteristic Char Bagh layout of Mughal garden design. This layout is articulated through four shallow water channels that divide the square into quadrants. At the center of these intersecting channels is a shallow marble tank featuring a raised square platform known as the mahtabi. The entire courtyard, including the mahtabi and water tank, is paved in a variety of richly colored and patterned marbles such as Sang-e-Badal, Sang-e-Abri, Sang-e-Musa, and Sang-e-Khatta.
On the northern side of this courtyard stands the Sheesh Mahal, also known as the Hall of Mirrors. The Sheesh Mahal is a spacious, rectangular hall with its longer side facing the courtyard. It includes adjoining rooms at the back and on either side. The façade that opens onto the courtyard is marked by five large multicusped arches, separated by rows of five double white marble pillars. The spandrels of the arches are adorned with pietra dura, showcasing floral motifs crafted with remarkable precision. The dual marble columns have broad decorative bases inlaid with both pietra dura and marble.
The construction of the Sheesh Mahal incorporated imported stones from across India for the intricate inlay work. Materials such as black marble, turquoise, lapis lazuli, and carnelian were used to achieve the distinctive pietra dura decorations. These embellishments are complemented by a dado of white marble along the lower section of the interior walls. Above the dado, the upper wall sections are subdivided and decorated with a combination of glass mosaic (known as aina kari) laid in gypsum, along with gilded stucco tracery (munabatkari).
The term "Sheesh Mahal" derives from the extensive use of mirror mosaic, or aina kari, that defines the hall’s interiors. The upper portions of the walls and the ceiling have been intricately decorated with convex mirror glass, commonly referred to as Aleppo glass. These mirrored surfaces are combined with stucco tracery and gilded work to produce a richly ornate effect. The glass mosaic work belongs to two distinct periods: the ceiling dates from the Mughal era, while the wall decorations were completed during the Sikh period.
Fresco paintings from the Sikh era are also present within the Sheesh Mahal. These paintings depict scenes rooted in Hindu tradition, including a royal hunting scene and a depiction of two Hindu rajas meeting. Some wall frescoes, uncovered beneath later glasswork, also date back to the Hindu period, providing a layered visual history.

Mirror Mosaic work of Sheesh Mahal or Palace of Mirrors

Surrounding the central hall on three sides are nine rooms, decorated in a similar style to the main hall. A prominent feature in the room located at the back of the hall is a finely carved marble jali (screen) in geometric patterns. The roof of the Sheesh Mahal is supported by wooden beams and rafters, many of which were replaced during restoration efforts in the early 20th century and again in the 1980s.
During the Sikh period, additional rooms were constructed over the main hall. Over time, these structures fell into disrepair and posed structural concerns. Many of them were removed during the British era to reduce the load on the Sheesh Mahal. Presently, the only surviving portion is on the eastern side and includes a structure attributed to Nau Nihal Singh.
The decorative elements employed in the Sheesh Mahal include a variety of techniques and materials. These comprise pietra dura, fresco painting, stone carving in relief, plain stone carving, marble work, stone fretwork, wooden fretwork, glass mosaic (aina kari), and mirror and gilded stucco tracery work (munabatkari). Each element contributes to the composite visual and material richness that defines the Sheesh Mahal within the architectural legacy of Lahore Fort.

Five archways leading to the Sheesh Mahal hall