The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) has commenced the second phase of restoration at the 17th-century Sheesh Mahal in northwest Delhi’s Shalimar Bagh.
Combining traditional Mughal-era building techniques with sustainable conservation practices, the work is part of a broader effort to revive the city’s historical structures while aligning with environmentally responsible methodologies. Located at the far end of the Shalimar Garden — a sprawling 150-acre Mughal landscape once referred to as ‘Aizzabad Bagh’ — Sheesh Mahal stands as a symbol of Indo-Islamic craftsmanship under Emperor Shah Jahan’s reign. Having long suffered the ravages of time, the structure is now receiving a meticulous facelift that includes the replacement of damaged red sandstone and lakhori bricks, replication of original floral motifs, and reapplication of traditional lime punning.
Officials from ASI overseeing the project confirmed that the restoration is being executed in accordance with archival references and historical documentation. The focus is on ensuring minimal deviation from the original materials and architectural detailing, ensuring authenticity and longevity without compromising the integrity of the structure. This second phase follows stabilisation works completed in mid-2024, which were critical to halting further degradation of the monument. Crumbling sandstone, flaking plaster, and dislodged lakhori bricks had rendered the Sheesh Mahal vulnerable to collapse. The restoration team has since replaced the fragile sections with historically accurate replicas. The brickwork has been reinforced using dasa stone, a traditional technique that involves layering bricks for structural support and aesthetic finish.
Adding another layer of heritage sensitivity to the project, ASI teams have employed a mortar mix made from lime, gur (jaggery), gum, batasha (sugar drops), methi dana (fenugreek seeds), and marble dust. This composition is historically documented and chemically compatible with original Mughal construction materials. A 3mm-thick lime punning layer is being applied over the surface to protect the brickwork while retaining the texture and colour palette of the era. Such environmentally considerate techniques also reflect a broader movement toward carbon-conscious urban restoration. These lime-based mortars and natural additives offer breathable, low-impact solutions that are not only eco-friendly but also more durable in the long run compared to modern cement-based alternatives.
Officials highlighted that extensive efforts have been made to document the original design patterns, especially floral motifs on the palace walls, and these are being faithfully recreated. “Where there was any evidence of old artwork or plaster design, we have preserved or replicated it. The colour tones and structural dimensions match the Mughal aesthetic,” one of the experts involved in the project said. Among the restored features is the Bara Dari — a twelve-doored pavilion located within the garden precincts — which has undergone cleaning and masonry repair. Adjacent to the Sheesh Mahal, a Mughal-era well has also been cleaned and desilted and is now full and functional. The fountain courtyard in front of the palace, currently inoperative, is slated for a revival once the structural restoration is completed. According to officials, this will be done after thorough research to ensure mechanical parts and water circulation methods are historically accurate.
“The conservation team is working with heritage architects and historians using archival photographs and written accounts to understand how these elements originally functioned. Every design choice is rooted in cultural evidence,” said an official associated with the project. Interestingly, this Mughal palace is believed to have played host to a historic coronation — that of Aurangzeb on July 31, 1658. During the later colonial period, the site was frequented by British officers, and some remnants of that era still linger in the structural fragments around the garden.
Despite its historical significance, the Sheesh Mahal had long been overlooked. It re-entered public discourse during a political row in early 2025, when it was symbolically referenced during electoral debates. However, the current restoration efforts are squarely focused on heritage revival, with no active political involvement. Outside of ASI’s conservation activities, the Delhi Development Authority (DDA), which oversees the garden complex, has nearly completed the beautification of the surrounding landscape. A formerly unused structure near the garden’s entrance has been converted into a public book café, envisioned as a cultural touchpoint for visitors. According to DDA officials, the café is nearly ready and is expected to open shortly, enhancing the site’s visitor experience.
For urban India, the restoration of Sheesh Mahal offers more than aesthetic or historical value. It serves as a model for climate-conscious heritage conservation. By using biodegradable materials, minimising mechanical intervention, and prioritising passive maintenance methods, ASI is not only saving a monument but also championing sustainable urban practices. Heritage specialists have noted that such projects must become integral to city planning strategies. “As cities expand, historical sites like Sheesh Mahal can offer green, educational, and cultural anchors. They can be restored sustainably and made relevant to contemporary urban life,” said a conservation architect familiar with the project.
With much of Delhi’s medieval and Mughal architecture under threat from urban encroachment, air pollution, and neglect, this restoration provides a glimpse into what a thoughtful, sustainable preservation model could look like for India’s cities. When completed, Sheesh Mahal may not only reflect the grandeur of its past but also shine as a symbol of responsible future-facing development. The project stands at the confluence of heritage conservation, eco-consciousness, and civic engagement. While challenges remain, including ensuring long-term maintenance and integrating the site into Delhi’s cultural tourism map, the effort signals a growing institutional and public awareness of the importance of safeguarding historical legacies — not just as static monuments but as living, sustainable parts of the urban fabric.
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