The same Queen "Mumtaz Mahal" for whom Taj Mahal in Agra built, Shah Jahan built a Palace of Mirrors, also known as Palace of crystals. But, originally known as Sheesh Mahal.
It's the same palace that inspired so many other Mirror Palace in the region and in the continent.
Located inside the Splendid Lahore fort, this palace holds a separate fanbase. People come from far and wide to see the reality of Queen's Dream.
To listen to the Queen's dream, you have to walk with me. Are you ready?
What was Queen's Dream?
She desired to see stars over her sleeping bed.
This desire confused Emperor Shah Jahan.
It's a Herculean Task, Impossible to do. It's similar to wish ;
He was Emperor of Subcontinent, but he was unable to capture moon and stars in his hands for Queen.
On similar page, he doesn't really want her Queen to look deserted by smile. He wants smiles on her Queen's face.
Shah Jahan, the Emperor, discussed the matter with his cabinet. There were some intelligent people in his cabinet who gave him a solid advice.
"We will build a Mirrors Palace and in the foyer/courtyard area, there will be a marble fountain with water around. In the night, When moon will rise above all differences and shine with it's all glory. The moonlight will fall gracefully on the water, and it will then reflect to mirrors. Mirrors will light up just like twinkling stars of starry nights."
The Palace was Built in 1631-32.
Oh, you are asking about Queen?
Yeah, obviously, she became very happy after seeing this magic over the ceiling of her own Palace.
These mirrors came from Europe and all over the Indian subcontinent that were settled and arranged in precise geometrical patterns. It's a technique known as "Aina Kari".
In these corridors, through these marble doorways, Kings and Queens passed, but now they all are passed away. Their dreams came into reality, and some of their dreams never came into reality.
These windows are not narrating me all those words that it had listened from the mouth of Queens and Kings. I am sure these marble windows have listened to many ideas and conspiracies of the nobles, but now it's denying to spill the beans. Is it still loyal to the Kings?
Those who built this lavish palace of mirrors gone and time of Ranjit Singh came. He was Sikh ruler and ruled over Punjab. With his arrival to Lahore fort, he made Sheesh mahal his residing area. Her wife, Queen Jinda, a palace was built over this Seesh mahal. Many additional things invaded the Lahore fort.
Kangra Style pictoral artwork started living on the walls of Mirror's Palace. This Kangra Style artwork is still evident, and it showcases some events and moments of Royal's life.
But it is also fading away with time. Time is healing wounds, but scars are still there.
I have closed my eyes, but does it change the reality?
Where is my crown?
See you next time until I take over this Palace 😉