Diwan-i-Khas: Hall of Private Audiences

Diwan-i-Khas, meaning the Hall of Private Audiences, is located within the Red Fort complex in Delhi. Constructed in 1648 by Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan, it served as a venue for the emperor to receive courtiers, esteemed state guests, and conduct important affairs of state in privacy. The hall is a rectangular chamber, measuring approximately 90 by 67 feet, characterized by a series of arches rising from marble piers. The lower portions of these piers are adorned with inlaid floral designs, while the upper sections feature painted and gilded detailing. The roof's four corners are surmounted by pillared chhatris, enhancing the structure's aesthetic appeal. Originally, the ceiling was inlaid with silver and gold, but these precious materials were stripped away due to financial constraints faced by the empire. The current ceiling was installed in 1911. Notably, the Diwan-i-Khas once housed the Peacock Throne, a jewel-encrusted seat of power commissioned by Shah Jahan. Adorned with precious stones, including the Kohinoor diamond, the throne was seized during an invasion in 1739. A Persian inscription in black stone inside the hall, dating back to 1636-37, likens the room to the highest heaven and the emperor to the sun. Verses by Amir Khusrow are inscribed over the corner-arches of the northern and southern walls below the cornice: "If there be a paradise on earth, it is this, it is this, it is this". Today, the Diwan-i-Khas stands as a shell of its former self after being plundered following the Indian Rebellion of 1857. However, recent restoration efforts have revived some of its former glory, with redone inlay work and reproduced gilded patterns on some of the pillars. Visitors can still marvel at the intricate marble work and imagine the hall's historical significance, experiencing a glimpse into India's rich cultural heritage.