Rang Mahal, Delhi Travel Guide

The Rang Mahal, aptly named the 'Palace of Colors,' is a significant historical structure within the Red Fort complex in Old Delhi. Constructed during the reign of Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan, it originally served as a part of the imperial harem, providing residence for the emperor's wives and mistresses. The palace was also known as the 'Palace of Distinction' (Imtiaz Mahal).The Rang Mahal is designed with a series of bays formed by broad piers supporting cusped arches and a flat roof. The entrance features five broad archways that open to a garden forecourt. At the center of the hall, a lotus-shaped fountain once flowed into marble channels called the Nahr-i-Bihisht, or 'River of Paradise,' connecting several pavilions. This ingenious water channel was used to cool the palace during the hot summer months. The compartments at the northern and southern ends are known as the Shish Mahal ('The Glass Palace'), adorned with marble and mirrors embedded into the walls and ceilings.Over time, the Rang Mahal has undergone several changes. After the British occupied the fort in 1857, it was briefly used as a mess hall. While the original gilded ceilings and mirror work have faded, some elements have survived, offering a glimpse into the palace's former grandeur. Today, the Rang Mahal is part of the Red Fort complex, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Although visitors cannot enter the palace, they can still admire its architectural beauty from the outside.