Khas Mahal Consisting of three parts, viz. Tasbih-Khana (Chamber of Telling Beads) Khwabgah sleeping chamber and Tosha-Khana (wardrobe) or Baithak (sitting-room), the Khas-Mahal (private palace) served as the Emperor's residence. Of the rich and beautiful decoration in the interior of the building the attractive marble screen carved with a scale of justice is a charming specimen of the Mughal art. The projecting tower to the east of Khas-Mahal is called Muthamman-Burj (Octagonal Tower) where the Emperor appeared every morning before his subjects.
Red Fort, Delhi, India
Diwan-i-am Diwan-i-Am or the Hall of public audience was the place where Shah Jahan (A.D. 1628-58) received the general public and heard their grievances. With a courtyard in the front, it was originally surrounded by arcaded apartments used by chiefs (Umaras) on duty. With an impressive facade of nine engrailed arch openings, the hall was ornamented with gilded stucco work. In the centre of the eastern wall, stands a marble canopy covered by a 'Bengal roof', under which was placed the Emperor's throne. A marble dais below the throne, inlaid with semi precious stones, was used by the Wazir (Prime Minister) for receiving petitions. Behind the canopy, the wall is decorated with beautiful panels inlaid with multi-coloured stones (pietra dura work), representing flowers and birds, said to have executed by Austin de Bordeaux, a Florentine jeweller.
Red Fort, Delhi, India
Khas Mahal This was the Emperor's private palace. Animal fights, such as between lions and elephants, were organized below this palace for the entertainment of royals. The palace consists of three parts. The set of three rooms facing the Diwan-i-Khas was called 'Tasbih-Khana' (chamber of telling beads) and was used for the Emperor's private worship. The tree rooms behind it were known as 'Khwabgah' (sleeping chamber). To its south a long hall with its painted walls and ceilings and a perforated screen on the west was known either as 'Tosh Khana' (robe chamber) or 'Baithak' (sitting room). A beautiful perforated marble screen carved with a 'Scale of Justice' adorns its northern wall. The projecting tower to the east of the Khas Mahal is called the 'Muthamman-Burj' (octagonal tower), from where the Emperor appeared daily to greet the crowd gathered below the fort.
Red Fort, Delhi, India
Moti Masjid Moti Masjid or the Pearl Mosque was built by Aurangzeb for his personal use. It would take him just a short walk from his bed chamber to reach the sacred place of worship at various times of the day or night. The mosque was also used by the ladies of the seraglio (Harem) who entered through a passage in the northern wall of the enclosure. The mosque is built over a raised plinth and is entered through an eastern arched gateway with a copper plated door. The courtyard of this mosque is enclosed by high walls. Though red sandstone has been used externally, its interior is composed entirely of pure white marble. The prayer hall of the mosque is inlaid with the outlines of 'musallas' (small carpets of prayers) in black marble and it stands at a higher level than the courtyard. The hall is surmounted by three bulbous domes, originally copper plated. In the courtyard is a tank with a fountain used for ablution.
Red Fort, Delhi, India