Restored Sheesh Mahal unveiled at Shalimar Bagh

Union Minister of Culture and Tourism Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, Delhi L-G VK Saxena and Chief Minister Rekha Gupta on Wednesday jointly unveiled the restored Sheesh Mahal and other heritage structures at Shalimar Bagh in North Delhi.

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The centuries old site, built in 1653 during the Mughal era, had fallen into disrepair due to years of neglect. The restoration was carried out by the Delhi Development Authority (DDA) under the technical supervision of the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), following L-G Saxena’s visit in January 2024 when he took note of the crumbling structures.

The restoration is part of the ongoing “Vikas Bhi, Virasat Bhi” campaign, launched under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision to protect India’s heritage while driving development. It follows similar successful efforts at Mehrauli Archaeological Park and Anangpal Tomar Van.

Speaking at the event, Union Minister Shekhawat praised the efforts and took a political swipe at the previous Delhi government. “When L-G Saxena took up this project, Delhi had a repulsive government. Today, we have a double-engine force that will transform Delhi into a ‘New Delhi’,” he said, pledging full Central support for future heritage initiatives.

L-G Saxena commended the meticulous restoration and urged citizens to be custodians of Delhi’s restored heritage. “We must ensure these sites remain clean, green and free from encroachments,” he said.

Chief Minister Rekha Gupta thanked the L-G for his “painstaking efforts” and drew a sharp contrast with past administrations. “The former CM built a Sheesh Mahal for personal luxury using public funds. This restored Sheesh Mahal has been dedicated to the people. That’s the difference in governance,” Gupta said, demanding that public funds allegedly misused in the past be returned.

As part of the restoration, the DDA and the ASI used traditional materials and techniques, including lakhauri bricks, lime surkhi and natural binders like gud and belgiri, to ensure authenticity. An almost decayed baradari and three heritage cottages were also restored. Two of these have been adaptively reused as a Readers Café Corner and Café Shalimar, blending history with community engagement.