Sheesh Mahal in Hoshiarpur faces severe decay, restoration efforts underway

The historic Sheesh Mahal in Hoshiarpur, a 1911 architectural marvel renowned for its mirror craftsmanship and colonial-era grandeur, is facing severe structural decay.

Despite promises of restoration, the palace’s deteriorating condition has raised alarms among local heritage advocates and the community. Urgent action is required to preserve this irreplaceable landmark, which is both a cultural artefact and a vital part of the city’s identity.

Sheesh Mahal was built by Lala Hans Raj Jain. The palace represents a rare synthesis of artistic traditions through its Tukri work—a mosaic of tiny mirrored glass pieces set into plaster, also known as gatchi. Originally conceived as a “palace of glass,” Sheesh Mahal was designed with walls, pillars, ceilings and decorative elements inlaid with this remarkable craftsmanship.

The palace’s first-floor mural, painted by artisan Jan Mohammad, who was present at King George V’s Delhi coronation, depicts the momentous ceremony. Folklore suggests that the craftsman’s hands were severed afterward to preserve the uniqueness of his work.

Sheesh Mahal is a window into the grandeur of the colonial era in Punjab, with its three-tiered layout offering a layered spatial experience. From exhibition sculptures on the ground floor to ceremonial paintings above, the building tells the story of a bygone era. The façade, adorned with glass mosaics and floral motifs, shimmers in daylight, making the palace appear ethereal.

Inside, two chambers are richly decorated with statues and sculptures that reveal the cultural and religious dynamics of the British Sikh era. The grand mural of King George V’s coronation, set against stunning glass-painted ceilings, features scenes from mythology, fairy realms, and royal pageantry. The space, once used for royal assemblies and guest gatherings, invites visitors into an almost otherworldly atmosphere, where light dances on the walls thanks to the kaleidoscopic effect of the Tukri work.

Despite its rich artistry, Sheesh Mahal is in a state of rapid decay. Heavy monsoon rains in July 2025 caused parts of the first-floor wall to collapse, alarming nearby shopkeepers and heritage experts. The building has been closed to the public for years, and its splendour continues to fade behind encroachments and neglect. Though the previous state government approved a Rs 1 crore restoration proposal, no actual repair work has taken place.

In an effort to revitalise the surrounding area, initiatives are underway to transform Sheesh Mahal Bazaar and Dabbi Bazaar into heritage corridors. A beautification project coordinated with INTACH aims to restore the façades of surrounding buildings in the heritage style, with final blueprint plans in progress. However, structural restoration of Sheesh Mahal itself is still awaiting approval and release of funding.

Shreyansh Jain, General Secretary of Shri Atmanand Jain Sabha, the organisation that owns Sheesh Mahal, stated that a few days ago, an official from the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) visited and inspected the site.

Additionally, the SDM of Hoshiarpur has formed a joint committee with representatives from the PWD, the Municipal Corporation and the Shri Atmanand Jain Sabha to assess the damage and outline a restoration plan. Local voices are increasingly pressing authorities to act quickly before further damage occurs to this irreplaceable piece of Hoshiarpur’s heritage.