Dr. Waqar A.
Google
The Khas Mahal, or "Private Palace," of the Red Fort in Delhi was the personal residence of Emperor Shah Jahan. Built between 1639 and 1648, it was a central component of his new capital, Shahjahanabad, and a pinnacle of Mughal residential architecture. This exquisite white marble palace is located along the fort's eastern edge, overlooking the Yamuna River, and is flanked by the Diwan-i-Khas and the royal baths (Hammam).
The Khas Mahal is ingeniously divided into three main sections: the Tasbih-Khana (Chamber for Telling Beads), the Khwabgah (Sleeping Chamber), and the Tosh-Khana (Wardrobe). The interior was decorated with intricate floral patterns painted on the carved marble, and the ceilings were once gilded. A central water channel, the Nahr-i-Behisht (Stream of Paradise), flowed through the palace, providing both aesthetic beauty and a cooling effect. The palace's design seamlessly blended functionality with imperial ideology.
One of the most significant features of the Khas Mahal is the projecting Muthamman Burj, an octagonal tower on its eastern side. From its balcony, the emperor would perform the daily ritual of Jharokha Darshan, appearing before his subjects to affirm his divine right and just rule. The interior of the palace also features a marble screen with a relief of the Mizan-i-Adl (the "Scale of Justice"), further reinforcing the emperor's role as a moral arbiter. This palace not only served as a private sanctuary for the ruler but also as a powerful symbol of his authority and vision.