| Description |  |
 |
It is the third pavilion from the south, in the row of palatial pavilions that stands along the eastern edge of the fort. To its south lies the large zenana, the Rang Mahal, and to its north is the Diwan-i-Khas, the hall of private audience.
The enclosure has three pavilions overlooking the Yamuna, with a fountain opposite the central pavilion. The central pavilion an airy edifice, used by the emperor as a sleeping chamber has three arches on each side, five in front, and two turrets rising out of the roof. It overlooks the Angoori Bagh (grape garden). The Mahal is flanked by two golden (copper) pavilions, one with white marble and was supposedly decorated with gold leaf, while the other is made with red stone, which were meant for the prominent ladies of the harem. The Khaas Mahal provides the most successful example of painting on a white marble surface.
On the south, facing the Rang Mahal, is the Baithak, or sitting room, which is a veranda painted in lavish white and gold floral patterns, with accents in blue and green. The Khaas Mahal provides the most successful example of painting on a white marble surface.
Three chambers make up the bedroom suite, or khwabgah. On its eastern side, overlooking the fortress wall is the Mussaman Burj (or Burj-i Tila), an octagonal tower from which the emperor showed himself to the people in a daily ritual.
The tower is also the point from which the emperor would observe spectacles performed below. To the north of the khwabgah is the Tasbih Khana, or the "place for telling beads", for private prayer by the emperor. This room is separated from the khwabgah by a delicate perforated screen, below which the Nahr-i-Behisht runs. Above the screen is a gilt relief showing the scales of justice surrounded by floral ornamentation. |
See the tabloid
