Khas Mahal: Built entirely of marble by Shah Jahan
in 1637, the Khas Mahal or the Private Palace demonstrates distinctive
Islamic-Persian features. 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 three sides of the Grape garden are residential
quarters of women.
Musamman
Burj: On the left of the Khas Mahal is the Musamman Burj, an octagonal
tower with an open pavilion build by Shahjahan for his beloved wife Mumtaz
Mahal. It is made of delicate marble lattices with ornamental niches for
the ladies of the court to gaze out, unseen. The chamber with a marble
dome on top, is surrounded by a verandah with a beautiful carved fountain
in the center. The tower looks out over the River Yamuna and is traditionally
considered to have one of the most poignant views of the Taj. This is
where Shah Jahan spent his last few years as a captive of his son Aurangazeb
and where he lay on his death bed, gazing at the Taj.
Diwani-i-Khas: Diwan-I-Khas (hall of private audience)
built by Shahjahan in 1636–37 was used to receive kings, dignitaries
and ambassadors. It is a three sided pavilion with a terrace of fine proportions.
Outside the structure is the marble throne terrace, where a pair of thrones
were kept. The black throne belonged to Jehangir. Presently, entry
is not allowed inside Diwan-i-Khas.
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