The Diwan-i-khas and the Rang Mahal in the Red Fort at Delhi are described 'as the most ornamented of all Shahjahan's buildings and 'The crowning jewel of Shah jahan's seraglio' respectively by modern critics. Bring out the brilliance of these two buildings by giving a brief but critical account of these two buildings.

The two buildings which are a representative of the grandeur and brilliance of this sumptuous palace conception are Diwan-i- Khas (hall of private audience) and Rang Mahal in the Red Fort at Delhi.
The Diwan-i-Khas, or Hall of Private Audiences, in the Red Fort of Delhi was the place where the Mughal emperor received courtiers and state guests. It was also known as the Shah Mahal.It consists of a rectangular central chamber, surrounded by a series of arches rising from marble piers. The lower parts of the piers are inlaid with floral designs, while the upper portions are painted and gilded. The four corners of the roof are surmounted by pillared chhatri. The ceiling, which was originally inlaid with silver and gold, was stripped bare by successive financial crises of the empire by the Jats or Marattas. The current ceiling was installed in 1911. The later Peacock Throne from after Nadir Shah’s invasion once stood in this hall, towards the east side.
The second building is the Rang Mahal, described as the “crowning jewel of Shah Jahan’s seraglio” by a modern critic. It is sumptuous in appearance and confirms the statement of the court chronicles that “in excellence and glory it surpasses the eightsided throne of heaven, and in lustre and colour it is far superior to the palaces in the promised paradise.” Sayyid Ahmad Khan gives a picturesque account of the Rang Mahal. According to him, the Rang Mahal “has a tank the beauty of which baffles description. It is made of marble and fashioned in such a way that it resembles a full-blown flower.

Topics: GS-I: Indian Architecture