Visit To Diwan-I-Khas
Diwan-I-Khas is the hall of private audiences, constructed of white marble, topped by four Hindu-style chatris. It was the luxurious chamber where the emperoro would hold private meetings. The centrepiece (until Nadir Shah carted it off to ran in 1739) was the magnificent Peacock Throne. It took seven years to make and was commissioned by Shah Jahan to mark his accession to the throne in 1627. The solid gold throne had figures of peacocks standing beghind it, their beautiful colours achieved with countless inlaid precious stones. Between them was a parrot carved out of a single emerald.
A masterpiece in precious metals, sapphires, rubies, emeralds and pearls was broken up and the so called Peacock Throne, now displayed in Tehran, simply utilises various bits of the original. the marble pedestal on which the throne used to sit remains in place. In 1760, the Marathas also removed the ceiling from the hall, so today it is a pale shadow of its former glory. The hall's splendour moved the 14th century poet Amir Khusrau to write the lines inscribed above the corner arches of the north and south walls Agar Firdaus barrue Zamin-ast / Hamin ast o Hamin ast o hamin ast' ( means - if there be a paradise on earth, it is here, it is here, it is here).
Previous - Diwan-I-Am
Next - Royal Palace
Return To Delhi Information
