Diwan-i-Khas

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Situated next to the Khaas Mahal (the Emperor’s private apartments), and separated from it by only a short distance of marble-paved platform, the Diwan-e-Khaas was where the Emperor would have met his elite courtiers to discuss matters of the highest importance to the state. Accordingly, this beautiful palace was situated (overlooking the river, secluded, far away from the more public areas of the fort) and decorated (exquisitely and expensively), in keeping with its status.

In its heyday, not only did the Diwan-e-Khaas have lovely inlay work (which can still be seen on the bases of the massive white marble pillars), its carved wooden ceiling was covered with beaten gold. Pride of place was, however, reserved for the legendary ‘Peacock Throne’, a huge, lavishly bejewelled throne which cost many lakhs. It was carried off by Nadir Shah when he invaded in 1739 CE, and was subsequently destroyed.

One of the pillars here has been somewhat restored by the Archaeological Survey of India (with gold leaf, fresh paint, etc) to give an idea of what the Diwan-e-Khaas may have looked like in Shahjahan’s time, but even without that, it’s an impressive hall.

Post by Travelogist | Oct 27, 2025