Zinat Mahal
West of Hauz-Qazi in Lal Kuan Bazaar of Old Delhi, Zinat Mahal was built in 1846 during the reign of Bahadur Shah II (1837-57). The beautiful palace was constructed on the order of Zinat Mahal, the favorite wife of the emperor and thus is named after her. Though in a serious state of neglect, the palace is survived by an imposing gateway, few arched pavilions and the outer wall.
Since, emperor was very fond of Zinat Mahal, she enjoyed all luxuries and comforts in this palace. The palace was beautifully decorated with murals and other expensive items to please the queen. Built on a very large scale, the money was mainly provided by the rich merchants of Chandni Chowk. Attended by the rows of servants in the palace, she would receive a grand welcome in emperor’s chamber. Beating of drums and playing of other musical instruments would mark the arrival of her palanquin lined with number of bodyguards. However, today it would be difficult to imagine the brilliance and grandeur of this building seeing its present condition.
