Rang Mahal - Historical place in New Delhi, Delhi - Central, India

Located behind the Diwan-i-Aam, Rang Mahal has a paved way decorated with water fountains and a pool upfront. Although both the water fountains and pool are dry now. There is an underground passage leading to the basement of Rang Mahal but it is covered with an iron gate restricting access to it. The building itself is decorated with wall art etc.

The Rang-Mahal or the 'Palace of Colours', consists of a large hall, originally painted on the interior from which it derives its name. This was the largest of the royal apartments and was also called 'Imtiyaz Mahal' (Palace of Distinction).

The "Rang Mahal" (Palace of Colours) is a large chamber, its interior was originally painted, hence named "Rang Mahal", it was the largest of the royal residences. The building's interior was once richly painted and decorated. Some apartments of this building are called Shish Mahal due to tiny pieces of mirrors that cover the ceilings. Through the center of the marble palace, a shallow canal called the Stream of Paradise (Nahr-i-Bihist) flowed into a marble basin carved into the floor. Under the Rang Mahal was a basement (tehkhana), which women would use on hot summer days.

The "Rang Mahal" (Palace of Colours) is a large chamber, its interior was originally painted, hence named "Rang Mahal", it was the largest of the royal residences and was called "Imtiaz Mahal" (The Palace of Excellence). This palace with cup-shaped arches was divided into 6 classes, the northern and southern parts of Rang Mahal were known as Sheesh Mahal (Palace of Glass). Small pieces of glass are attached to the walls and ceilings of this palace, which reflect light and create a beautiful effect. Along the length at its center was a water system called "Nehar-e-Bahisht" ("Stream of Heaven").

One of the attractions you can see in the 17th Century Red Fort is the Rang Mahal which is also known as the Colour Palace. It is one of several palace buildings you can visit when touring the fort. The Rang Mahal served as an apartment chamber for the harem and is very similar in construction to the nearby Diwan-i-Khas building. It is famed for the lotus-shaped ivory fountain found within. At the time of our visit, you could only look into the palace in the direction of the fountain and you could only see it from afar so there is no close up or clear view of the lotus fountain. However, you can get a nice look at the channel which would have passed through the palace with perfumed water. While there is no water these days, the structure is in place, providing interesting imagery for what this palace might have looked like during its peak. In the end, we found the Rang Mahal to be similar to several other palace buildings in the Red Fort. They seem to have been neglected over the decades. Also urbanisation and air pollution have done them no favours over the years and as a result they fail to leave the same lasting impressions you will have from places like Humayun's Tomb and Qtab Minar, both in Delhi, as well as the more grand forts and palaces scattered throughout Rajasthan. There are other interesting attractions within the Red Fort, which include the Lahore Gate, Diwa-i-Am Public Hall and Diwan-i-Khas Private Hall. The Chatta Chowk and Naqqar Khana building are also worth checking out.

The Rang Mahal or Palace of Colour is located in the red fort Delhi. It originally served as a part of the imperial harem and was known as the Palace of Distinction (Imtiyaz Mahal) during the rule of Shah Jahan. After the British occupied the fort in 1857, Rang Mahal was used as a mess hall for a brief time. The building's interior was once richly painted and decorated. Some apartments of this building are called Shish Mahal due to tiny pieces of mirrors that cover the ceilings. Through the center of the marble palace, a shallow canal called the Stream of Paradise (Nahr-i-Bihist) flowed into a marble basin carved into the floor. Under the Rang Mahal was a basement (tehkhana), which women would use on hot summer days.

I highly recommend it to anyone interested in India's rich history and culture.The historical significance and architectural beauty of this UNESCO World Heritage Site are truly remarkable.

Rang Mahal originally served as a part of the imperial harem and was known as the Palace of Distinction (Imtiyaz Mahal) during the rule of Shah Jahan. After the British occupied the fort in 1857, Rang Mahal was used as a mess hall for a brief time The building's interior was once richly painted and decorated. Some apartments of this building are called Shish Mahal due to tiny pieces of mirrors that cover the ceilings Through the center of the marble palace, a shallow canal called the Stream of Paradise (Nahr-i-Bihist) flowed into a marble basin carved into the floor. Under the Rang Mahalwas a basement (tehkhana), which women would use on hot summer days