New Delhi, Jul 4 (PTI) - In its glorious days, New Delhi's Mughal-era Shalimar Bagh was enclosed by a wall and boasted several exquisite structures, such as the Sheesh Mahal, a hammam, and water channels. During the colonial era, it served as a "summer retreat" for the British Resident in Delhi. A team from the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), with assistance from the Delhi Development Authority (DDA), has revitalized the heritage buildings and surrounding areas of what was once a pleasure garden built under Emperor Shah Jahan's reign. On Wednesday, Union Culture Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat inaugurated the newly-restored Sheesh Mahal, Baradari, and two other historical structures within the garden, which have been transformed into cafes. According to an ASI post on X, Shalimar Bagh was constructed in the first half of the 17th century. It was originally enclosed by a wall and included structures such as Sheesh Mahal (without glasswork), a hammam, water channels, tanks, and pavilions. During British rule, the garden served as a summer retreat for the British Resident at Delhi, who was a representative of the East India Company. Notably, David Ochterlony, a British Resident, also used this site as his summer lodge. Now open to the public following the conservation project, the monumental site is located in west Delhi. Historians note that Shalimar Bagh was the site of Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb's first coronation in 1658. The restoration responsibility was assigned to the DDA under ASI's technical supervision. The initiative aligns with Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision of 'Vikas Bhi, Virasat Bhi'. A central element of the conservation is the revival of the long-dormant central fountain, which now serves as a vibrant focal point adding elegance to the site. On the occasion, dignitaries planted tree saplings within the premises, reaffirming the commitment to heritage and environmental conservation. The renovation of Shalimar Bagh follows successful heritage site restorations such as the Mehrauli Archaeological Park and Anangpal Tomar Van in south Delhi. Built in 1653, Shalimar Bagh has witnessed various phases of history, from the Mughal era to British rule. The ASI restored Sheesh Mahal's heritage elements as part of the project. In harmony with the monument, the DDA developed a Mughal-style 'charbagh' landscape design. An "almost decayed baradari" and three heritage cottages were meticulously restored using traditional techniques and materials like lime concrete, lime surkhi, lakhauri bricks, and natural binders such as gud, belgiri, and urad. Following the conservation, two cottages have been repurposed for community use; one as 'Readers Cafe Corner', a book cafe promoting literary engagement, and another as 'Cafe Shalimar', catering to visitors. A smaller third cottage has been conserved for official use, maintaining its unique architectural legacy.
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