Name of monument: Diwan-i Khas
Location: Lahore Fort
Date of Construction:
Material of Construction and Finishes: White Marble
Brief Description
Diwan-i Khas (Hall of Special Audience) was built in 1645 AD by the order of Shah Jahan entirely in white marble. This exquisite pavilion 53 feet by 51 feet was planned on a high platform adjacent to the northern wall to overlook the river and attract breeze. It is open on three sides while on fourth side is covered by marble screen. The pavilion is very delicate and refreshing due to its design and quality of its construction. The roof and wide projecting eaves are raised on slender columns. The multi-cusped arches spanning across the openings between two columns are carved from thin slab of marble The screen on the northern sides are intricately carved to its perfection sloping inward to generate pressure of incoming breeze. The floor of marble intarsia of different colors laid in geometrical pattern with its center occupied by cup-shape cistern inlaid with pietra dura work is reflection of refined architecture of Shah Jahan period. Finally, the parapet above the projecting eave is decorated with mudakhil pattern executed in pietra-dura work. The tessellated floor and fountain in the middle must have provide splendid experience.
Naqoosh-e-Javidan 