Mumtaz Mahal

Old Delhi (Shahjahanabad)


South of the Rang Mahal in the Red Fort is this pavilion, thought to have been built for Arjumand Banu Begum (also known as Mumtaz Mahal) – the Taj Mahal is her mausoleum. Before renovations began it housed the Museum of Archaeology, with imperial objects from those of Akbar to the rose-water sprinklers and calligraphy of the last emperor, Bahadur Shah, but it was closed to visitors at the time of research and its future is uncertain.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby Old Delhi (Shahjahanabad) attractions

1. Museum of Archaeology

Before the renovations, this museum set inside the Mumtaz Mahal in the Red Fort, displayed a fascinating collection of royal vestments, miniature…

2. Rang Mahal

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So-named because its exterior was once a riot of colour, Rang Mahal in the Red Fort was the home of the emperor's chief wife. Like the other Red Fort…

3. Khas Mahal

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South of the public area of the Diwan-i-Khas in the Red Fort is the Khas Mahal, where the emperor lived and slept, shielded from prying eyes by lace-like…

4. Diwan-i-Am

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In the Red Fort, this arcade of sandstone columns was the hall of public audience, where the emperor greeted guests and dignitaries from a throne on the…

5. Diwan-i-Khas

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This Hall of Private Audiences in the Red Fort was used for bowing and scraping to the emperor. Above the corner arches to the north and south is…

6. Royal Baths

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Closed to the public, the royal hammam in the Red Fort once contained a sauna and hot baths for the royal family.

7. Moti Masjid

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This small white mosque in the Red Fort was built by Aurangzeb as his private place of worship. The outer walls align with the fort walls, while the inner…

8. Naubat Khana

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At the eastern end of Chatta Chowk in the Red Fort, the arched 'Drum House' once accommodated royal musicians and served as parking for royal horses and…