Mumtaz Mahal

One of the original six main palaces situated along the riverfront, Mumtaz Mahal was also known as 'Chhoti Baithak'. A beautiful water channel called 'Nahr-i-Bihisht' (meaning Stream of Paradise) flew through these palaces. However, this palace has now disappeared, probably because it was in ruins and has been thus removed. The emperor used it to hear the complaints and receive the petitions of the general public. It has a marble dais, inlaid with precious stones, below the throne and beautiful panels inlaid with multicolored and semi-precious stones adorn its walls. These panels were said to be designed by the Florentine jeweler, Austin de Bordeaux. The central panel depicts the Greek god Orpheus with his lute. These panels were shifted to the Victoria and Albert Museum in London by the British but were restored later in 1903 at the request of Lord Curzon.