Sheesh Mahal, Patiala

Patiala's Sheesh Mahal, the Palace of Mirrors, was the work of Maharaja Narinder Singh, built from 1845 to 1862. Unlike the formal Moti Bagh Palace, it was meant as a retreat for leisure and entertainment, set in wooded grounds with an artificial lake, fountains and gardens. Its architecture mixes Mughal features, such as red sandstone and a symmetrical plan, with European-style plasterwork.

Two watchtowers flank the palace, and a suspension bridge called Lakshman Jhoola crosses the lake near the Banasar Ghar, with terraces and lawns around it. Inside, two well-preserved rooms are covered in mirror work that multiplies every detail, along with floral designs and glass inlay. The Maharaja brought in painters from Rajasthan and Kangra to cover the walls with frescoes illustrating the verse of Bihari, Surdas and Keshav, with themes such as Nayak-Nayika, Raga-Ragini and Baramasa.