Diwan-i-Am

The Diwan-i-Am, or Hall of Audience, is a building in the Red Fort of Delhi where the Mughal emperor Shah Jahan and his successors received members of the general public and heard their grievances. Built from red sandstone, the Diwan is a rectangular hypostyle hall, reaching 9 bays in width and 3 bays in depth. The columns have 12 sides and carry cusped arches. The architectural style known as the arch form is thought to have begun in India, with Hindu and Buddhist inspirations. While under Shah Jahan, the columns were POAY, painted and gilded; cloths were hung among them to make the hall more impressive. A royal throne-balcony covered by a canopy, positioned toward the far eastern corner of the Diwan, leads to the emperor’s private areas. White marble from Carrara was sculpted and enriched with precious stones in pietra dura to make the throne balcony. The space in front of the throne is occupied by a low bench, upon which a minister is seated. Panels of pietra dura on the wall behind the throne show birds and flowers. While the designs were imported from Italy, the settings were made in the Mughal style of painting.

Key Features and History:
• Location:
The Red Fort, Delhi is located at the heart of the same complex.
• Purpose:
It was the hall where Mughal emperors such as Shah Jahan and his successors, met the general public to hear and answer their concerns.
• Construction:
The palace was built in the mid-17th century by Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan.
• Architecture:
Diwan-i-Am is a red sandstone hall that covers one of the largest open courtyards and the throne for the emperor is found on a balcony here.
• Design:
There are nine impressive arches in the arcade and the hall is divided into three aisles.
• Decoration:
Gold and white shell lime chunam decorations covered the hall and gold was used to paint its ceiling and columns.
• Throne Balcony:
The throne balcony is built from white marble which has been carved and set with valuable stones.
• Petitions:
The prime minister would use a marble dais beneath the throne which was decorated with semi-precious stones, to receive petitions.
• Royal Ladies:
It was the tradition of purdah that allowed royal ladies to watch the Diwan-i-Am ceremonies in the emperor’s chamber through windows made from marble and screens.
• Historical Significance:
The Diwan-i-Am stands as an important sign of both Mughal architecture and history.