Malerkotla's Sheesh Mahal to be transferred to Punjab Government

A year after the last heir of Malerkotla Nawab Iftikhar Ali Khan, Begum Munnawar Un-Nisa died on October 27, 2023, the Sheesh Mahal — also known as Mubarak Manzil Mahal — is in a shambles.

Begum Un-Nisa, who died at the age of 103 last year, did not name any legal successor.

Residents have been urging successive governments to adopt the complex as an architectural monument and develop it for tourism under the aegis of the Department of Culture and Heritage.

However, the government is yet to take charge of the property. Begum Un-Nisa, who died at the age of 103, did not name any legal successor.

The administration is learnt to have initiated the process to transfer her wealth in the name of the Punjab Government. Besides the spacious Sheesh Mahal, worth crores, Begum had a fixed deposit of Rs 1.20 crore in the local branch of a private commercial bank.

The Director Cultural Affairs, Archaeology and Museum, Chandigarh; Executive Engineer Public Works Department, Malerkotla, and Executive Engineer Municipal Council have been invited to attend a meeting, scheduled to be held on November 5, regarding the procedure to transfer the property.

“You are requested to be personally present in the meeting scheduled to held on November 5 for transferring rights and possession of  immovable and moveable property of Begum in name of Punjab Government as there is no legal heir of her wealth,” reads the communiqué sent by the office of the Deputy Commissioner to all concerned.

Contrary to common belief that the Sheesh Mahal was significant for Muslims, it was built by Maharaja Narinder Singh of Patiala in 1845. He was also a member of the legislative council during the viceroyalty of Lord Canning.

The palace presented a glittering testament to royal grandeur at the heart of the erstwhile princely state. It has remained the royal residence of the nawabs of Malerkotla, reflecting both their power and refined artistic sensibilities.

Arched entrances, ornate balconies and elegant cylindrical columns have blended Mughal elegance with Punjabi aesthetic responsiveness.

Order of the Garter (1348) founded by King Edward of England, Order of Thistle (1687), Order of the White Elephant drawing inspiration from Buddhist Jataka tales, Victoria Cross, Order of the Holy Ghost (1579) and Legion of Honor by Napoleon; were among the rare articles that graced the gallery of the Mahal.

Visuals depicting the poetry of Keshav, Surdas and Bihari; and paintings relating with the Hindu and Sikh mythology are among the other historically significant items.