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Hammams Red Fort Delhi
The most private of the Emperor's political discussions could take
place in the royal Hammams, prestigious rooms which merited a riverside
site next to the Diwan-i-Khas and were lavishly decorated. Babur had noted
in his diary that three things annoyed him about Hindustan, 'one was its
heat, another its strong winds, the third is the dust. Baths were the means
of removing all three inconveniences.'
Here, the central marble bath, fed by the Nahr-i Bihisht, is fitted
with a seat for the Emperor and his ministers. Surrounding it, instead
of a silk carpet, there Js a marble one of pietra dura. More refreshing
water flows along a narrow channel around the edge, while delicate pietra
dura flowers decorate the dado — and still retain their stones.
A bathroom of unbelievable
luxury, surviving proof that every detail of Shah Jahan's Fort originally
lived up to the legendary high standards of Mughal taste and craftsmanship.
The floor is a carpet of marble with pietra dura inlay, while the faceted
ceiling is the perfect foil to its richness.
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