Diwan-i-Am or Hall of Public Audience is situated in
the Red Fort of Delhi. It originally had a courtyard on its front and
was richly ornamented with gilded stuccowork. Heavy curtains graced the
main hall, which were three bays in depth. The facade of nine openings
of the arches rendered it a regal and imperial look that impresses the
visitors even today. One can easily imagine the splendor of the court,
covered with carpets and adorned with heavy chandeliers. It would have
easily dazzled the people who visited the emperor to pay their humble
homage. The emperor must have presented a really grand sight, seated on
his throne in the marble canopy or baldachin, which was covered most
appropriately by the beautiful 'Bengal' roof.
