Zafar Mahal was constructed during the reign of Bahadur Shah II in 1842 and named after him. This pavilion stands in the middle of a pre-existing water tank. It is made out of red sandstone, which was cheaper than white marble, money being in short supply for the Mughal Emperor.
Originally a red sandstone bridge led into the pavilion, which was probably lost after the Uprising of 1857.
After the occupation in 1857, the tank was used for a while as a swimming pool by the British troops.
I remember going inside and exploring the Zafar Mahal a decade ago. I don’t remember how we went in. There must have been some temporary structure I suppose.
Painting from 19th century when Bahadur Shah Zafar was in the Fort and now.
