During the British era, there was believed to be another magnificent structure known as the Shish Mahal located in Lahore. This architectural marvel was situated between Data Darbar and Imam Bargah Gammay Shah. The Shish Mahal was commissioned by Nawab Asif Khan and constructed at a staggering cost of 20 Lac rupees.
The area surrounding this grand palace is still referred to as Sheesh Mahal, and a road named Sheesh Mahal Road can be found in Bilal Gunj market, connecting Data Darbar with Mohni Road. However, it is important to note that the original palace had fallen into disrepair long before the British took control.
Based on the marked location, it appears to be situated along Ravi Road, adjacent to Data Sabh, with a massive facade that can be seen near Gora Qabrastan. Unfortunately, the building itself seems to have been removed, and the space is now utilized as a parking area for "rehri" vendors. It is intriguing to consider the existence of a map indicating the presence of this historical structure.
Interestingly, this other Shish Mahal was also referred to as a "Qanongoi," which denotes a jurisdictional division headed by a revenue officer. Surprisingly, evidence of this Qanongoi still exists in revenue records, highlighting its significance in the administrative structure of that time.
In terms of revenue terminology, a district is comprised of Tehsils, and each Tehsil is further divided into Qanongois, overseen by a Tehsildar or Naib Tehsildar. Each Qanongoi typically encompassed 15 to 20 villages within its jurisdiction. Furthermore, Qanongois were subdivided into Patwar circles, with each circle headed by a Patwari. Typically, a Patwar circle encompassed 3 to 10 villages.
This historical information provides us with a deeper understanding of the Shish Mahal's existence during the British era and sheds light on the intricate revenue structure that was in place at the time.
