One of the original six main-palaces situated along the river front, Mumtaz
Mahal was also known as 'Chhoti Baithak'. A beautiful water channel called
'Nahr-i-Bihisht' (meaning Stream of Paradise) flew through these palaces.
However, this palace has been removed, probably because it was totally in ruins.
The emperor used it to listen to the complaints of the general public and
receive their petitions here only. It has a marble dais, inlaid with precious
stones, below the throne and beautiful panels, inlaid with multicolored and
semi-precious stones, adorn its walls. These panels were said to be designed by
the Florentine jeweler, Austin de Bordeaux. The central panel depicts the Greek
god Orpheus with his lute. These panels were shifted to the Victoria and Albert
Museum in London by the British but were restored later in 1903, at the request
of Lord Curzon.