Shalimar Buffet

Description

While the recent history and development of the Mughal types of gardens is credited to Emperor Jahangir, the ancient history of the garden can be traced to the 2nd century when it was built during the reign of Pravarsena II. He founded the city of Srinagar and ruled Kashmir from 79 AD to 139 AD. He had built a cottage for his stay at the northeastern corner of the Dal Lake and had named it Shalimar . The word Shalimar in Sanskrit means abode of love. The king, on his visits to a local saint by the name Sukarma Swami at Harwan, used to stop at this cottage. It is here that Emperor Jahangir built his celebrated Shalimar Garden, his dream project to please his queen Noor Jahan.

It has been aptly described by a chronicler: “A subtle air of leisure and repose, a romantic indefinable spell, pervades the royal Shalimar: this leafy garden of dim vistas, shallow terraces, smooth sheets of falling water, and wide canals, with calm reflections broken only by the stepping stones across the streams.”

Shah Gilani, ISFD, designed the Shalimar Buffet as a tribute to the beauty of this garden. Entirely hand-made in selected rosewood, this cabinet is the epitome of pierced carving. The doors have self closing hinges and the shelves are melamine lined. Multiple polished bronze glides are provided which also serve as levelers – a useful feature when the floor is uneven. The cabinet is offered in a variety of finishes. Custom sizing is available.