Sheesh Mahal is one of the finest palaces built by the Phulkian dynasty, which ruled Patiala for around 200 years. Built by Maharaja Narinder Singh, it is a blend of Mughal and Rajasthani style with huge European-styled gardens. While most of the building is at present occupied by the National Institute of Sports, part of it is under the Punjab Government which has converted it into a museum.

It is the small part of the building under the Punjab Government's control which is not being maintained properly. The reaction time of the government can be gauged from the communications of the Department of Cultural Affairs, Archaeology and Museums which is finding it difficult to release Rs 2,000 to repair a dome, a portion of which was damaged recently.

The department was informed on January 6 that a part of the dome in the Sheesh Mahal had been damaged when its plaster fell off. This had affected an area of around one and a half square metres. It was urged to repair the dome immediately failing which it would be endangered if there was any rain leading to its caving in.

Sources said if the dome caved in it might be difficult to reconstruct it and that other parts of the building might also be irreversibly damaged. It was necessary to do restoration work whenever the need arose immediately, said art lover Ishu Singla.

The department was informed that Rs 2,000 was needed for the job along with hiring of an experienced mason and labourers. It was also informed that another dome in the complex had weakened with the passage of time and needed repair. The department has still to release the money due to which even maintenance work cannot be done.

Sources said while the dome may need immediate attention, it was not the only area demanding the attention of the Archaeology Department. Various 'jharokas' in Sheesh Mahal had become weak and needed to be reinforced. Similarly, the tank at the complex also needed repair. The department had been requested for Rs 20,000 for this work, including restoration of a pathway, but it was still to receive any amount.