Jahaz Mahal

Coordinates: 28°30′51.49″N 77°10′42.67″E / 28.5143028°N 77.1785194°E / 28.5143028; 77.1785194
Source: Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia.
Not to be confused with Jahaz Mahal at Mandu, Madhya Pradesh.

Jahaj Mahal
Jahaj Mahal
Mughal Dynasty
References
Coordinates

Jahaz Mahal (in Urdu language ‘Jahaz’ means "Ship" and ‘Mahal’ means "Palace", the "Ship Palace"), is located next to Hauz-i-Shamsi in Mehrauli, Delhi . It was so named, since its reflection (illusion) in the surrounding reservoir looked like a ship floating on a lake. It is inferred to have been built during the Lodi dynasty period (1452–1526) as a pleasure resort, Sarai or an inn.[1][2]

History

Jahaj Mahal on the bank of Hauz-i-Shamsi

One reason for building the Jahaj Mahal retreat was to provide transit accommodation as a

Bahadur Shah II and their families, during the summer months, away from the heat and dust of Delhi.[3] Its construction is dated between 1451 AD and 1526 AD, before Babar's invasion and the beginning of Mughal rule in Delhi.[3][4]

Structure

The palace is approached from the eastern side. A courtyard, originally in a rectangular shape now seen in ‘U’ shape, is in the center of the palace. The palace has carved impressive square

squinches in different chambers and walls (pictures in the gallery). The domed pavilion over the central gate is decorated with blue tiles. A small mosque is also located within the palace, as discerned from a mihrab in a niche on the west wall.[3][5]

Cultural event

Further information: Phool Walon Ki Sair

Jahaj Mahal is the venue of the annual colorful festival of the

States of India perform dances, drama programmes and hold musical soirees (particularly Qawwalis), in their colourful regional costumes and aspire for honours recognising their talent. Fire dancers lead the procession with pankahs.[3][6][7]

Jahaj Mahal,Mehrauli,New Delhi,India

Sound and Light Show at Jahaz Mahal

'Light and Sound Shows' at this historical monument are incorporated with state-of-the-art technology offering a once in a lifetime experience. Among the numerous architectures, Jahaz Mahal, Mandu provides the most extravagant experience showcasing the history and its associated monuments. This light and sound show takes you to the medieval era.

Conservation measures

The Conservation Society, Delhi,(CSD), established in 1984 as a voluntary organisation for preservation of Delhi's environment and architectural heritage with the main objective of creating awareness among the public of Delhi's heritage, conducts seminars, workshops and heritage walks to promote awareness and pursue conservation activities. Jahaj Mahal is one of the monuments identified by CSD to pursue concerted conservation activities with the agencies responsible for such works, in Mehrauli, Delhi's urban village which is one of 111 such villages identified all over Delhi.[8][9]

Visitor information

The heritage monument is open on all days of the week from sunrise to sunset. The nearest railway station is Hazrat

Nizamuddin Railway Station. The metro station is at Chattarpur on the Yellow Line. The nearest international airport is the Indira Gandhi International Airport
. It is easily approachable from any part of the Delhi city by road transport. It is better to see with Mehruli Archeological Park to enjoy Delhi sultanate monuments. Inside the park there is a ample parking space.

Gallery

See also

References

Wikimedia Commons has media related to Jahaz Mahal, Delhi.
  1. ^ "Exploring the Mehrauli Archaeological Park: Hauz -e –Shamshi" (PDF). Retrieved 21 June 2009. [dead link]
  2. ISBN 1-86450-297-5. {{cite book}}: |work= ignored (help
    )
  3. ^ a b c d "Communal harmony, the Delhi way". The Hindu. Chennai, India. 18 October 2004. Archived from the original on 22 November 2004. Retrieved 21 June 2009.
  4. ^ "The Iron Pillar within the mosque at the Qutb Minar (left), The waterfall, the overflow from the Hauz-i-Shamsi, near the Qutb Minar (right)". Retrieved 21 June 2009.
  5. ISBN 81-7436-354-8. Retrieved 21 June 2009. This is an interesting building, U-shaped now, probably once part of a rectangular courtyard. It is possible that it was once part of a serai or even a pleasure palace beside the tank, hence its nautical name Jahaj (means ship). There is mihrab niche on the west wall, probably a private mosque. The roof is adorned with six chhatris with, variously six eight and twelve pillars. Inside there are a matching variety of squinches in the various chambers. {{cite book}}: |work= ignored (help
    )
  6. ^ Arshad, Sameer (28 September 2008). "Attack took place close to emblem of Indian secularism". The Times of India. Archived from the original on 24 October 2012. Retrieved 21 June 2009.
  7. ^ "Phool-walon-ki-Sair". Archived from the original on 11 June 2007. Retrieved 21 June 2009.
  8. ^ "The Conservation Society – Delhi". Retrieved 21 June 2009.
  9. ^ "This monument seeks a protector". Retrieved 21 June 2009.
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