Delhi is a cosmopolitan city where the tourists can explore historical monuments to shopping malls. The visitors can look at multiple personalities in Delhi which are considered to be the city with a great heart.
Overview of Jahaz Mahal
Jahaz Mahal in Mehrauli, Delhi, is the real definition of extraordinary beauty, which serves as one of the best places for the tourists to visit. It is situated in the Mehrauli area; Delhi is one of the magnificent monuments which features some of the fantastic engineering and outstanding architecture.
The palace was built in-between the years 1453 and 1525 and is also known as ‘Sarai’ in the bygone times. The magnificent architecture of Jahaz Mahal occupies an effective expense in the Mehrauli, Delhi. The palace was constructed during the reign of the Lodi dynasty; Jahaz Mahal palace displays minute detailing as well as delicate Islamic art.
The palace in the Mehrauli area was mainly constructed to provide an accommodation facility to the travelers and pilgrims flocking to Delhi from places like Turkey, Iraq, Iran, Morocco, and Arab. The term Jahaz Mahal refers to “Ship Palace,” and this beautiful name is highly inspired by the placement of the monument near a lake named as known as Hauz-i-Shamsi.
Moreover, it is also known that the real reason behind the construction of the Jahaz Mahal was for creating a comfortable and beautiful summer resort for the royal Mughal rulers as well as their families.
History of Jahaz Mahal
Jahaz Mahal in Mehrauli was constructed around 200 years later during the Lodi period. Due to its reflection on the vast lake, it gets a ship-like appearance, and hence it was named Jahaz Mahal. The huge Hauz – i – Shamsi Lake, which is located next to the Jahaz Mahal Delhi, is an exciting mix of history as well as legend.
It is believed that the Prophet had arrived in the dream of Iltutmish and mentioned about the suggestible site of the historical tank. After that, Iltutmish visited the place and found the hoof marks of the horse, which was of the Prophet.
Iltutmish had the tank dug; also, in the center of the tank, he made a dome housing the stone with the footmarks of the Prophet’s horse. The chain traveler Iban Batuta was struck by the enormity of the tank.
In today’s time, the tank is a shadow of the past, and probably it has also reduced in size; the water looks dirty. The domed structure approached by a particular passage is perhaps a continued version of the one original one created by Iltutmish.
The Architecture of Jahaz Mahal
Jahaz Mahal stands as a stunning specimen of Mughal architecture as well as a hotspot for the history lovers with its delightful architecture and embracing detailing. The most useful feature of Jahaz Mahal palace lies in its tangled carved structure with an eye-catching cenotaph ornamented with blue tiles. When the tourists enter the palace, they can see a rectangular courtyard along with the impressively arched chambers on all its sides.
The courtyard of the palace overlooks nature outside its mansion, and it is the most coveted area of the Jahaz Mahal architecture. The palace is visited by locals as well as tourists for sightseeing and relaxing after a tiring tour.
However, the flight of the palace stairs that once led to the main entrance from the southern end by a wooden bridge has now disappeared. Along with it, the entrance of the palace is through the eastern side.
The structure, as well as the architecture of Jahaz Mahal, is marvelous plus awe-inspiring as well when it comes to engineering work. The tiles of the Jahaz Mahal palace Mehraulli are well-constructed in an arranged way that amplifies sound like reverberates through the entire body of the palace.
Restoration of Jahaz Mahal
Sometime between the late 15th century and early 16th century at the end of the Lodi dynasty plus at the beginning of the Mughal Empire, the Jahaz Mahal was built. The name of the palace was connoted to its unique location on the edge of Hauz-i-Shamsi.
Jahaz Mahal was initially created as a mosque for serving the pilgrims of Delhi. Jahaz Mahal history is also the venue for the annual flower exhibition named “Phool Walon Ki Sair” The Sultan of Delhi has started digging an oversized tank by following the divine command. The tank spreads over a whopping 4.5 acres in the area, which was completed around 1230.
Due to the several encroachments on the structure of the Jahaz Mahal, the beauty of the palace façade at the main entrance on the eastern side of the Jahaz Mahal is entirely diminished. When the tourists enter the palace, they will hit upon a rectangular courtyard along with the impressive arched chambers on every side.
Now the entrance of the Jahaz Mahal is through the eastern side. The moat, which once had covered Jahaz Mahal palace is now covered up to give the access of the palace.
Things to see:
Hauz Shamsi:
The water reservoir was built by the emperor of Delhi, named Sultan Shamshuddin Ittutmish, in 12230 AD. According to some popular belief, the sultan of Delhi has received an instruction from the Prophet to build a reservoir in Jahaz Mahal which was well-marked by the hoof of his horse.
Jahaz Mahal palace is an amalgam of Mughal, Hindu, Afghan, and Mesopotamian architectural styles which emulates the appearance of a mighty ship. That is why; Hauz-i-Shamsi has an in-depth spiritual significance in the lives of Delhi Muslims folks.
Jharna (Mughal Period Jharna):
The Jharna is located to the east of Jahaz Mahal as well as Hauz-i-Shamsi within the Archaeological Park. The name Jharna means waterfall, and this was for long a water cascade going down the slope from the Hauz-i-Shami Mehrauli.
The Jharna complex has two gateways at the east and north side as well. The overflow at the reservoir, which cascaded down, was made as an integral part of the pleasure garden along with the concept of char bagh. The Jharna can be easily approached from the perpendicular street, which lies opposite the Jahaz Mahal.
There are various structures in the Jharna garden. The water does not flow through the garden as it has been entirely diverted to a stream to the south-east of the Jharna complex.
Aam Bagh:
Aam Bagh Mehrauli was once famous for its gardens as well as mango orchards. The place would serve as a tremendous royal retreat for the tourists who have stayed here during the times of monsoon, which was later followed by the British officers.
Qutab Minar:
It is an iconic monument that is entirely famous in Delhi, like no other. It forms a crucial part of the Qutub complex, which is situated in Mehrauli. The site is also an excellent venue for the annual three-day festival of Qutub, which gathers artists, musicians, and dancers as well.
Many tourists arrive here to explore history and spend a great time with family. Even foreigners have the curiosity to visit Qutub Minar for at least once in a lifetime. The structure of this monument has a variant architectural façade, which ranges from the time of Aibak and has existed to that of the Tughlaq dynasty.
Mehrauli Archaeological Park:
It is located in the west and south of the Qutb Minar complex. Mehrauli Archaeological Park contains step-wells, mosques, fortifications, tombs from the period of Mughals, Sultanate, Islamic, and Britishers. The park has a large number of monuments in the world in a single location.
The tomb and Kamali Jamali Mosque together form the main attractions of the Mehrauli Archaeological Park. It is the natural park where the tourists can find sculptures and crafts of ancient culture. Along with it, the park contains the most extensive collection of religious monuments. It will take around half a day to explore the entire park as it is widely spread with interesting monuments to look around.
How to reach Jahaz Mahal
The closest airport to Jahaz Mahal palace is Indira Gandhi International Airport which is Delhi Airport which and located around 12 Km from Jahaz Mahal. It takes about 30 mins approximately to travel between the places. The tourists can take a bus or choose the metro to reach Jahaz Mahal palace from Delhi Airport at cost-effective prices.
- Nearest Metro Station: Qutub Minar is the nearest Jahaz Mahal Delhi nearest metro station, which is around 1.5 km away from the palace.
- Timing: 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM
- Fee: No
- Address: Talaab lane, Aam Bagh, Khandsa Colony, Mehrauli, New Delhi, Delhi 110030
Conclusion
The Chatteris at Jahaz Mahal shows the delicate carvings. The recess, mihrab, on the western wall of the palace indicates a mosque. The arched chambers of Jahaz Mahal location promise serenity.
At the end of Mehrauli bazaar, it is quite close to Hauz-e-Shamsi open sunrise, whereas sunset at the nearest metro station Qutub Minar. It is a perfect palace which has yet forgot its existence. It is quite interesting to explore medieval history which lies behind Jahaz Mahal by visiting the palace in Delhi.
Places to visit near Jahaz Mahal
- Tomb of Balban
- Rajon Ki Baoli
- Jamali Kamali Tomb
- Qutub Minar
- Iron Pillar
- Tomb of Iltutmish
- Alai Darwaza
- The Garden of Five Senses
- Chhattarpur Temple
