Mehrauli Archaeological Park

The first area explored on the tour was the Archaeological Park

Chaumukha Darwaza 11thC & 14thC

This gateway sits on the line of the perimeter wall of Lal Kot. Much of what is seen today though was rebuilt during the Tughlak Dynasty (14^th Century). Its name is derived from the fact it has four openings, which is unusual for a gateway.

Jamali Kamali Tomb and Mosque 1528

A view of the Mosque and the tomb from a nearby high point.

Jamali (which means loveable) is the pen name of Sufi Saint Sheikh Fazl-Ullah (also known as Jalal Khan). He was from a Sunni merchant family and was initiated to Sufism by Sheik Samauddin.

He became a popular poet and travelled widely around Asia and the Middle East . He was Court poet during the late Lodi/early Mughal time. Popular also with Babur and Humayun.

Jamali is classed as one of India 's outstanding poets. His poetry reflected the times in which he lived and followed the tradition of Persian mystical poetry. "The Sun and Moon" and "The Spiritual Journey of the Mystics" were two of his best sellers! but his writings; "The Mirror of Meanings", was what made him extremely popular in the Islamic world.

Kamali, thought to occupy the second grave in the tomb is unknown, variously considered as Jamali’s brother, his son, spiritual guide or a fellow poet or maybe just used for alliteration.

Jamali had his tomb built between 1528-9 (Baburs time). However, some date the tomb as being constructed as late as 1535 (Humayun's reign), the year before he died. The tomb is in very good condition, though kept locked most of the time its worth finding the chowkidar to open it. Some of Jamali's verses are inscribed just underneath the ceiling, as well as some text from the Koran on the walls. The arrangement suggests that the tomb was set in a walled garden.

Exterior of the tomb

Inscriptions of Jamali's verses (photos:Fiona)

The tombs

Highly Decorative Ceiling

The Jamali Kamali Mosque is to the south of the tomb and also set in a walled enclosure. It has a large forecourt with a water tank or well, which was found 5 years ago. The Jamali Kamali mosque is said to hold an important position in the evolution of the mosque design in India . It was built around 1528/9 in the Lodi style (although some say it was built between 1528 and 1556) and is said to be the first example of Muhgal architecture in Delhi . However, it has features that also appear in the earlier built Moth Masjid (also called Moth ki Masjid) near South Extention, built by Miyan Bhuwa, a minister of Sikandar Lodi (1488-1517). Some features of the Jamali Kamlai mosque can also be seen in the "Qal'a-I-Kuhna Masjid" and "Isa Khan Mosque" built inside the "Purana Qila"(Old Fort) in 1541.

The mosque from within the courtyard, showing the recently found well.

Photo:Fiona

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