October 1, 2010

We went on another Cities of Delhi field trip, this time to the Mehrauli Archaeological Park. Balban's tomb, belonging to Balban, Slave dynasty ruler of Delhi Sultanate was constructed here in the 13th century can still be seen though in a dilapidated condition. Architecturally important structure as it is the first true arch in Indo-Islamic architecture. Another tomb, that of Balban's son, Khan Shahid, who died before he could be crowned, is also located near by in Mehrauli Archeological Park. A baoli or stepwell known as Rajon ki Bain was constructed in 1506 during Sikandar Lodhi's reign. Sikandar Lodhi was the last ruler of India before the Mughals took over. It was used to store water though it is now completely dried and is now known as Sukhi Baoli (dry well). The Jamali Kamali mosque was built in 1528, in honour of the Sufi saint Shaikh Hamid bin Fazlullah, also known as Dervish Shaikh Jamali Kamboh Dihlawi or Jalal Khan. The saint's tomb built in 1536 upon his death is adjacent to the mosque. The Adham Khan's Tomb was constructed by Emperor Akhabr in memory of his foster brother & general Adham Khan in 1566. The tomb, also known as Bhulbhulaiyan, as one could get lost in the labyrinth of its passages, it was later used by the British as a residence, rest house and even as a police station. Close to Adham Khan's tomb, lies that of another Mughal General, Muhammad Quli Khan, later it served as the residence of Sir Thomas Metcalfe, Governor-General’s Agent at the Mughal court. You can see the Qutab Minar in the distance of the Park.