Are you a stroller of ancient monuments and a history buff? If you are looking for something unique and spectacular in the antiquities and historical monuments of India, you are on the right page.
After wandering the best-known monuments of India and learning about the enchanted and prevailing history of monuments like Qutub Minar, Taj Mahal, and India Gate, I have decided to get into the monuments of India that are hidden in the lap of India and still need to be unearthed.
This post highlights the best unknown historical monuments in Mehrauli.
Mehraulli, The First Ancient City of Delhi
Among the seven ancient cities of Delhi, Mehraulli is the first ancient city where stones speak the history of the ancient era. It has witnessed the fall and rise of Delhi. Earlier, it was known as Mihirawali, but due to foreign invaders, it was altered. In the course of time, called Mehrauli.
Mehrauli is the home of Sufi saints and a testament to the slave dynasty. This ancient city was established by the famous astronomer and astrologer Vrahamihir,” one of the nine gems of King Vikramaditya’s court.
If you want to know how old Delhi was, then you must visit Mehrauli. This place still holds its grandeur and opulence and gives you a feeling of time travel through its magnificent monuments.
These majestic monuments offer you an insight into Delhi’s ancient past. If you want to explore mehrauli virtually, here is the link : https://youtu.be/rpTthSZ6Px8?si=zLQto_dXpJ_00Jhg
Monuments in Mehraulli: Mehrauli Archaeological Park
Mehraulli Archaeological Park is a hub of historical monuments nestled in southern Delhi, in the heart of Mehrauli. With its intricate structure of historical monuments, this park holds 1,000 years of history. So let’s start with the very first monument in this park.
1. Quli Khan’s Tomb
Quli Khan’s tomb witnesses the Mughal and British East India eras. This historical monument, also known as Metcalf House, bears the name of Thomas Metcalfe, General of the British East India Company, who was actually appointed to keep an eye on the Mughals during the time of the British East India Company. Thomas Metfcafe turns this tomb into a beautiful pleasure house and rents it to honeymoon couples. This intricate and beautiful monument was made for Mohammad Quli Khan, son of Maham Manga, mother of Akbar. He was a military man in the Mughal army.
This Metcalfe house is also known as “dilkhusa” which means “dil ko khus karne wala dilkhusa“.
Check out this blog for more exploration: 11 Incredible World Heritage Sites in India that caught the eyes of UNESCO!
Jamali Kamali Tomb and Mosque
This unique name holds a very special chronicle of two different personalities. Sheikh “Jamali” was the alias given to Shaikh Fazlu’llah, also known as Shaikh Jamali Kamboh or Jalal Khan, a renowned Sufi saint who lived during the Lodi Dynasty and the Mughal Dynasty, a period from the rule of Sikander Lodi to that of Babur and Humayun. He was famous for his poetry. His writing was so beautiful and majestic that it spellbound everyone. His most famous works are The Sun and Moon and The Spiritual Journey of the Mystics.
Kamali was an unknown person in history, as we didn’t get much information about him, but it was assumed that he was Jamali’s disciple and lover. The tomb inside the mosque was designed beautifully, and the symbolic pen box on their graves signifies that they were lovers. Their graves were beautifully carved with Quran ayat and poems and placed adjacent to each other.
The mosque in this place is spectacularly designed and holds thrilling stories that may scare you.
This historical monument is full of ghost stories, and many people have witnessed strange happenings like growling animals, apparitions, sightings of lights, and Djiin’s existence.
Rajon ki baoli
It was made by Daulat Khan in 1506 CE and is a very famous stepwell in the Mehrauli Archaeological Park of India. Rajon means “mistri” (masons); earlier it was used by them, and later masons shifted here permanently and hence got this name.
This baoli is made magnificently and gives a sunset view where tourists and travelers feel relaxed and mesmerized by this view. This baoli is the very oldest baoli of the ancient era, and this monument enclosure bears the look of a mosque and tomb.
Balban Tomb
Balban has a unique and strong character in history. He was the 9th ruler of the slave/mamulak dynasty. Although he was very cruel and his cruelty was devastating for people, after the death of Balban, people threw stones and extirpated his grave. Balban also removed the custom of Chalisa,” established by Qutub Uddin Aibak.
Balban tomb is an important historical monument in Islamic architecture, as this is a place where the first true Islamic arch and Islamic dome can be seen, respectively.
Zafar Mahal
Built during the reign of the last Mughal emperor, Bahadur Shah II, Zafar Mahal is a stunning example of a historical monument in Mehrauli that showcases the grandeur of Mughal architecture. Its crumbling structure and tranquil gardens offer a glimpse into the opulent past, making it a peaceful retreat away from the hustle of the city.
Conclusion
Apart from this, Mehrauli is a place where more than 100 historical monuments can be seen, like Yogmaya Temple, Majid Masjid, Jahaz Mahal, Moti Masjid, Zafar Mahal, Adham Khan Tomb, and many more. Mehrauli reminds you of the diverse culture and dynasties of the Delhi sultanate and of course, the culture of the Hindu ancient era, for example Qutub Minar complex which lies in the Mehrauli area, south Delhi, is an ideal example of diversity and incredible of both Hindu and Islamic culture. If you want me to explore these historical monuments in a detailed manner, comment below.