New Delhi: Since ancient times, Delhi has held an important place in the journey of this country. It was presumably the site of Indraprastha, the capital of the Pandavas in the Mahabharat. The city saw the rise and fall of one of the country’s most powerful Sultanates. The place was the capital of the Mughal Empire and later, the British Raj in India. Hence, it is of little surprise that Delhi is replete with several historical monuments. While some of them, like the Red Fort or the Qutb Minar, are known prominently, there are others which are not so famous. The Jamali Kamali Mosque and Tomb is one of them.
Know about Jamali Kamali Mosque and Tomb
The Jamali Kamali Mosque and Tomb is situated in the Archaeological Village complex in Delhi’s Mehrauli and is made up of two adjacent monuments. As it can be understood from the name, one of them is a mosque and the other is the tomb of Jamali and Kamali.
Who were Jamali and Kamali?
‘Jamali’ was the alias of Shaikh Jamali Kamboh. He was a 16th-century poet and Sufi of the Suhrawardiyya Order. He lived during the reign of the Lodi Dynasty in Delhi and witnessed the rise of the Mughal Empire in the Indian subcontinent with the invasion of Babur and later during Humayun’s brief rule. As a poet, he was famous in many places in Asia and the Middle East and was the court poet of the Lodi Dynasty. He was also favoured by the Mughal rulers. On the other hand, the identity of Kamali remains unknown. As per oral stories and traditions, he was a disciple of Jamali.
When were the mosque and tomb constructed?
The mosque and the tomb were constructed in 1528-1529, and after he died in 1535, Jamail was buried there. Later, Kamali was also buried in that place as is evident from the name. The mosque was built in an enclosed garden area with a southern entry with red sandstone which was embellished with marble. Some consider the mosque to be a forerunner of the Mughal mosque architecture in India. The prayer hall has a large courtyard in front and five arches with only the central arch having a dome.
The tomb is a square-shaped structure with a flat roof. Its flat ceiling is plastered and ornately decorated and the walls are adorned with inlaid coloured tiles inscribed with the poems of Jamali. It has been said that the inside of the tomb is decorated in such a manner that entering it gives the impression of ‘stepping into a jewel box’.
Is the place haunted?
Over the years, the Jamali Kamali Mosque and Tomb has gained a reputation of being a haunted place. As per reports, people have heard footsteps and whispers even when the place is empty. Some have claimed to have seen shadowy figures inside the tomb. However, there has been no concrete evidence to back these claims as of today.
The Jamali Kamali Mosque and Tomb is situated in the Archaeological Village complex in Delhi’s Mehrauli and is made up of two adjacent monuments. ‘Jamali’ was the alias of Shaikh Jamali Kamboh. knowledge Knowledge News, Photos and Videos on General Knowledge
