The Mehrauli Archaeological Park covers 100 acres of green land adjoining the world heritage site of Qutub Minar and the village of Mehrauli. The park is the only area in the city that is dotted with remains from every era of Delhi’s history-from the pre-Islamic to the late Mughal and the British era. Within this area are located around around 70 heritage buildings plus a fascinating variety of flora and fauna.
It was in this area adjoining the village of Mehrauli that the Tomar Rajputs established the first fortification in Delhi – the Lal Kot which was subsequently extended by the Chauhan rulers to form Qila Rai Pithora. Mohammad Bin Tughlaq also extended the city further to link it to Jahanpanah.
In 1193 Qutubuddin Aibak made the area the center of the Sultanate of Delhi with the building of the Qutub Minar an Quwwat-ul-Islam mosque. Several other buildings like the Tughlaq period Chaumukha Darwaza are located nearby as are several tombs and mosques belonging to different eras.
The trend of constructing monumental structures continued through the reign of successive rulers. Buildings like the mosque and tomb of Maulana Jamali (a sixteenth-century Sufi saint), Madhi Masjid, Rajon ki Baoli,and the tomb of Quli Khan (the foster brother of Emperor Akbar) were constructed within this area. The latter was further renovated into a retreat for Thomas Metclafe (commissioner of Delhi in the 1840s and 1850s) with conversion of the landscape through the addition of a bridge, canopies, and guesthouse during the colonial era. One can also find several Mughal period buildings like the Zafar Mahal and sprawling gardens containing several man made water bodies like the Hauz-e-Shamsi, Rajon ki Baoli, Gandhak ki Baoli, Jharna, and the depression below the Quli Khan Tomb which earlier formed a pond.
Today the park forms a buffer between the settlement at Mehrauli village and the Qutb complex and is one of the city’s largest green spaces.
Monuments inside Mehrauli Archaeological Park:
Balban’s Tomb
The tomb of Ghiasuddin Balban (1266–87) is the first monument you will encounter upon entering the archaeological park. He was one of the slave sultans who ruled Delhi sultanate period. This tomb was built around 1280 AD and is located on the western side of the Mehrauli-Gurgaon Road. This 13th-century tomb is significant as it is the first building in India to have true arches and domes, even though most of the domes are gone now. The tomb is made of rubble masonry and is a square with arched openings on all four sides. The north facade is made of red sandstone, and it represents the initial fusion of Indo-Islamic architecture. While the tomb lacks elaborate ornamentation, it does feature a few decorative elements such as the kalash, which is commonly used in Hindu temple architecture. Adjacent to Balban’s tomb is a ruined rectangular structure believed to be the grave of Khan Shahid, Balban’s son, who died during a Mongol war in 1285. From the Balban’s tomb one can get some excellent views of the Qutub Minar.
Khan Shaheed’s Tomb
Located on the east of Balban’s tomb is a ruined rectangular chamber that is believed to be the grave of Muhammad -one of Balban’s sons who died in a battle with the Mongols in 1285. This colonnaded tomb is roofed with a Bengal vault and has intricate decorative plasterwork on its ceilings.
Jamali Kamali Mosque and Tomb
Located 300 m south of Balban’s tomb on the western side of the MG Road is Jamali Kamali Mosque and Tomb. Both the mosque and tomb were built around the 16th century by the Shaikh Hamid bin Fazulddin. He was a court poet during the Lodi and Mughal period who following his initiation to sufism changed his name to Jamali (Loveable). The mosque built in 1528 of red sandstone and Delhi quartzite stands in an enclosed court and is surmounted by a single high dome with five recessed niches on the western wall. The arches of the mosques are exquisitely decorated with Quranic inscriptions specially the central arch. The arches on either side of the central arch decrease in size towards the corners.
Another highlight of the mosque is its balcony above the entrance arch which was designed to hold a lamp in order to guide travelers to the nearby serai. To the north and adjoining the mosque lies the tomb of Jamali that was built in 1529 during his lifetime and is inscribed with some of his verses. The square chamber measures 7.6 m on each side and has a flat roof. Its interior is richly decorated with plasterwork and blue colored tiles. The ceiling is painted in red and blue along with Quranic inscriptions. The tomb chamber contains two graves. While the central one is believed to be that of Maulana Jamali and the other is claimed to be that of Kamali, a companion of the saint about whom nothing is known. Adjoining the tomb are several other graves about which nothing is known.
Quli Khan Tomb/Dilkusha
Just outside the walls of the Qutub complex, near Lal Kot, rests the octagonal tomb of Muhammad Quli Khan, brother to Adham Khan. Built in the early 1600s, the tomb sits on a raised platform in a garden to the southeast of the Minar. It is designed in an octagonal shape with a dome on top, standing on a platform about 1.25 meters high. Internally, it assumes a square plan, while externally it presents an equal-sided octagonal form. Accessible from all four directions via arched openings, the dome rests atop a drum crafted in the Lodi architectural style. Both the parapet and the drum of the dome are decorated with special patterns called kangura (stylized motif that resemble battlements but are strictly ornamental). Originally, the walls were covered in tiles, but now only some of them are visible, mostly on the eastern side. On the walls, there are also writings from the Quran and beautiful medallions.
In the 1840s, Thomas Metcalfe, a British diplomat in the court of Mughal Emperor Bahadur Shah “Zafar” II, bought the tomb and gave it a new name, “Dilkusha”. The reason for constructing this establishment was to enable Metcalfe to monitor Emperor Bahadur Shah II, who had his summer residence, Zafar Mahal palace, in Mehrauli. He added on to the tomb, turning it into a countryside retreat with landscaped gardens, terraces, and even a guesthouse. The expansive landscaped grounds are divided into distinct western and eastern sections, bisected by an unpaved pathway leading to a central canopy. Erected by Metcalfe on an artificial mound, this hexagonal canopy serves as an elevated vantage point offering panoramic views of the surroundings. The western section is enclosed by stone walls flanked by octagonal bastions, while the eastern portion features terraces delineated by stone retaining walls. Positioned midway along the northern boundary of the eastern garden enclosure is a former gateway repurposed by Metcalfe into a guesthouse annex, featuring nineteenth-century elements such as a small pool and fireplace. The tomb provides a good view of the Qutub Minar which is nearby.
Metcalfe Bridge
Charles Metcalfe constructed a bridge or roadway to provide access to the estate known as ‘Dilkusha’, meaning ‘heart-warming’. Initially in a state of disrepair, restoration efforts have uncovered watercourses and a grand entrance to the Metcalfe estate. The northern edge of the bridge is supported by an earlier enclosure wall dating back to the Lodhi period, while the eastern façade features arcades and intricate kangura detailing.
Metcalfe’s Folly
Insipred by the English landscape, Thomas Metclafe in the latter part of his life added a folly to thepark near Maulana Jamali’s Mosque gate. Standing on an an artificial mound,the hexagonal folly bears testament to the Hindu, Islamic and English architeictural style. Surmounted by an Islamic dome, the folly is supported by eight minimally carved stone pillars while its arches mirror typical English architecture. Despite its simplicity and lack of intricate carvings, the folly adds an aesthetic touch to the garden and has a soothing effect on visitors.Guests at the folly can enjoy stunning vistas of the grand Jamali Kamali monument and the impressive Qutub Minar from its canopy. It offers a serene environment for reflection and self-examination, ideal for engaging conversations with friends or seeking solace away from the hustle and bustle of daily life, accompanied by the calming melodies of chirping birds.
Boathouse/Dovecote
The boathouse and pigeon house, which is believed to have originated from the Lodhi era, was modified by Metcalfe to function as a place for boating and swimming in Dilkusha. The boathouse was connected to his Dilkusha through a set of steps. Inside the boathouse, there is a central chamber with a flat roof and arched openings that lead to vaulted chambers on the north and south sides. The roof of the central chamber also has small niches that were used to house pigeons. The original square tomb underwent alterations as evident from its semi-circular arches indicating Thomas Metcalfe’s involvement.
Azim Khan’s Tomb
Located atop a hill along the Mehrauli-Gurgaon Road is the tomb of Azim Khan. Dating back to the early 17th century, the tomb is characterized by its square structure surmounted by a dome. The tomb bears intricate plaster carvings, showcasing exquisite craftsmanship. Additionally, the monument boasts an elaborate ornamental gateway, a contribution by Sir Thomas Metcalfe, which undoubtedly accentuated the aesthetics of his landscaped garden.
The Baolis
Baolis, together with tanks and wells, have played an important role in water management. They are mostly step-wells having a series of steps that lead down to the ground level where the water is stored. The steps in the baolis not only made it easier for people to reach the ground water but also made it easier for them to retrieve water. Most of these baolis can be found in semi-arid regions where water scarcity was common. These reservoirs were built by governing clans to collect water during the rainy season and then were used year-round by local residents for cooking and drinking purposes. Separate baolis were built for bathing purposes also. Beyond their functional use, baolis also served as communal spaces, fostering social interaction and providing shelter for travelers and caravans. In terms of architecture, any of the remaining step-wells feature lovely carvings and are adorned with decorative details and relief work on the columns, steps, and walls. And though over time, the use of baolis have declined with the advent of piped water systems, they nonetheless still remain as sanctuaries for a variety of activities like prayer, meditation, and bathing even today. Near the Qutub complex are two step-wells:
- The Rajon ki Baoli and Mosque
Located in the Mehrauli Archaeological Park close to Gandhak ki Baoli, the Rajon ki Baoli is a three-story step-well that was constructed during the Lodi era. Its name, derived from its historical use by masons (raj), shows its utility as a water source, primarily for cooking and drinking. The architectural design of the baoli is characterized by minute elements that shed light on its dual role as a communal gathering spot and a source of water. The rectangular tank is four stories high and has steps that lead to a circular well. It also has long covered corridors with artistically painted arches and incised limestone plaster. The highlight of the baoli however is its carved brackets that support the overhang (chhajja) and provide shade and shelter to visitors.
Adjacent to the baoli stands a mosque and a tomb elevated on a platform connected to the well by a flight of steps. The tomb, erected by Daulat Khan in 1506 during Sikandar Lodi’s reign, commemorates Khwaja Mohammad and takes the form of a chhatri or pillared kiosk. Although constructed with random rubble masonry and finished with limestone plaster, it boasts of intricate incised plaster ornamentation. It is likely that the baoli, constructed concurrently in 1506, served as a site for ablution before prayers in the mosque, forming an integral part of the religious complex.
- Gandhak ki Baoli
Gandhak ki Baoli is one of Delhi’s oldest baoli that was built by Iltutmish for the Sufi saint Qutbuddin Bakhtiyar Kaki. The baoli known for the sulfurous scent of its water lies approximately 100 meters south of Adham Khan’s Tomb in Mehrauli village. This sacred baoli is five-tiered structure with a circular well that once provided water cooking and drinking purposes to the area. The baoli’s entry arch, which is surrounded by dense vegetation, hides a staircase—a purposeful architectural decision made to preserve visual integrity. Arcaded verandahs flank three sides of its rectangular design, which doubles as a guesthouse for guests looking to escape the heat of Delhi. Earlier , the baoli served as a communal gathering space, fostering recreation and dialogue among both travelers and locals.
A must-visit for enthusiasts, the baoli’s serene surroundings within the park, accompanied by the melodic chirping of numerous birds, enrich the experience of exploring this archaeological gem.
Madhi Masjid Mosque and Tomb
The Madhi Masjid Mosque is in the Archaeological Park on a pathway just off the main Mehrauli-Gurgaon road. Its design is simple in nature, but that does not take away from the magnificence of this double-storeyed mosque constructed during the time of the Lodi or early Mughal reign. On the eastern side is a square gateway, which is made of grey stone. The windows extend outwards and are made of red sandstone; they lead to a courtyard where one can find the graves of Maulana Majduddin and his companions Md. Bin Ali and Assad Bin Husian. The three prayer halls are skillfully arched and elaborately decorated fusing the hallmarks of a covered and an open wall-mosque.
Dadabari Jain Mandir
Located in the Mehrauli neighborhood, directly northwest of Madhi Masjid, is the temple dedicated to Manidhari Shri Jinchandra Suriji, a Jain saint who lived in the 12th century. The temple has gone through several renovations with the present building being the most recent. The main highlight of the temple is its large, open hall adorned with ornate brackets and columns made of white marble and its verandah which is decorated with sacred religious literature. Reverse glass paintings depicting various Jain saints further add to its spiritual allure. What makes the Dadabari Jain Mandir even more unique is its painted ceiling which is a clear departure from traditional carved surfaces that characterized most Jain temples.
Jahaz Mahal
Located on the north-east corner of Hauz-e-Shamsi, Jahaz Mahal was built during the Lodi period as a sarai (inn) for pilgrims who came to Delhi to visit the Muslim shrines. The structure was named Jahaz Mahal as its reflection in the water suggested the image of a ship. Built of gray and red sandstone, it consists of a rectangular courtyard in the center with domed chambers on the sides. The western wall of the palace has a mihrab which indicates that a section of it was used as a mosque. On the exterior, blue tiles have been used on the bands. The roof is adorned with six square chhatris supported on six, eight, and twelve pillars.
Today it is a center for the annual Phoolwalon ki Sair (procession of the florists) festival where people bearing large floral fans( pankhas) and accompanied by music and dance make way via the Jahaz Mahal to the Yogmaya Temple and the Dargah of Qutbuddin Bakhtiyar Kaki for the offering of the flower pankha and chaadar. During this time a festive air prevails with various cultural activities like songs, dances, and drama being performed at the Mahal.
Hauz-i-Shamsi
Located on the southern fringes of Mehrauli, the Hauz-e-Shamsi is a water storage reservoir that was built by sultan Shamsuddin Iltutmish in 1230 AD following a dream where the Prophet Mohammed guided him to build a tank. The tank was built to enable collection of rainwater from the surface runoff and to provide water to the settlement in and around Lak Kot, which was then the capital city. It is believed that the tank’s water once surrounded the platform on which Jahaz Mahal stands. Presently, an L-shaped garden occupies the tank’s northern side. A domed pavilion to mark the hoof print of the Prophet’s horse lies in the middle of the tank. And several graves and dilapidated mosques are located around the reservoir as is the Auliya Masjid. The Auliya Masjid , located on the south-east corner of the tank is said to be one of Delhi’s earliest mosques, where Sufi saints Qutbuddin Bakhtiyar Kaki and Muinuddin Chishti are believed to have prayed.
The Jharna
The Jharna, found east of Jahaz Mahal and Hauz-e-Shamsi in the Archaeological Park, got its name from water flowing down from the Hauz-e-Shamsi tank during the rainy season. This water would then move into a tank in front of the baradari through a water channel connected to another tank. In the middle of this tank stands a square pavilion supported by sixteen pillars, said to be built by the last Mughal emperor Bahadur Shah Zafar. Next to it lies another rectangular pavilion built by Mughal emperor Akbar II. There are also two gateways on the north and east sides of the garden. Visitors can reach it from a street opposite Jahaz Mahal or via steps leading through a courtyard above the garden. It’s believed that the overflow from the tank later formed a part of the charbagh garden design in the Mughal period. However, the garden no longer has flowing water as it has been redirected to a stream southeast of the complex.
Entry Fee,Ticket and Timings
There are no entry fees to visit the park and one can visit the park anytime from sunrise to sunset. It will take around 2- 3 hours to cover the park so make sure to carry enough water and sunscreen.
How to reach Mehrauli Archeological Park
- Nearest Bus Stops:
- DDA Flat Lado Sarai: 057, 413, 534, 536, 590, 622, 629, 725
- T.B. Hospital: 502, 505, 506, 516, 517, 519, 523, 533, 534, 536
- Ahimsa Sthal: 516, 517, 519, 523, 525, 536, 534 A, 539, 590, 714, 715, 717, 886.
Buses heading towards Lado Sarai will drop you at Ahimsa Sthal, a public park with a prominent Mahavir statue atop rocks. Walk about 150 meters towards Gurgaon along the Mehrauli-Gurgaon road, and you’ll find the park entrance on your right.
- Nearest Metro station:
- Qutub Metro Station– The closest metro station is ‘Qutub Minar’ on the yellow line. Once you exit the station, head to your right in the direction of Delhi. After about 500 meters, you’ll find the entrance to Mehrauli Archeological Park on your left.
- Chattarpur Metro Station– From here you will need to take either an auto-rickshaw (tuk-tuk) or any of the buses mentioned above.
- Auto/Car – If you’re arriving by auto or car from Aurobindo Marg or Mehrauli Badarpur Road, you’ll find the park on your right, approximately 150 meters from the Lado Sarai T-point/traffic light. You’ll need to make a U-turn to reach the entrance. If coming from Gurgaon or Andheria More, the park will be on your left, around 500 meters from Qutub Metro station
Overall, the Mehrauli Archaeological Park with its numerous monuments, remnants of Qila Rai Pithora walls, and tombs from the Lodhi period is a treasure trove of historical wonder. Although it frequently goes unnoticed, it is a must-see destination for both photographers and enthusiasts of architecture.
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