Jahaz Mahal
| Jahaz Mahal | |
|---|---|
| Jahaz Mahal | |
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| Former names | Front view of Jahaz Mahal |
| General information | |
| Type | Retreat or Inn |
| Architectural style | Mughal |
| Location | South Delhi |
| Coordinates | 28°30′50″N 72°10′42″E / 28.514°N 72.1783°E |
| Current tenants | Ruins |
| Completed | 1452-1526 |
| Client | Mughal Dynasty |
| References | |
| Coordinates | |
Jahaz Mahal (in Urdu Language ‘Jahaz’ means “Ship” and ‘Mahal’ means “Palace”, the “Ship Palace”), is located next to Hauz-i-Shamsi in Mehrauli, Delhi on its northeastern corner. It was so named, since its reflection (illusion) in the surrounding reservoir looked like a ship floating on a lake. It is inferred to have been built during the Lodi dynasty period (1452–1526) as a pleasure resort, Sarai or an inn.
One reason for building the Jahaz Mahal retreat was to provide transit accommodation as a Sarai or (inn) to the large number of pilgrims from Afghanistan, Arabia, Iran, Iraq, Morocco and Turkey who came to Delhi to visit the many Muslim shrines. Another version is that it was built as a retreat for the emperors, Akbar Shah II and Bahadur Shah II and their families, during the summer months, away from the heat and dust of Delhi. Its construction is dated between 1451 AD and 1526 AD, before Babar's invasion and the beginning of Mughal rule in Delhi.
The palace is approached from the eastern side. A courtyard, originally in a rectangular shape now seen in ‘U’ shape, is in the center of the palace. The palace has carved impressive square chhatris (six of them with different numbers of pillars – six, eight and twelve) or towers in the corners and the centre, ornamented with beautiful squinches in different chambers and walls (pictures in the gallery). The domed pavilion over the central gate is decorated with blue tiles. A small mosque is also located within the palace, as discerned from a mihrab in a niche on the west wall.
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