This mosque and the adjoining tomb are associated with the name of Shaikh fazlullah also known as jalal khan or Jamali saint and poet who lived between Sikandar Lodi’s reign and that of Humayun. The mosque though commenced in about 1528-29 CE was completed during Humayun’s reign, while the tomb was built in 1528 CE.
Some of the noteworthy features of this elegant mosque are fluted pilasters flanking the central arch, carved bands and medallions in the spandrels and pendant lotus buds below the parapet which decorate the façade of the prayer hall, pierced by five arched openings. The west wall with octagonal towers at the corners has a narrow gallery running round the mosque on the second storey with three oriel windows.
The flat-roofed tomb in the adjoining enclosure to the north is unique for its ornamentation with colored tiles and patterns in incised and painted plaster bearing an inscription composed by Jamali himself. It contains two graves, one believed to be that of Jamali and the other that of Kamali whose identity is unknown.
The Mosue and tomb is located in the Mehrauli Archaeological park
In a series of episodes as part of my Delhi- A Monumental City series, I have covered more than 50 monuments. They can be read here:
Sunder Nursery Monuments Part-1
Sunder Nursery Monuments Part-2
Jahaz Mahal
Gates of Purana Qila
Purana Qila
Zafar Mahal
Hauz-i-Shamsi and Jharna
Adam Khan’s Tomb
Gyarah Murti
Malcha Mahal
Delhi Legislative Assembly
Sheesh mahal
Lodi Garden Monuments Part-1
Lodi Garden Monuments Part-2
Lodi Garden Monuments Part-3
Mutiny Memorial
Asokan Pillar
Isa Khan’s Tomb
Watch out for the forthcoming episodes!
