Hauz-i-Shamsi is a water storage reservoir built by Iltutmish of the Slave Dynasty in 1230 CE, at a location revealed to him in a dream by the Islamic prophet Muhammad. A palace called the Jahaz Mahal was built on the eastern edge of the same reservoir during the Lodi dynasty period in the 16th century as a retreat or Inn for use by pilgrims.
A Jharna emanating from the Hauz-i-Shamsi is located close to the Jahaz Mahal.
It was developed by Nawab Ghazi Uddin around 1700 AD as a pleasure garden during the Mughal rule.
An underground pipe supplied the runoff to the Jharna from Hauz-i–Shamshi.
This was in addition to an open channel close by that carried the overflow of the tank to Tughlaqabad fort to enhance the drinking water supply. Akbar Shah II built the pavilion on the side and his son Bahadur Shah II added the central pavilion.
Jharna pavilion built by Akbar Shah II
Jharna pavilion built by Bahadur Shah II
Even though is under ASI is not well maintained. The locals don’t care about the heritage and dump rubble near the entrance. It is a good 20 minute walk from the Mehrauli metro station and located close to the Zafar Mahal. Best is to come by own car or a hired cab or auto . There is limited parking space near the police station.
