Indo Islamic Heritage
The site is located approximately 2.3 km southwest of Hauz Khas metro station, accessible via Geetanjali Road, which passes through the Shivalik area of Malviya Nagar. The nearest airport is the Indira Gandhi International (IGI) Airport, while the closest railway station is Hazrat Nizamuddin. For bus commuters, Malviya Nagar serves as the nearest bus station, providing convenient connectivity to the site.
The building, likely a khanqah (a spiritual retreat or monastery), stands as a forgotten gem among Delhi?s lesser-known historical sites. It was once part of Sarai Shahji Village, which is primarily recognized for its Mahal. The structure showcases Mughal architecture, characterized by its grandeur and functional design. The layout of the building revolves around a central courtyard, which is surrounded by an arcade with a flat roof. The main entrance is positioned at the south-east corner. On the western side, three central compartments with a pyramidal roof suggest the possibility of a mosque. Further west, there is a compartment projecting beyond the main enclosure, divided into 14 bays. The courtyard?s center features a small rubble-built enclosure housing five unknown plastered graves, indicating a historical or religious significance. At the north-west corner, a two-storeyed structure can be accessed from the arcade?s roof. This section contains two compartments, with the principal chamber facing east. The chamber?s ceiling is adorned with a flat dome and incised plaster decorations, showcasing Mughal artistic craftsmanship. A staircase at the south-east corner provides access to the flat roof of the building. Additionally, a winding staircase within the south wall?s thickness leads to the upper chambers? roof, where red sandstone brackets extend in the north-south and east directions, suggesting the presence of a balcony in the past. The construction materials used for the structure consist primarily of random rubble masonry, a technique where irregularly shaped stones are fitted together. The walls and surfaces are finished with plaster, giving the building a refined appearance while protecting the underlying masonry. The architectural elements, including the brackets, staircases, and decorative plasterwork, reflect the elegance and structural ingenuity typical of Mughal-era constructions.
Year of Built: 17th Century
Address: Sarai Shahji, east of the grave of Farid Murtaza Khan, Begampur
Country: India
State: Delhi
District: South Delhi
Pincode: 110016
Longitude: 77 12 37
Latitude: 28 32 22