Indo Islamic Heritage
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The Nearest Bus Stand - MCD Store (Rajpur Road) , The Nearest Metro Station - Civil Lines , Nearest Railway Station- Old Delhi Railway Station Railway Station Nearest Airport- IGI
Pir Ghaib, a small yet historically significant monument, stands as a poignant reminder of Delhi's rich past, located on the northernmost ridge of the city. Once a grand hunting lodge built by the Sultan Firoz Shah Tughlaq in AD 1354, it was constructed on the highest point of the Ridge, offering a panoramic view of the surrounding areas. The lodge was part of a sprawling complex that included the Chouburji Mosque and the broken pillar of Ashoka, adding layers of historical value to the site. However, over the centuries, time and neglect have taken their toll on the structure, leaving only the damaged remains visible today. The monument itself is a double-storeyed building constructed with rubble masonry, which was a common building technique during the medieval period in India. It features steep stairs that lead up to the roof, offering a glimpse into the past grandeur of the structure. The second floor of Pir Ghaib houses two rooms, each having arched openings facing the east. These rooms are adorned with mehrabs in the western walls, which likely served as prayer niches. Above these mehrabs, some incised plaster medallions bearing the names of Allah still remain, giving us a sense of the sacred use of this space, which might have functioned as a mosque or prayer hall in its prime. The site also holds a local legend, adding to its mystique. One of the rooms, particularly the one with the mehrabs, is believed to have served as the "chillahgah," or spiritual retreat, of a saint who mysteriously disappeared. In his memory, a cenotaph was constructed. This cenotaph, measuring 6.8 feet by 3 feet and standing 1.7 feet high, is a focal point for the local community. Every Thursday, people gather around the cenotaph, offering flowers and burning incense sticks as part of their spiritual rituals. When I visited the site, I noticed oil stains on the ground, evidence of the oil lamps that have been lit for years during these gatherings. To the left of the cenotaph are the mehrabs of the mosque, further cementing the site's religious significance. Despite its damage and the passage of time, Pir Ghaib continues to serve as a place of reverence and mystery, preserving a sense of the past and the spiritual heritage of the area.
Year of Built: 14th Century
Address: Hindu Rao Hospital Complex,, Civil Lines, Delhi,
Country: India
State: Delhi
District: Central Delhi
Pincode: 110007
Longitude: 77.2133
Latitude: 28.6764