Jahaz Mahal, is located next to Hauz-i-Shamsi in Mehrauli, Delhi on its northeastern corner. It was so named, since its reflection in the surrounding reservoir looked like a ship floating on a lake. It is inferred to have been built during the Lodi dynasty period as a pleasure resort, Sarai or an inn.
History
One reason for building the Jahaj Mahal retreat was to provide transit accommodation as a Sarai or 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.
Structure
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 or towers in the corners and the centre, ornamented with beautiful squinches in different chambers and walls. 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.
Cultural event
Jahaj Mahal is the venue of the annual colorful festival of the Phool Walon Ki Sair or 'Sair-i-Gulfaroshan' held in October. A procession of flower bedecked pankhas made and carried by the flower vendors starts from Mehrauli at the overflow outlet of the Hauz-i-Shamsi tank, called "Jharna", stops at the Yogmaya Temple for the first offering of the flower fan as mark of reverence, moves to the Jahaj Mahal and finally ends at the famous dargah of HazratQutbuddin Bakhtiar Kaki for the presentation of the fans and chaddar at Kaki's dargha. It marks the syncretic Hindu-Muslim composite culture. The festival was started by EmperorAkbar Shah II in 1820. It was popularised by Emperor Bahadur Shah II. It was discontinued from 1942 for a time during the British period but was restarted in 1961 at the initiative of Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru, the first Prime Minister of India. The three-day festival is held at the Jahaj Mahal where elaborate cultural programmes are organised. Cultural troupes from several States of India perform dances, drama programmes and hold musical soirees, in their colourful regional costumes and aspire for honours recognising their talent. Fire dancers lead the procession with pankahs.
Conservation measures
The Conservation Society, Delhi,, established in 1984 as a voluntary organisation for preservation of Delhi's environment and architectural heritage with the main objective of creating awareness among the public of Delhi's heritage, conducts seminars, workshops and heritage walks to promote awareness and pursue conservation activities. Jahaj Mahal is one of the monuments identified by CSD to pursue concerted conservation activities with the agencies responsible for such works, in Mehrauli, Delhi's urban village which is one of 111 such villages identified all over Delhi.
