CENTER FOR ART AND ARCHAEOLOGY

Monuments of Delhi

Monuments, Sirhind

A group of 7 tombs is located on the eastern side of town on Jhajjar-Delhi road near Bua Ka Talab area. It was built during the Mughal reign between 1594- 1630. Each structure is located on a raised platform and approached by a flight of steps. Kankar limestone blocks have been employed for the construction along with red sandstone for decorative purpose. Mostly planned in symmetrical square, rectangular and octagonal shapes, the ceilings are domical. Some tombs have mosque or Idgah attached while others have chhatris or cupolas in the courtyard. Almost all the tombs bear inscriptions providing valuable information. Another of their characteristic features is the presence of medallions in the spandrels of arches. In addition to the tombs, the complex also houses six other structural remains and a huge water tank all spread in an area of 500 X 300 metres.

It was planned as a rectangular enclosure with octagonal tower at each corner, with gateways located at the middle of western and eastern sides of the Sarai. Now only a few rooms with a porch, a mosque and gateways are present. Rest of the complex contains a densely populated residential area. Both the gateways are similar in design with a passage and central arched opening; A few rooms are present at both levels in the interior space. Two staircases are present on each side of the gateway providing access to the upper level. The gateway is flanked by an octagonal tower covered with a dome. On the exterior the central opening is flanked by two storeys of recesses. The exterior surfaces of gateways are profusely decorated with colored glazed tiles. The mosque is fairly simple with three arched openings leading to the interior. The mosque is a rectangular structure with octagonal pilasters forming turrets at all four corners. Interiors are divided into a central bay with two aisles on either side, with central bay covered with a domical ceiling. Three mehrabs are present on the western walls decorated in stucco. On the exteriors, three recessed arched openings lead to the interior, with central one higher than the sides. Exteriors are decorated with intricate plasterwork. The dome is topped with inverted lotus and a finial on the exterior. A stairway is located on the southern wall to access the roof. It is currently under worship.

The mosque is located near Hadironwala Bagh. The Sarai of which is was a part doesn't exist. The mosque is rectangular in plan covered with three domes topped with inverted lotus. The exterior of the mosque is constructed with brick, covered with plaster and painted; exterior surfaces are adorned with blind niches in rectangular panels. This mosque is currently occupied and used as a residence and has been altered to suit the new use.

Mosques, Batala