Jahaz Mahal

Built during the Lodi period, Jahaz Mahal literally means ‘ship palace'—a reference to its location on the edge of the Hauz-i-Shamsi water tank in Mehrauli. During the rainy season, it is still possible to see its reflection on the waters of the Hauz-i-Shamsi. According to a local legend, the 13th-century Delhi sultan Iltutmish dreamt that Prophet Mohammad visited him on a horse and told him to build a reservoir on that very spot. When Iltutmish went to examine the area the next day, he discovered a horse’s hoof print on the soil and built Hauz-i-Shamsi in 1229-30. Very little is known about Jahaz Mahal, yet it has beautifully-carved sandstone pillars, colourful tile work on its roof and fine chhatris. The monument is also the venue for the annual Phoolwalon ki Sair festival held after the monsoon season, in which flowers are offered to the Khwaja Bakhtiyar Kaki dargah and Yogamaya temple in the neighbourhood. The festival was started in the 19th century when Queen Mumtaz Mahal led a procession to the dargah to fulfil a vow that she had made. Today, the festival is celebrated with considerable fervour and accompanies by a fair, performances and competitions.