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Jamali Kamali Mehrauli New Delhi
Beliefs are hard to comprehend because they can be seen in all forms, the varieties ranging from complex thought processes to the existence of ghosts. Where supernatural forces are at work, it is common to find the inexplicable presence of apparitions or invisible features. Most people like to explain abnormal phenomenon like the eerie sounds, sudden white visions and such features as the presence of ghosts. Although ghost beliefs have stayed among the minds of people at large, it is an entirely different matter to seek out these haunted places. Among the various well known places in India with supposed presence of ghosts, Jamali Kamali Mosque in New Delhi holds special mention.
For many people, Jamali Kamali Mosque and Tomb enlist the beauty of architectural brilliance of the era before the Mughals and very imminently become a means of reflection of the art during the transition, when Islamic rulers invaded India during 16th century. This is one of the important buildings in India, which showcases the composite culture of India, where religious sentiments, styles of life, shared practices of technology, culture and beliefs were overlapping. After the attack on Indian subcontinent by Qutubuddin Aibak and his Delhi Sultanate, he had plans to construct various monuments and structures. This was the period when Indo-Islamic style of architecture was highly prevalent in India, with the Islamic part being mostly Persian in nature. Jamali Kamali Mosque was built somewhere during this particular period and presents one of the most serene sights in the country, but nowadays has become a well known place for ghost haunts.
History of Jamali Kamali Mosque and Tomb
Presently, Jamali Kamali Mosque and Tomb is situated inside the complex of Archaeological Village in Delhi’s Mehrauli area. This particular architectural structure comprises of two monuments located side by side, one being the Mosque and the other being the tomb of two people who go by the name of Jamali and Kamali. Although, a lot is known about the person with the name Jamali, information on Kamali is not found in any kind of reference.
Jamali is the form derived from Jamal, which means beauty and the alias of Jamali was given to Sheikh Fazlu’llah. Also known as Jalal Khan or Sheikh Jamali Kamboh, this person was a known Sufi saint living during the time when Ibrahim Lodi conquered India, prior to the establishment of the Mughal dynasty. Regarding Kamali, even though, it is believed that he was associated with Jamali, his antecedents have not been possible to be identified as such. According to the historical data, the Jamali Kamali Mosque as well as the tomb was constructed during 1528-29, while Jamali was cremated here after his death in 1535. Both the names of these two persons were attached to the name of the mosque and the tomb, with both their tombs lying adjacent to each other.
About Jamali
From the information collected on Jamali, it is evident that he was a well known Sufi believer and a saint with huge following. Originally, he hailed from the rich family of merchants from the Sunni sect, but joined Sufism with the name of Sheikh Samauddin. In his initial years of becoming a Sufi saint, he went around the world, made renditions of poems. In the Lodi kingdom, he was the court poet, the post which he continued to hold even with the succeeding Mughal rulers. Most of the poems of Jamali were centered on topics of Persian mystical powers.
Mosque Structure
Since the construction of Jamali Kamali Mosque was done in the early 16th century, there are reflections of mixed architectural styles. Entry point of the mosque is towards the southern side, where tourists enter into the enclosed garden area. There is a large prayer hall, which is having a huge corridor in the front, having five large pillars. There are arches across these pillars with plenty of ornamentations over these structures. Among the five arches, the central arch is the most beautiful with the maximum number of decorations and variety of inscriptions from the Koran. Around the mosque is a porch, which helps in accessing to the primary prayer hall, with the rear end having oriel windows, besides having many small windows on the walls, which are supposed to be derived from Rajasthani architectural style.
The tomb is a squared structure with the roof being flat of size around 25 ft. towards the northern side of the mosque is the tomb of Jamali-Kamali, which has a ceiling that reflects the architectural style of that era. Lot of inscriptions from the Koran is present in the ceiling, which is ornately crafted in beautiful red and white colors. Many people visiting this tomb describe the experience of going into the tomb like that of entering into the Jewel box. The graves of the two people are made out of marble stone.
Present day scenario of Jamali Kamali Mosque and Tomb
In recent years, Jamali Kamali Mosque is under the protection and management of the Archaeological Society of India (ASI). Further finances are being arranged for the renovation work of the mosque, so as to preserve the beauty and architecture of this important historical monument.
Relevance with being a Haunted Place
Even though the Jamali Kamali Mosque is open to the public visits from 10 am till 6 pm, it is considered nowadays to be a haunted place. When such buildings in India are considered where ghosts and outer worldly presence is linked, the name of Jamali Kamali Mosque comes into the list. After dark, there have been many instances of sightings of lights, even in darkness, apparitions and other faint features. Many inexplicable sounds like the animals growling, chasing by some invisible sight and such abnormal phenomenon have been reported, besides having incidents of nightmares among people. Some adventurous and ghost seeking people have found it exciting to take up visits to this place of Jamali Kamali Mosque, and some have also succeeded in seconding this particular theory.
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