Mosques In India

Jamali Kamali Mosque & Tomb

The Jamali Kamali Mosque and Tomb is situated in Archeological Village complex in Mehrauli, Delhi. It is said that Shaikh Jamali himself designed the mosque. These comprise of two structures sitting besides each other, one building is mosque and other one is the Tomb of Jamali and Kamali. The name Jamali is originated from the Urdu word “Jamal” meaning beauty. This was the Pseudo name of Shaikh Fazullah, also named Jalal Khan or Shaikh Jamali Kambih, a renowned Sufi Saint of pre mughal dynasty (lodi dynasty). On other hand Kamali was an unknown person but was related with Jamali and none of his decedents have been known. Both names have been tagged as “Jamali Kamali” for the mosque and tomb as they are buried besides one another. Both these monuments were constructed during 1528 to 1529 but Jamali was buried after he died in 1535.

Conservation

The monument is conserved and is maintained with care. The Archeological survey of India (ASI) looks for conservation of these monuments. It was further spruced up before 2010 commonwealth games were hosted in Delhi. Both these monuments are covered under the 172 buildings which are under jurisdiction of ASI,s Delhi archeological circle, branded for restoration. For this purpose a sum of Rs. 15 lakh is proposed.

Exploring the Monument

The main and side entrance to the mosque always remains closed. But on requesting the attendant you can get indoors for viewing. However, entry from the side always remains closed. Through the mosque the Tomb of Jamali and Kamali can be accessed by entering through a small gate. Another entry to the porch can be found from north-east corner, but this may be sealed. In the northwest corner, the enclosed tomb can be seen with detailed sculpturing and beautifully designed walls in red and blue color. All these can be seen covered with Koranic Inscriptions. Jamali’s grave is kept in the centre and Kamali’s grave can be found in right side blocking the path. In the mosque there is a very large porch covered with walls consisting of windows. Another wall divides porch in a proportion of 80-20. 20% of this area has a few graves. Several other unknown graves can be found in the main porch, one of this is surrounded by a pavilion.

How to Reach

At the moment you enter Mehrauli archeological Park, you will find various archeological pillars, through these you can follow your way for the ‘Jamali Kamali Mosque’. Jamali Kamali Mosque is open all days for visiting. Visitors can get in here through local buses, metro, or can hire auto rikshaws and taxis. The nearest railway station to this mosque is Nizamuddin Railway Station. Nearest metro station is Central Secretariat and the nearest airport for reaching is Indira Gandhi international Airport. It’s best to spend 30 minutes of your time for discovering the Mughal culture and architecture. From Gurgaon you can cross the road for Jain Dada Badi, here you will get a small access to a park having a standard board. Drive your vehicle inside and you will surely find a parking place besides Jamali Kamali mosque.

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