Jahaz Mahal Jahaz Mahal is situated on the northeastern corner of Hauz-i-Shamsi, a tank built by Iltutmish, a ruler of the Slave Dynasty. The mahal or palace belongs to the Lodi period and is said to have served the purpose of a sarai or pilgrim's apartments. It is called Jahaz (ship) Mahal because it is located on the banks of Hauz-i-Shamsi, and appears as if is floating on the surface of the vast lake.

The main entrance of the palace is from the eastern side. It has a rectangular courtyard in the center with arched chambers on the sides beautifully decorated with several designs of squinches. The palace too has a small mosque as suggested by a mihrab in the western wall. The main features of the palace are its intricately carved chhatris and domed pavilion ornamented with blue tiles. The corners of the chambers are surmounted by the chhatris and the gateway by the pavilions having the tiles.
The beautiful festival of Phulwalon Ki Sair, which started in 1720, was celebrated here in this palace in which the flower-sellers from Mehrauli paid tribute to the Mughal Emperors. The festival has been revived and is held during the month of October.
|