Kamali ....???

* Kamali - considering that city hosted the Nigah Queer fest( www.thequeerfest.com) last week - it seems strange coincidence that I am talking about Kamali. Not much has been written about this person and so much is shrouded in mystery. Some say that he was disciple of Jamali , other believe that he was brother.
Some also believe that he was partner of Jamali. Its not an unlikely assumption , Kamali's cenotaph side by side with Jamali - little bit lower platform and not centrally located though, confirms that K played a major part in life of J to get that type of notice.

I think its all about perspective and freedom of choice.

* This one for Lord Metcalfe - he was the first entrepreneur - who loved the Islamic buildings that he made his country residence from a "Tomb" which was originally made for Quli Khan ( Mughal Emperor Akbar's foster brother) and was also called as Dilkusha. Now seeing such beautiful building as residence - people must have started to invite themselves to such splendor - which might have not suited to Lord M - so he got the idea to build a Guesthouse and charge people.....now that I would call serious biz skills.....btw - this guesthouse also had the private pool as well.....!! Talk about Top class service provider.... :-)

* Lastly for Lord Loony ( sorry guys not sure of his full name will update later) and just in case you are sceptics that I am making this up - he was called as "Loony Saheb" - Talk about living life flamboyantly - Loony Saheb use to love walking wearing a very long Mughal robe ( as befits the emperor - with all the diamonds and jewels hanging....!!) and slaves would be bearing the hem of the robe....! Yeah Dilli ki galiyaan....!

And he had 13 Indian wives ( Rolling my eyes...)

PS - My companion commented that " oh how much I would love to be born in that era.....I said sure.....why ?? just to pluck those jewels..... :-)

Jamali Kamali complex

This is the wall surrounding the Tomb of Jamali. In the first pic you can see the cenotaphs and beyond that...Qutab Minar....! One is not allowed to take the pics inside the Jamali tomb - however it was beautiful with persian art - inlay work and mirror inlay.

More later and Have a fun weekend...to all of you !!

Tk care and peace always ~

Jamali Kamali

- This small arch with mantle apparently was used as a lighthouse , since this place is in the middle of nowhere , used as a place for prayer this high lamp post would have been an indicator during the night. On the main arch you can see the lotus buds - confluence of cultures.

This illusionary wall - another amazing pc of work of Early islamic architecture. Quoran verses are inscribed on the walls.

This mosque was built in 1528 - Court poet Jalal Khan was initiated into sufism by Shaikh Samauddin - and the story goes that - his teacher suggested that Jalali which was his pen name (which means - awe inspiring) if you change the word "Al" to "M" ( Jamali) - the word takes on a new meaning as ( Love Inspiring/loveable).

So who was Kamali ??? Later.......!!

The perfect dome !!

Well almost perfect dome - in 1528 the mosque & tomb of Jamali Kamali's was built. And this shows the top portion where they were able to support the dome by adding extra quinches. If you see in between the top side arch and centre one there is an extra bar.

However with these mathematical quinches add ons( 8 /16/32) gave the shape of domes as ONION Tops.They were not perfectly round.

Building tombs - generally when we rest a body for final peace - they should have the open sky facing them, so why the tombs were built ?

Everyone gets succumbed to that feeling of " How to get to the level of Immortal stage" - architecture is one such way to inspire awe . However closed confines of a building would have meant going against the teachings of religion. So if you stand inside the tomb and see upwards -you do get the sense of vastness. Then they use to have star and moon crecent carved so it was like facing the open sky.

And last trivia - most of the tombs were started before their actual death... so basically these rulers were seeing their grave site being dug in front of them.... ( whow- at this my jaw dropped...) and on serious note - if some overzealous fan comes and tell you that he would like to build " Taj Mahal" for you - do not feel flattered :-)

Era of Sultan Balban

Arches opening on all 4 side - leads to the ruins of Balban's Tomb.

Standing tall since 13th century - tomb of Sultan Balban

Thanks to INTACH Delhi Chapter ( The Indian National Trust for Arts and Cultural Heritage) - they organize these walks. Our leader was young enthusiast who loves to talk , and very categorically told us that this walk could become bit long........( How long.....??)

I really liked the way she explained on various aspect ( least on dates, I mean we got the century placed correct and thats it) However small things which she narrated in story mannerism was fun.

Like in this case what we know about the Sultan Balban was that he was quite stoic/ austere & frugal Moslem ruler. However some of the features on his tomb were so much in opposition to what has been believed about this ruler. Like the usage of red sandstone which would have costed him a lot and then the feature of tile work( quite frivolous....lol) ( which was less then 1/2' - poor guy people dissecting that as well)

Why this tomb lies in ruins - apparently the walls were not able to support the heavy stone work while making the dome on top of tomb.

Lil steps in past....

Sometime we take so much for granted. Like living in a city which if all stories to be believed - was establised and restructured (amidst all the blood bath which ensued) 9 times....! You walk pass by certain monument every day ,not realizing that you are seeing a part of history passing by....!

So finally I took this walk in past starting from 12-13th century......

First fortification in Delhi
Early settlements of Rajputs ( warrior clan) or you can say last of them.
Arrival of Moslem rulers
And then British...!!

More to come.....!

Happy weekend

This was my expression ( scowling) when I saw the money grabber trying to push the pup.

I am ok now and can laugh ( on the scenario) gosh this guy was shoving the pup really hard and when I scolded him he started patting ....and really trying to show as if he really cares. What a crackpot !! Though ,I don't blame him - I am sure it would be sort of beyond him why we are showering so much love / care and attention on street animal.

Lil one ( Ganu) is kk - I took him to vet and he said its normal for pups to puke ( like coliky maybe?) - when I shared the incident with Shiks she asked me what is pup doing - and I said he has dozed off...and she says -" Bandar" ( as in monkey)....lol...!

Thanks to all of you dear friends for cheering for lil pups. Will be posting on their updates soon next week.

Have a nice weekend ~

Cheers !!!