Mehrauli Archeological Park
14-12-2024
09:30 AM

Overview:
The Archeological Survey of India (ASI) recently informed the Supreme Court that it would file within a week, the survey report of the religious structures inside the Mehrauli Archaeological Park in Delhi in a plea seeking their protection.
About Mehrauli Archeological Park:
- It is situated in Delhi, just beside the Qutb Complex (historically Mehrauli was the first of the seven cities of Delhi).
- Spanning an area of more than 200 acres (80 ha), the site displays the rich heritage of India, starting from the Pre-Islamic to the Colonial phase.
- It accounts for several historically significant monuments, including the remains of the first city of Delhi, the capital of the Tomar rulers in the 11th century.
- There are over 440 monuments in the area.
- The Tomb of Balban, dating back to around 1287 AD, marks a significant milestone in Indian architecture, featuring the country's first true arch and dome.
- The Jamali Kamali Mosque and Tomb (1526-1535 AD) showcase a harmonious blend of Indo-Islamic architecture.
- Named after the Sufi saint Jamali and his companion Kamali, this complex boasts intricate decorative elements and a central dome that speak to the artistic prowess of its time.
- 16th-century Rajon Ki Baoli, or Stepwell of the Masons, with its symmetrical steps and arched niches serving both practical and aesthetic purposes.
- The park also houses spiritual landmarks like the Dargah of Qutab Sahib, a serene white marble shrine dedicated to a revered Sufi saint, and the Hijron ka Khanqah, a Sufi hospice from the Lodhi dynasty that provided shelter and spiritual solace to the transgender community.
- Jahaz Mahal, or "Ship Palace," a Lodi-era pleasure pavilion whose boat-like shape and arched openings make it a unique architectural gem.
- Iron Pillar: The iconic Iron Pillar is renowned for its remarkable corrosion resistance despite being over a thousand years old.

Q1: What is the Archeological Survey of India (ASI)?
Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) was set up in the year 1861 basically to carry out elaborate surveys of antiquarian remains in the country and to protect monuments and sites. The ASI has brought to light innumerable vestiges of our past civilizations which have made every Indian feel proud of its glorious past. The Survey is zealously guarding these treasures for the past one and half centuries. Presently, the work of the organisation is spread over a large number of fields such as preservation, conservation, architectural studies, epigraphy, horticultural and environmental upgradation, underwater archaeology. Presently, ASI is protecting 3667 monuments including 18 World Heritage Cultural Properties. It is also maintaining 41 site museums around the country.
News: ASI To Submit Survey Report In Supreme Court On Religious Structures In Mehrauli Archeological Park