WANDERLUST @ DELHI-II MADHI MASJID: THE FORTIFIED MOSQUE

Madhi Masjid is a magnificent monument that is prominently located and easy to find, which is why it’s surprising to hear that very few people know about it. Maybe this is because most people do not even realize what it is when they pass by the place as there is no notice board with any name or details given of the monument- a typical malise in many monuments in the country. In fact I did not know what the monument was called when I visited it and had to do quite a bit of reseach on iinternet to figure out the name of the beautiful complex!

The structure is believed to be from the 15th century, which places it in the Lodi Era-early Mughal period. Probably even the authorities are not sure about the exact history of this monument and hence coul dnot find anything about it written onthe site. It’s located just by the side of the Mehrauli Archaeological Park but not exactly within the boundaries of the park.

While it is supposed to be a mosque, it’s a formidable structure built like a fort. It is no longer a functioning mosque and so it mostly remains deserted barring monkeys and pegions. Domes are visible from a distance but as you reach it, you are greeted by an imposing structure in front that is not merely a gate but may as well double up as a watchtower.

As you climb up the stairs and enter through the gateway, you will discover a surprisingly spacious open compound. Even though the details are painfully lacking, it can be assumed that there was a wall mosque and also a normal mosque inside it. It was intricately decorated at one point of time, as suggested by the now-worn but still visible bluish tinged tiles on the walls and the dome. There are stairs that go down to the inner chambers but they are practically closed nowadays. If you look closely, you will find interesting Indo-Saracenic sculptures adorning the walls and pillars in the entire compound.

Considering its vintage- the monument is pretty well preserved.