The monuments’ complex in Hauz Khas village is a remarkable set of buildings in Delhi. It is a 14^th century madrasa, an institution for Islamic learning, which is built around a 13^th century tank. The heritage walk in Hauz Khas covers this madrasa complex as well as some monuments in the adjacent Deer Park. A winding lane from Hauz Khas village leads us to the gateway to the complex. There is a lot digging being done in the complex so most of the area is piled up with building materials and big stones. The madrasa building is built along one side of the tank and originally the water would have lapped its walls. Now the tank is much smaller and there is a landscaped park with jogging track between the tank and the madrasa. It is an excellent view of the surroundings and in the evening, with the birds chirping and colours of the sunset, it makes a beautiful setting. Continue Reading This Post

More photographs of Hauz Khas Walk sent by Ameet K. Mangat, Heritage Enthusiast

It is difficult to imagine a world of medieval monuments just beyond the glamour of boutiques, art galleries and restaurants in Hauz Khas village. The hauz (tank) and the 14^th century madrasa are a grand sight even as ruins. Fine examples of Tughlaq architecture, these buildings impress a visitor with their strength. They are simple massive & very austere; thick, sloping walls, massive stone beams and pillars. One of the visitors could not help wondering if they (the residents) were expecting an invasion! The madrasa complex is a double-storied structure with colonnaded halls on the top floor and small cell-like rooms on the lower storey. It is an L-shaped complex, on an edge of the Hauz and Firuz Shah Tughlaq’s tomb is built at the meeting point of the two wings. The tomb is not heavily decorated but it is a massive building. The interior has beautiful plaster work decoration. There are a couple of monuments is the deer park as well, the Kali Gumti and Bagh-i-Alam ka Gumbad. The second is a typical Lodi period tomb, very similar to the ones in Lodi Garden. A combination of ruins among trees, wild shrubs, birds makes a very picturesque view.

(posted by Rajesh Ranjan & Kanika Singh, team members, Delhi Heritage Walks)

Hauz Khas Heritage Walk