Be curious, Delhi

#DailyDelhi 28: Khan-i-Jahan Tilangani

Junan Shah succeeded his father, Malik Maqbul, as the wazir, or prime minister, of the Tughlaq court in Delhi. Malik Maqbul was a military commander from Telangana who converted to Islam after being defeated by Muhammad bin Tughlaq. 

Feroz Shah Tughlaq was one of the greatest builders Delhi has known, and he was supported by his Prime Minister, the Khan-i-Jahan Tilangani. Tilangani is credited as having built seven mosques in the city, some of which were quite radical in their conception and design.

Only five of these mosques survive, and the list below is the educated guesswork of noted historians. Their locations across Delhi also give an indication of how widespread the city was in the 14th century. 

Kalan Masjid, Shahjahanabad; the only one of the seven which is still in use.

Khirki Masjid; uniquely, this mosque is almost completely covered.

Begumpur Masjid; said to be the prototype for all future mosques built in the Sultanate, there is also some contention on whether this one of Tilangani’s series or not.

Kalu Serai Masjid; now derelict and inhabited by several families.

Masjid Kalan, Nizamuddin

Chausath Khamba Masjid, Mirdard Marg near Maulana Azad Medical College; with sixty four columns.

Masjid in Feroze Shah Kotla; said to be inhabited by djinns, genies.

Masjid in Shahjahanabad near Qadam Sharif; also possibly built by Junan Shah.

Khan-i-Jahan Tilangani attempted a coup on the throne shortly before Sultan Feroz Shah died but was unsuccessful. Though he met with an ignominious end, his legacy has greatly influenced mosque architecture throughout the Sultanate.

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Sunil and Rashmi Khanna juggle their successful careers with a young family in Delhi, India. They’re always on the lookout for unique and relevant cultural experiences which will help Alia, their 8 year old daughter, learn about the world around her. Though they live in the affluent and metropolitan Indian capital, they have a hard time finding opportunities to do so together as a family and at their own pace.

They love Curiocity because the neighbourhood guide has helped them discover Delhi’s many monuments and learn about the city’s long history, together as a family. Alia loves the illustrated cards with fascinating stories about long-ago emperors and saints, and that she can relate these with monuments and places she can visit, touch and play in. The Khannas especially enjoy trying their hand at the fun questions and activities that they can do while out exploring. It’s also super easy to plan the trip with the handy map and supporting online guide.

By providing an opportunity for the family to play in and learn from the city they live in, Curiocity has helped Alia develop her sense of enquiry and awareness. Now that the Khanna’s have started exploring the intriguing stories and exciting places of living history right outside their front door, they feel more connected to Delhi and are happier about calling it home.

#DailyDelhi 27: Shahzadi Jahanara Begum Sahib

Princess Jahanara was a favourite daughter of the Mughal emperor Shah Jahan. After her mother Mumtaz Mahal died, Jahanara, only 17 years old, took over as the first lady of the Mughal household. Renowned for her devotion to her father, she voluntarily stayed with Shah Jahan when he was imprisoned by his son Aurangzeb at Agra. 

Jahanara was a poet and philosopher, interested in Sufi mysticism. Her grave, at the Nizamuddin dargah complex, is very simple and restrained, marked only by a marble headstone. She wrote her own epitaph: