We chose first to explore a renowned Feroz Shah’s Tomb because it is the biggest of other sections,  Good for us, there was not much rush here, therefore, at the
tomb; some couples were taking photos for making their outing memorable;
perhaps we may see some of these photos on social media.  With a bright
blues sky in the background, the dome looked very nice. Dome’s door was locked
and it was not to open for the public, but one could peck inside the tomb. There
are three graves inside the tomb. The bigger grave which is in the centre
belongs to Feroz Shah and the other two which is smaller in size may be of
Firoz Shah’s son and his grandson.

Madrasa was our next famous things, which has two wings: northern and western wings.  The northern wing is for study and training purposes and the western wings is for scholar’s accommodation purposes. Both wings are attached to Firoz Shah’s Tomb, eventually forming an L- shaped and decorated.  One side of both wings is open towards the water tank through the window which is called Jharokha. Both wings are two-story building and there
are stairs towards the water tank/ Hauz I Alai. There is one small beautiful mosque at the last
corner of the northern wing and its one entry gate, which is now closed for
public explore due to safety purpose. Don’t worry; You can enjoy the outer view of the
beautiful garden from this wing edged which is majestic and eye-catching and
spectacular.

The western wing of Madrasa

Tughlaq Tomb, Three Domed Structure & Mosque- Unusual Preeminent things

After exploring Madrasa, we both were heading towards other preeminent things to explore which was Tughlaq Tomb.  It is more scattered over a green cover.  It is mostly a tomb but looks very beautiful in the green garden.  As per the archaeologist report, all tombs are related to the remains of the madrasa’s teachers.  Surprisingly, there were lots of people, resting on the green grass and some small children playing on the ground.  Here, together with Khushdil, I took some photos. 

Three Domed Structure was my second last preeminent thing which just lies next to the Tughlaq Tomb.  It has T- Shaped structure which is unusual in respect of other buildings.  It is stretched in the North-South direction and another stretches shown towards the west direction from centre.  The purpose of T- shaped structure building in this Hauz I Alai complex is not clear, assuming it is an assembly hall for the meeting purpose of students and madrasa’s teachers.

Finally, we were on the last leg of our visit-
The Mosque is standing in the north direction from the Firoz
Shah’s tomb. This is mostly in derelict condition so the mosque was closed now
and not opens for public explore or review. It is
used as a worship place for the people of the madrasa. This is an unusual
mosque because of the opening of Jharokha in the west direction which is not
present in the general mosque; here we can see a majestic view of this mosque
from outside. Its staircase leads down to the water tank from Jharokha is seen
from the outside.

Photo of all 5 famous things of Hauz I Alai complex are already posted in the Gallery section of this website, please go through the link – Photo Gallery- Hauz I Alai for viewing Hauz I Alai beautiful photos.

Delhi Sultanates’ contribution in Hauz I Alai complex

• Alauddin Khalji (ruled 1296 – 1316)

Hauz Tank aerial view from Hauz I Alai complex

Actually, Hauz I Alai complex is associated with the water tank which I have turned around and seen before in the second part of this blog series  (One Day Trip to Hauz Khash II – Exploring Deer Park And Heritage Sites). This
complex lay somewhat to the west of Alauddin’s newly fortified city of Siri and
was created between 1297 and 1307 to defend against Mongol invasions, for the
use of inhabitants of Siri which was originally known as Hauz I Alai
after his name. Originally the tank was much larger than then it is today.
After the end of the Alauddin Khalji dynasty, lack of maintenance led to
silting up of the channels that fed the tank, and it dried up.

• Feroz
  Shah Tughlaq (ruled 1351- 1388)

Feroz Shah Tughlaq re-excavated the silted tank and restored the water
supply system to the Tank in 1350-54, then came to be known as Hauz Khas
or Royal Tank. At the same time, he raised several buildings -Madrasa, Mosque
& Tomb on its southern and eastern bank of Tank which is known as “Madrasa
– e Feroz Shahi” or “College of Firoz Shahi”. It has two wings- The northern
wing & the Western wing to serve as a college for higher education and
theological training.

• Sikandar
  Lodhi (ruled 1489- 1517)

Sikandar Lodhi was the second son of Bahlol Lodi (ruled- 1451-1489) and was
the fifth and final dynasty of the Delhi Sultanate. His main initiative was to
repair the building of Firoz Shah’s Tomb of Hauz I Alai in the
year- 1508.

The important architectural structure of Hauz I Alai

> Tombs-The Biggest building of Hauz I Alai

Firoz Shah’s built his tomb along with Madrasa in
1350. His tomb measures are 13.5 meters by 13.5 meters forms the junction of
the two wings at the college. Tomb gives pleasing charm appearance still now
due to its plastered rubble construction. Its dome base is designed by Kanguras
which looks like an ornamental stylized motif. Outside of the tomb is the stone
railing (now broken in places) that forms a yard in front of it and inside the
tomb’s wall and the ceiling is more lavishly decorated.

The top of its dome is the highest point of the
entire complex. He chooses to build his tomb at a focal point in the complex so
it is an important historical building of this Hauz I Alai
complex. As per the inscription on the southern entrance, buildings were
repairs in 1508 by the order of Delhi Sultan- Sikandar Lodi.

Important things about Feroz Shah’s tomb-

• Eight-pointed star decorations inside the dome covering
  a part of the ceiling.

• Shades are painted in blue and red colour.

• Originally the exterior plaster of the tomb would have
  been decoratively painted.

• Firoz Shah’s carved is finished with a marble cenotaph.

• Inscription on the southern door tells of repairs under
  Sikandar Lodi.

• There is a painted and incised plaster medallion.

> Madrasa- Famous study/learning institute

Northern wing Madrasa arches and building design

It extends 45 meters North of Feroz Shah’s tomb.
It has a pillared room, on the top story and arcaded rooms below. There is a
majestic view of the tank from the room’s Jharokha. The buildings of the
college are built of rubble masonry combined with blocks of neatly cut
quartzite. Much of the exterior was originally covered in white plaster and
painted in bright colours with golden domes. Its ornamentation is still present
but not in good condition, so there is a need to care for these famous
historical sites.

The Western wing of the Madrasa – Accommodation Building

The Western wing of Madrasa’s building design 

• It has carved pillars.

• It has an unusual T-shape structure.

• There is a decorative finial on the dome.

• Distinct calligraphy incised over plaster.

• The top balcony is broken and in depilated condition.

• There are ruined patterns of kangura/merlon at the base.

> Mosque – Remarkable due to Jharokhas on the western wall

We have found measures of central courtyard are
13 meters by 12 meters and it is surrounded by ruined colonnades on the north,
south, and west. A colonnade to the West, which is the prayer chamber, measures
24 meters by 4 meters. Mosque western wall, which indicates the direction of
Mecca, is of an unusual pattern, unlike most mosques, where the western wall is
closed; here the mihrabs (arched niches) alternate with decorative. Jharokhas
(cantilevered, enclosed openings) overlook the tank. Stairs lead down to the
water tank from the central window and the south of the mosque.

Inside this, there is an unknown grave.

• It has Jharokhas on the western wall.

• Outside of the mosque, steps are leading down to the
  water tank.

Evening Sunset view at Hauz I Alai