THE UNKNOWN KAMALI OF THE JAMALI KAMALI MOSQUE & TOMB

The architecture of Delhi is incomplete without talking about the numerous mosques and tombs that dot its landscape. Each tomb is a living memory and a remembrance of the love that still lives for the one whose love died. Today, we will talk about one such tomb that lies in the picturesque forested area of Mehrauli- Jamali Kamali Mosque & Tomb.

Jamali Kamali Masjid. Image: Wikipedia

Shaikh Fazlu’llah or Shaikh Jamali Kamboh was a Sufi saint, and a revered poet during the Lodhi and the Mughal Dynasty. Shaikh Jamali Kamboh travelled a lot. He saw a significant part of Asia along with the Middle East. During the Lodhi Dynasty, he became a court poet whose writing was appreciated and liked by all. The careful usage of words and the rhythmic feel of his poetry made him the Jamali (which means beauty and positivity) of the Lodhi courtly culture. Even during the Mughal Empire, he was respected and loved by Babur and Humayun, respectively. Two of his most popular works were "The Sun and Moon" and "The Spiritual Journey of the Mystics". Even today, lovers of poetry refer to these two poems from the early years of the Mughal Empire.

It was Humayun who had constructed the tomb and the mosque in the Mehrauli site for Shaikh Jamali Kumboh when he died in 1535. The Jamali Kamali Mosque and Tomb are two structures adjacent to each other. While we know who and what Jamali stands for, there is still a lot of speculation on who Kamali was.

Kamali in Urdu means miracle. It is believed that Kamali was Jamali’s lover. As Jamali's and Kamali's tombs are so close together, the area is named after both of them. Karen Chase, an American author who wrote the book, A Tale of Mughal Passion talked about the homosexual love between Jamali and Kamali. While this is still speculation, there is no clear evidence to prove this love story. Some even say that Kamali was Jamali's brother and since they shared an unconditional bond, they are placed beside each other.

The fragrance and the essence of pretty flowers in the garden enclose the two architectural complexes of this tomb and mosque. The mosque has a single central dome, laid with red sandstone and white marble superfluities. The architectural styles of these mosques are more or less similar to the Sher Shah Mosque and Moth ki Masjid.

While looking at this architectural phenomenon, one can see the introduction of the Mughal architectural system through these early gems. The one thing that creates a distinction amongst the Mughal architecture from the earlier forms is the Jarokha system that dominates the former. one distinctive feature of this mosque is the jewel-like verses written by Jamali Kumboh inscribed on the walls of the mosque.

Due to the tethered condition of the mosque and the ravaging time on a mission to ruin the first trace of the Mughal architectural styles, Jamali Kamali has been preserved under the head of the Archaeological Survey of India.

Yet, other than the architectural marvel and the unknown love story between the two, there is another intriguing story about this particular historical site. According to legends, it is believed that Jamali Kamali became the residence of Jinns. A lot of people who visited the tomb have seen sights of light, the growling of animals without any animal insight, the constant belief of someone walking along with them.

According to Islamic mythology, Jinns live in a parallel world to that of humans. Only on rare occasions do Jinn enter into the human world and decides to stay there. Their stay is usually in any abandoned mosque, like this one. However, there is no confirmation or sure short of the existence of the Jinns in this mosque. The appropriation of this mosque as a haunted place still needs to be considered since the security guard who is usually the one on duty never witnessed any such instances in his career. Or maybe, he is a Jinn in disguise? We would never know. All we can do is, appreciate the intricate work and keep our eyes open for any paranormal activity that might excite or scare us.