Shrines in Haryana
The Muslim Shrines of Haryana bear the imprints of the past rulers who once dominated the land of Punjab. Depicting the rich heritage of the Muslim Emperors, the Shrines that still stands with in Haryana.
Chuhimal ka Talab and Chatri Complex, Nuh(MEWAT)
In the midst of the Mewat region stands the historic and picturesque Chuhimal complex at Nuh, serving as an ideal oasis for the region and lending aesthetic appeal to its otherwise stark surroundings. It bears testimony to the district's glorious past, much of which is quite shrouded in obscurity. Historical sources suggest that the town of Nuh rose to prominence during the time of Bahadur Singh of Ghasera and came under British rule in 1808 A.D. This complex, built in the 18th-19th century, comprises a covered and arcaded entrance block, two historic temples and a beautiful stepped water body or talab. The talab is surrounded by eight small octagonal chatris, initially conceived by Seth Chuhimal, an affluent nagarseth of Nuh.
The complex also has an exquisite double-storeyed chatri made of Bharatpur stone with floral inscriptions, which was constructed later in the memory of Seth Chuhimal. The talab is also said to have an underground tunnel leading to Chuhimal's haveli, situated in the nearby village, which was used for bathing by the women of the haveli.The talab is in a fairly good state, clean and well maintained by the owners who are descendents of Seth Chuhimal. It is fed with water from a nahar that flows perennially, probably the reason why it was a bathing place for women folk in earlier times. The main chatri stands a little distance away from the talab and the temples. It is made of red sandstone with two kinds of arches showing a tasteful blend of the Rajput and Mughal architectural styles typical of the region. Decorative features on the main chatris are intricate, with an abundant use of floral and animal motifs in an aesthetic outlay. The main chatri is also in a good state, clean and fairly well maintained and repairs have been done on portions of the structure. The stairs leading to the upper storey have been barricaded so as to prevent intrusions. The whole complex, with its charming façade, emanates a serenity that transports you back to a forgotten era. It holds great potential to be developed as a tourist spot for residents of the surrounding towns.
Humayun Mosque
This mosque known as Humayun's mosque was built by the Mughal emperor Humayun (1529-1556 AD) at a place where the Lat erected by the Delhi Sultan Firoz Shah Tughlaq was already standing. The mosque consists of an oblong open courtyard. To the west of this mosque is a screen made of Lakhauri bricks. The screen contains a mihrab flanked by two arched recesses on either side. An inscription praising emperor Humayun was found here. The Lat (a stone pillar) was placed by Emperor Feroz Shah Tughlaq in Fatehabad which followed the construction of the mosque in the same place. Prayers are performed in the long open courtyard with great devotion and spirituality here after performing rituals in the pond of water built here. The mosque is not very huge but is however the cultural landmark of the Mughals. A big screen is made with Lakhauri bricks towards the west of the mosque that showed the direction to offer prayers.
The mehrab (a semicircular niche in the wall of a mosque that indicates the qiblah, the direction of the Ka'aba in Mecca and hence the direction that Muslims should face when praying. The wall in which a mehrab appears is considered the qiblah wall) is bordered by two arches on either side of the screen. Humayun mosque is very famous and popular in the Islamic community. People in large numbers in and around Fatehabad offer Friday prayers here. This mosque can hold thousands of people offering namaaz at the same time. In the 18th century, the mosque was repaired by Nur Rehmat. Being one of the great Muslim Shrine, Eid prayers are also offered here every year by devotees in huge numbers.
Lat Ki Masjid
This mosque, known as Lat Ki Masjid was built by Firoz Shah Tughlaq (1351-88 AD), is a unique example of Tughlaq architecture. The mosque is a combination of structures, L-shaped ablution tank and a Lat (Pillar). The mosque is built partly of red and buff sandstone and partly of rubble masonry having thick plaster. Possibly extricated from destroyed Hindu temples, the stone pillars with floral and geometrical designs engraved on them support the main arched openings of the mosque. The main prayer hall has nine bays consisting of arches supported on pillars. It has a carved qibla and a pulpit in the western wall. Within the courtyard in the north-east, there is a Lat (Pillar) and the mosque is named after it. The Lat, made of sandstone, is a part of an Ashokan pillar. A few letters in Mauryan Brahmi script can be seen at the top, while in the lower portion, names of a few individuals/pilgrims have been inscribed on a subsequent date.
Tomb of Razia Sultan
Razia Sultan, the daughter of Iltutmish, was the ruler of Slave dynasty. She was first woman to sit on the throne of Delhi. But the nobles revolted against her and made her brother Mohin-ud-Din Bahram Shah sit on the throne. Meanwhile, Razia got married to Negro Altunia, the Governor of Bhatinda. For capturing the throne, they both marched towards Delhi, Bahram send his army to capture them. The armies of both the parties fought near Kaithal and Razia was killed on 14th October, 1240 AD and was buried at the site of her death.The original grave of Razia once existed at this place. This mausoleum was protected by a boundary wall and the western wall had a closed arch. A small gate was left on the eastern side for entering the monument. As it is evident from its style of architecture, this present structure of the tomb was erected sometime during late 16th century AD. It was made of baked bricks and lime mortar. A mosque and a well near the tomb were also built while constructing this mausoleum.
