Tuesday 16 April 2013

Tomb Complex of Jhajjar


Instead of 'Heritage of Haryana' it would be more appropriate (and sad) to use the term ‘Dying Heritage of Haryana’. Earlier I used to think that we at Haryana, don't have much of a heritage to share with the world, but as I am visiting new places, I am beginning to feel exactly the opposite. The more I go out, more proud I start feeling of my state’s past but at the same time also equally horrified at the present state of our heritage.

My objective here is not to criticise anybody but to bring the attention (if possible) towards the sad situation of these amazing monuments of our state. If we keep on giving the same treatment to our monuments then pretty soon there won't be much left to conserve.

Tomb Complex of Jhajjar

Tomb complex of Jhajjar is one of the most remarkable monument, one should be visiting while on historical tour of Haryana. It is situated on the outskirts of the city of Jhajjar, near its Ramlila Maidan.I got the chance to visit this monument in Feb. 2013.

It would have taken a very long time for me to visit this monument, had it not been recommended by Sh. Yashpal Gulia, Sub Divisional Engineer,P.W.D.,Haryana. He has written about these tombs in detail in his remarkable book “Heritage of Haryana”.

From Buddha Stupas to Medieval Kos-minars, from ancient ruins to the buildings associated with Princely states and Britishers, he has written about almost every major and important monument of the state along with their photographs. It is a wonderful book for those who want to know more about Haryana's grand heritage.

This tomb complex belong to the local chiefs who were active in the area from early 17th century to the beginning of 18th century. They are known as Kalal rulers. They were granted jageers of surrounding areas by their contemporary Mughal rulers.

It appears that once, this complex had several tombs but today only 7 are visible while the presence of the rest can be sensed through their still visible platforms. Even among the present tombs, only one or two are in better shape, rest others are under the mercy of nature as well as on the mood of adventurers.




Different views of Tomb of Hasan Shahid, Jhajjar

As per Mr. Gulia’s book “Heritage of Haryana” this above tomb belongs to one Hasan Shahid who was killed in a battle during early 17th century. This monument got completed in the year 1625.

Other tombs in the complex

Another nearby tomb belongs to a saint, Abdus Samad which is believed to be built by Ismail Irah Raib in 1611. Just like several other monuments of the state, walls of these complexes are also covered with writings from the past.

Other views of the complex

This whole complex, its design and murals are simply amazing. It certainly deserves much more attention and if restored properly can attract large number of tourists.

Following refrences were consulted for this write up.:-
"Haryana ka riyasati Itihaas" by Sh.Yashpal Gulia.
"Heritage of Haryana" by Sh.Yashpal Gulia.
"Reprint of Rohtak District Gazetteer,1910" By Revenue Department, Haryana, 1998, p44 to p45

About Jhajjar:-Jhajjar city is situated at around 65 Km from Delhi, 45 Km from Gurgaon and 40 Km from Rohtak.

About this monument:- This monument is situated on the outskirts of the city on Jhajjar-Bahadurgarh State Highway no.22. Just ask for Ramlila Maidan and you will be directed to this complex.