5 LESSER KNOWN MONUMENTS

Salim Singh Ki Haveli

Salim Singh Ki Haveli was built in 1815 by Salim Singh, the prime minister of the
kingdom when Jaisalmer was the capital. This mansion was not created with the
help of cements and mortar- the stones are connected with strong iron rods.
This mansion is famous for its distinctive architecture as it is constitutes 38 gracefully
carved balconies. The architecture of this mansion is inspired by dancing peacock.
One of the most ambitious constructions of its times, the Haveli is so magnificent,
that it even invited the ruler's envy during its era.
ADDRESS-Near, Railway Station, Jaisalmer, Rajasthan, 305001, India
TIMINGS-8:00 AM - 6:00 PM, Open on all days

Bada Bagh
Equidistant from Jaisalmer and Lodhruva, Bada Bagh, literally meaning big garden,
features a series of royal cenotaphs or chhatris of Jaisalmer Maharajas, including
that of Jai Singh II (Maharaja Sawai Jai Sing). The first cenotaph in the region was
built for Jai Singh II by his son, Lunkaran, in the 16th century. Jai Singh II was known
for his contribution to making the city green. And to honor him, his son set up a
memorial in the form of cenotaph near the dam and created a big park around it. All
the cenotaphs here have a beautifully carved ceiling and elegant equestrian statues
of rulers. The location of the garden is such that it offers incredible sunset vistas to
tourists.
When on a trip to Bada Bagh, tourists should visit the garden, tank, and dam. Jait
Bandh, the dam, dominates the region. Next to Bada Bagh is the Bhaironji Temple,
which is often visited by childless women and offer silver girdles to a deity in a hope
to cure their infertility. Bada Bagh is not too far from Jaisalmer Fort; one can rent a
car to reach the place.
Tomb of Makhdoom Yahya Maneri
Makhdoom Yahiya Maneri (Urdu: ‫یحیی منیری‬ ٰ ‫مخدوم کمال الدین‬, Hindi: Makhdoom) was
an Indian Sufi saint of the 13th century. His tomb in courtyard of a mosque, located
in Maner, 29 km from Patna, Bihar, India.[1]
Biography

His complete name is Kamaaluddin Yahya Maneri. He was son of Makhdoom Israil
son of Imam Mohammad Taj Faquih Hashmi (also called Sheikh Al Hind). His family
settled in Maner which was later also called Maner Sharif. He studied Islamic law
at Al-Nizamiyya of Baghdad Academy. He was a disciple of Sheikh Shahab al-
Din Abu Hafs Umar al-Suhrawardi of Suhrawardiyya Sufi order. His associates
include Baha-ud-din Zakariya Multani, Shaykh Saadi Shirazi and Kamal al-Din Isma'il
al-'Isfahani and Makhdoom Shahabuddin Pir Jagjot of Balkh who settled in Jaitley
near Patna.
He married one of the daughters of his friend Makhdoom Shahabuddin Pir Jagjot
and had four sons and at least one daughter with her.
The sacred shrine is locally known as Bari (meaning big) Dargah, while the
mausoleum of his descendant, Makhdoom Shah Daulat is known as Chhoti
(small) Dargah.
This shrine has remained a place of pilgrimage for a long time. Notable visitors
include Sikandar Lodi and the Mughal emperor Babar (1520–1530).
His son Makhdoom Sharfuddin Ahmed Yahya Maneri's books Maktoobate sadi
(hundred letters of century) and Maktoobate do sadi (two hundred letters of second
century) are renowned Persian language collections of spiritual writings. The Persian
books on Islamic Theosophy titled Maktoobate sadi (hundred letters ) and
Maktoobate do sadi (two hundred letters ) were written by his son Sheikh Sharfuddin
Ahmed Maneri. The original manuscripts are available in the collection of Khuda
Bakhsh Oriental Library at Patna, Bihar India
Among his descendants, Makhdoom Shah Daulat died in 1608. His mausoleum
Chhoti Dargah was built by Ibrahim Khan Kankar, Governor of Bihar, and completed
in 1616. It is still known as an excellent example of Mughal architecture.[2] Like
several other shrines of Sufi saints, Hazarat Makhdoom Yahya Maneri is revered
both by Muslims as well as by Hindus.

Chini Ka Rauza Chini

Chini ka Rauza is a tomb and funerary monument of a scholar, Allama Afzal Khan
Mullah. Khan was the prime minister during the reign of Shah Jahan. It is one of the
finest example of glazed tile-work during Mughal era. The monument gets its name
from the colored tiles that were brought from China.

Best time to visit in Chini ka Rauza

The monument is open throughout the day and throughout the week. The best time
to visit the monument is during winter. Winter provides excellent climate, which suits
sightseeing.

Where is the Chini ka Rauza located ?

The monument is located very close to Taj Mahal and just a kilometer from Itmadud
Daulah tomb. The monument is location in Itmadpur region of Agra, over looking
River Yamuna. The monument might be closed during National Holidays.

Why Chini ka Rauza is so famous ?

The architecture of the monument is the first attraction here. The tomb has two main
gates, one in the South and other in the North. The tower is three storied and is in
octagonal shape. Most of the monument is in ruins today. Balconies of the tomb are
another attraction here with inlay works and China tiles. Delicate pietra inlay work is
abundant in this monument. Due to time and weather, many enamel decorations
have been worn out and the ceiling paintings are damaged. The monument has
earthen pots to reduce the weight to concrete filling just like monuments of Egypt
and Rome.

Entry Fees ?
The monument is free to explore anytime.

History about the Chini ka Rauza ?

Khan was a poet, scholar and wise man of Persia. He was an important political
figure in the court of Shah Jahan. Khan died in 17th century in Lahore. His remains
was buried in Agra and the monument was built around it. The tomb faces Mecca.
Kanch Mahal

Kanch Mahal is set near Akbar's Tomb at Sikandara. The beautiful square
monument showcases Mughal domestic architecture at its best. One can still see the
remnants of the Charbagh with its causeways, water channels and tanks, where it
was situated. According to the belief, it was used formerly as a Mahal or Rpyal
Ladies' Resort and then as the royal Shikargah (Hunting Lodge) by Jehangir. Built
sometime between 1605 -19, it is now in ruins. Previously, it was under the Church
Missionary Society but now Department of Archaeology looks after it. The two
storeyed mansion has a central square hall roofed by a vaulted soffit. Four square
rooms with two openings for ventilation are situated in the four corners of the
building. These rooms also have opening on two sides for the purpose of ventilation.
The octagonal double pillars on the raised plinth on two sides of the hall serve the
purpose of a pedestal for the piers on the second storey.

The use of jharokhas and gaukhs (balconies) are not merely adornments of the
various rooms but make the floor airy and open. There were two identical facades to
the north and south of the building. Only northern façade with a massive central
portal about the height of the building has now survived. It has elaborately carved
lotus bud and fringes. Similarly facades to the east and west were identical. Brick
masonry was used in the building, which was plastered and then painted inside while
finely carved red sandstone was used outside. Carving has been extensively used
throughout the building; chief patterns being sunkniches containing wine-vases,
circular niche containing a full-blown lotus, floral creepers, arabesque work and
geometrical designs. The inlaid mosaic work and glazed blue, green and orange tiles
on the friezes and roofs have also been used gracefully to beautify the building. It
was this tile work that lend the name of Kanch Mahal to the place.