Windows to history

Aakrishti Kumar
IX B
On December 21,2009,we visited the Khirki Masjid and Satpula bridge-cum-dam. Both the monuments are located in South Delhi. The masjid was built during the time of the Tughlaq dynasty of the Delhi Sultanate by Khan-I-Jahan. Shah was the prime minister of Ferozshah Tughlaq during the 15th century. The masjid is an interesting edifice,belonging to the Indo-Islamic style of architecture. This amalgamation of exotic and indigenous architectural styles was possible due to a distinctive blend of Islamic as well as traditional Hindu style of architecture. Like all other mosques,Khirki Masjid was used by Muslims to offer prayers. The roof of the mosque is unique and the latticework (jali work) on the windows is suggestive of Islamic style. The mosque is a small quadrangle-shaped mosque and the only one its kind — a mosque which is closed at the top. The roof of the masjid is divided into squares through which sunlight streams in. The architectural importance of the Khirki Masjid is immense and intricate. It can be seen as a logical link that followed the highly ornate Mughal architecture. Later,we walked on foot till the bridge. There were two towers which were connected by a brick bridge. During ancient times,water flowed below the bridge. The whole trip was educational and an enriching experience for me and other students.

Athira Palangat
IX A
When a trip was organised to Khirki Masjid and Satpula,we were very excited. But at the same time wondered why we were being taken to these monuments we had never heard of. Both these monuments are in South Delhi. The masjid was made in the 15th century by the Tughlaq ruler,Khan-I-Jahan Maqbul Tilangani. This mosque is called as the ‘Masjid of Windows’. The guide told us that the masjid took three years to complete,from 1351-1354. In ancient times,the masjid was used as a mosque but from outside it looked like a fort. Also,this mosque is the only one in North India which is a totally covered mosque of the Sultanate period.

The interior of the mosque is as beautiful as its exterior. The mosque has four open courtyards and 81 domes. After spending some time looking at the architectural marvel of the mosque,we started walking towards Satpula or the seven bridges. Satpula was an ancient water harvesting dam. The main aim for making this dam was to provide water for irrigation and since it was part of the city wall,it was used to provide security to the city as well.

Nikita Sharma
IX B
All the students of Class IX went on an educational trip to Khirki Masjid and Satpula. Everybody enjoyed the trip a lot. The trip was full of fun and frolic. All the students learned many things,for example,we came to know that the Fort City of Delhi was built by Gysuddin Tughlaq during 1531-34. Muslims prayed at the masjid full of windows or ‘Khirki’. We also went to Satpula. It is so called because it has seven gates. It houses a madarsa as well.

Aditya Khanna
IX A
On December 21,2009,students of class IX of Apeejay School,Saket went to explore two historical monuments — Khirki Masjid and Satpula. All the students visited the monuments.

First,we all went to Khirki Masjid,where we spoke to the guide. He told us many things about the structure. We got to know a lot about the architecture,the importance of the structure in historical times and many of its facts. It was very good to learn about such old structures.

After that we all marched towards the other monument — Satpula. As the name suggests,the structure was a dam or a type of bridge that was used during ancient times to supply water to most of the parts of Delhi. Their was a lake in front of gates of the dam where the water was stored,as well as the extra water from river Yamuna (which used to flow long ago near the monument) flowed into that lake. We explored the whole area and learned a lot. But there was an eyesore as well — notes scribbled by people across the walls of the monuments.

Aditya Khanna
IX A
On December 21,2009,the students of Class IX visited the Khirki Mosque and Satpula,situated in the Khirki village near Select Citywalk,creating a stark contrast between the ancient and the new. Shambindo Gosh,a history scholar working with the ASI,was our guide.

The Khirki Masjid was built by the prime minister of Ferozshah Tughlaq. Gosh told us the secret behind its peculiar name — it has windows in the front for ventilation. He further clarified that all mosques do not have windows,but since this building was a rare example of Hindu and Muslim architecture,the presence of windows was a peculiarity.

Inside the masjid,we saw many dome-like structures and places for drainage of the holy water. He also told us about how certain religions like Islam and Christianity favoured mass praying and there was enough space provided for many people to pray together. Then we went through a narrow staircase leading to the terrace of the mosque. The terrace would have served as the place for a splendid view in ancient times. It now lies blocked by much higher buildings. We were also told that the masjid was a commonwealth monument and we also saw renovations going on at the otherwise falling-apart mosque. Then we visited Satpula,which was just a little distance off on the same road. This was built by Muhammad Jain Tughlaq. It was a tall structure with a large ground behind it that was used for rainwater harvesting. It was the main place from where water was supplied in the city through seven different tunnels. This building also had madarsa,a place where Muslim values,education and free food was provided. We then went to observe the place by ourselves. This helped us realise that we had a responsibility towards our heritage and we should preserve it.

Gitesh Aggarwal
IX A
On December 21,2009,our class went to see the Khirki Masjid. It was a beautiful mosque but looked more like a fort since it was fortified from all the sides. The mosque was built by Khan-I-Jahan,the prime minister of Feroz Shah Tughlaq. The mosque is the only one in North India which is mostly covered. The architecture of the masjid was somehow unique. It had many latticed windows,which is the reason why it is called Khirki Masjid. It was not like ordinary mosques. There was a small open courtyard. It was great fun to see the old architecture. The walls were symmetrically designed and made of carved stones. The four corners of the mosque were adorned with towers with protruding gateways. The mosque had a dome structure. The masjid was,however,in shambles. It was good to know that many organisations have started restoration work.

We also went to Satpula,located east of Khirki Masjid. It is a remarkable ancient water harvesting dam. Its objective was to provide water for irrigation and provide security to the city. It was also built under Sultan Mohammad Shah Tughlaq. It was an old dam. We had a great time,it was educational too. The monument,however,was not properly maintained.

Yamini Khurana
IX A
On December 21,2009,we went to Khirki Masjid and Satpura. Khirki Masjid,though stands unknown in Khirki Village near Saket,is extremely innovative in its structure. The beautiful domes and the open spaces within it make it stand apart from other masjids in Delhi. The temple besides it gave a feeling of religious unity. We also went to the Satpula dam that has seven openings. We all enjoyed ourselves. I hope,we the students of Class IX,when they grow up,work hard for the welfare of heritage sites of our country.

HIMANSHI ARORA
IX A
One often reads about the achievements of rulers who built tombs and monuments. Some are made for display of power,as places of worship and others for the citizens of the territory. Two such places were Khirki Masjid and Satpula. My school organised an excursion to the two monuments on December 21,2009. Khirki Masjid is rightly called so because of the numerous windows it has. It is a glorious masjid and one of the seven unique mosques built by Khan-I-Jahan and Feroz Shah Tughlaq in the city of Jahapanah in the 15th century. Its mesmerising architecture is a blend of Islamic and traditional Hindu and Mughal architecture with domes,roofs and watch towers.

Less than 1 km away from the Khirki Masjid is Satpula or the seven-arched bridge. Its extensive architecture can be credited to Muhammad Shah Tughlaq who built Satpula as a dam for irrigation in the newly built city of Jahapanah.

The trip to Satpula was an unforgettable experience. As we stood there having ours snacks,we enjoyed the pleasant view of the greenery. It was thrilling to climb the steep stairs to the terrace. But it was disappointing to see how people had carved messages on the walls spoiling the heritage of the monuments.

Aakriti Bharadwaj
IX A
On December 21,2009,students of Class IX went on a trip to Khirki Masjid and Satpula. Khirki Masjid is a unique structure built by Khan-I-Jahan in the 15th century. It is unlike other mosques,but is almost forgotten. The dome structure and carvings are the most attractive features of this monument. It has a well developed drainage system. Some parts of the masjid are uncovered too,which was fascinating. Satpula,which was built by Sultan Muhammad Shah Tughlaq,is an impressive example of the water works project carried out under the dynasty. The bridges,which used to regulate impounded waters for irrigation,were mesmerising. We also got the opportunity to see the school housed in Satpula. One thing which disappointed me was the writings on the walls of the monument. We should understand monuments are our heritage and it is our onus to preserve them.