Historical Places of Haryana
(A) Historical Places in Narnaul (Mahendergarh)
1. Chhatta Rai Bal Mukand Dass (Birbal Ka Chhatta), Narnaul
Between the densest population of Narnaul, this historic monument was built by Rai Bal Mukund Das of Narnaul during the reign of Shah Jahan.
This monument is the largest of Narnaul’s Mughal historical monuments. The clearance of water from the inside of the building, arrangement of fountains and clearance of light and water in the underground floor can be seen.
The structure of this five-story building is square, among which there is a large square. The huge stone pillars, the Darbar Hall and the huge verandas and stairs and umbrellas of the building are unique specimens of building art.
However, at this time most of the hive has been roof-stricken and the monument is in disrepair. It is said that this monument is connected to the tunnel by way of Delhi, Jaipur, Mahendergarh and Dhosi.
According to citizen, long time ago, a procession was in place to see a tunnel but it did not return. Birbal was known to have come here during Akbar’s reign, so this monument is known as Birbal’s hive.
2. Jal Mahal, Narnaul
Jal Mahal is located outside the population in the south of the city. It was constructed in 1591 by Shah Kuli Khan. According to history Shah Kuli Khan caught Hemu in the Second Battle of the famous Panipat.
In the same feat, Akbar was pleased and handed over the fiefdom of Narnaul to Shah Kuli Khan. Jal Mahal has been constructed on a huge plot of approximately 11 acres.
It is situated in the middle of the huge pond, but there is a bridge to reach the monument. Lime and stone have been used in the construction of this beautiful building in the shape of a small palace in the middle of the huge lake.
3. Tomb of Ibrahim Sur, Narnaul
Situated in Mohalla Peeraga of Narnaul City. The inscription over the entrance of the tomb suggests that it was constructed on the instructions of Sher Shah Suri (1540-45 AD) over the grave of his grandfather, Ibrahim Khan Sur, who died at Narnaul in 1518 AD. The tomb is stands on an elevated square platform. Its entrance is on the eastern side, and appears to have been built of Hindu temples and has beautiful carvings.
The façade, divided in two storeys by a bandof moulding, is decorated with small panels showing low relief carving in red sandstone bordered with grey limestone. Four octagonal cupolas, placed at the four corners of the terrace, balance the dome.
Other Historical Places in Narnaul are Chor Gumbad, Shah Quli Khan's Tomb, Tripolia Gateway, Mirza Alijan's Takhat and Baoli, Shobha Sarowar, Pir Turkman Tomb Complex
(B) Historical Places in Hisar
1. Gujari Mahal, Hisar
The Gujjari Mahal was built by Firoz Shah Tughlaq for his beloved Gujri Rani, a native of Hisar with whom he fell in love during the course of one of his hunting expeditions. The palace imbibes characteristic features of Tughlaq architecture such as massive tapering walls thickly plastered in lime and narrow openings. Open stairs lead to the baradari (pavilion) of the palace, which stands on a high plinth and has underground chambers.
The baradari is a square structure having three developed arches on each side. All entrances (except one) are provided with stone doorframes. The roof has nine bays, each carrying hemispherical dome decorated with paneling work in lime plaster. The exterior walls above the arched openings are provided with beautifully carved red sandstone brackets.
2. 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.
Other historical places in Hisar are Ancient Site of Rakhigarhi, Ancient Mound, Agroha, Fort of Hansi, Feroz Shahs Palace and Tahakhanas, Jahaj Kothi etc.
(C) Historical Places in Kurukshetra
1. JYOTISAR
Situated about 12 km from Kurukshetra on Kurukshetra-Pehowa road, Jyotisar is an important place of religious tourism. The holy land of Jyotisar is believed to be the cradle of Hindu civilisation and culture. It is believed that Lord Krishna delivered the eternal message of Bhagwad Gita to Arjuna before commencement of Mahabharata battle here.
Residents of this area believe that Lord Krishna delivered the Bhagwad Gita standing under a banyan tree at this place; millions of people come here to pay their obeisance to the celestial and eternal Gita. A central place of interest at Jyotisar is a captivating marble statue of Krishna on a beautiful chariot, delivering the immortal Gita to Arjuna canopied by a banyan tree.
A light and sound show on the theme of Bhagwad Gita is also a worth an experience
