The Real Story Of Shaikh Fazlullah Jamali, The Lodi And Mughal Court Poet, Mystery Of Kamali, And Why Delhi’s Jamali Kamali Is Said To Be Haunted

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the southern stretch of Delhi, away from traffic heavy roads and crowded places, lies a monument that speaks softly but carries centuries of meaning. Inside Mehrauli Archaeological Park, the Jamali Kamali Mosque and Tomb stands quietly, often ignored by tourists rushing towards better known ruins. Yet, it holds one of the most layered stories in the city, blending faith, politics, poetry, and mystery in equal measure. Jamali Kamali is not just about architecture. It is about a man who lived between spiritual devotion and royal power, and a relationship that history never fully explained. Unlike Delhi’s grand tombs built to display authority, this monument feels personal and inward looking. It invites you to slow down and listen.

Who Was Jamali?

Jamali was the pen name of Shaikh Fazlullah Jalal Khan, a sixteenth century Sufi mystic and Persian poet. Born into a Sunni Muslim family of Punjabi origin, he later became known as Jamali Kamboh, a name found in Persian records of the period. His spiritual training began under Shaikh Samauddin Kamboh of the Suhrawardi order, a bond that grew stronger when Jamali married his teacher’s daughter.

Jamali lived at a time of great political change. The Delhi Sultanate was weakening, and the Mughal empire was beginning to take shape. Despite this uncertainty, Jamali earned respect across regimes. He served as court poet to Sikandar Lodi, a ruler who was himself interested in poetry. What made Jamali unusual was his independence. Historical accounts suggest that he openly advised the Sultan on matters of faith and morality, something few courtiers dared to do.

A Poet Who Bridged Empires

Jamali’s influence did not end with the Lodis. When the Mughals arrived, he continued to enjoy royal favour under Babur and later Humayun. He even travelled with Humayun on military campaigns, including the Gujarat expedition, during which he died in 1536.

In literary circles, Jamali was highly regarded. He was given the title Khusrau i sani, meaning the second Khusrau, placing him in the same tradition as Amir Khusrau. His most important work, Siyar i Arifin, records the lives of Sufi saints from the Chishti and Suhrawardi orders and is still used by historians today. Unlike many court poets, Jamali’s writing focused more on spiritual reflection than praise of rulers.

The Mystery of Kamali

The tomb next to the mosque contains two graves placed side by side. One belongs to Jamali. The other is attributed to Kamali. Beyond the shared burial space, history offers no clear answers about who Kamali was. Some scholars believe Kamali may have been Jamali’s disciple or a close friend. Others think the name was symbolic, chosen for its poetic balance.

Over time, popular imagination has filled in the gaps. Stories of deep companionship and emotional closeness have grown around the site. While there is no written proof to support these ideas, they have become part of how people connect with Jamali Kamali today. The silence around Kamali has made the tomb more intriguing than many monuments with fully documented histories.

Architecture That Marks a Change

Built around 1528 to 1529, the Jamali Kamali Mosque reflects a shift in architectural style. Made mainly of red sandstone with marble details, it shows early Mughal influence while still carrying features of the earlier Sultanate period. The mosque has five arches, with a dome above the central one. Quranic inscriptions decorate the prayer wall, and small architectural details soften the structure.The tomb itself is simple on the outside but striking within. Its interior walls and ceiling are decorated with colourful tiles in blue, red, and turquoise, along with Persian calligraphy. Many historians describe the inside as jewel like, especially when compared to the plain exterior.

Legacy and Local Lore

Jamali’s body was brought back to Delhi after his death and buried here. His son, Shaikh Gadai Kamboh, later became a respected scholar, continuing the family’s intellectual tradition. Today, Jamali Kamali remains protected by the Archaeological Survey of India.Like many old monuments in Delhi, Jamali Kamali is also linked to stories of ghosts. Visitors have spoken of an unusual stillness or unexplained sounds. While historians dismiss these accounts, they continue to draw curiosity. Jamali Kamali is a place where history feels unfinished. It is not loud or lavish, but it stays with you.