NEW DELHI: Mahipalpur village in south Delhi is home to a number of historical monuments . However, over the centuries, most of these buildings have either been obliterated or reduced to ruins. But, in the heart of this village still stands a Tughlaq-era mahal that has survived the test of time.

The 14th century monument is testimony to the village's legacy of being one of the oldest in the city. The mahal, with its three broad arches and sandstone pillars, stands proudly in a corner but is capable of drawing many visitors, if only they were aware of its existence and location.

While the exact history of the mahal is unclear, the most popular theory is that it is one of the oldest structures in Mahipalpur and has been attributed to the Tughlaq period based on its architecture. It is believed to have been originally built as a hunting lodge but locals claim it was constructed by a famous zamindar called 'Mahipal' after whom the area is named. The Tughlaq-era theory possibly stems from the existence of a 'bund' close to the mahal built by Firoz Shah Tughlaq to retain water flowing in from neighbouring areas.

"The mahal is located on the highest point in the village which indicates it was an important building. Like other structures from this period, the building has walls with tapered ends, dressed sandstone pillars, carved brackets with a 'chajja' above and vaulted ceilings. One of its most unique features, however, is the stone railing at the parapet level which can only be found elsewhere at Firoz Shah's tomb in Hauz Khas," said an expert.

At one point, the monument served as a makeshift school run by the village panchayat . Today, it is used as a godown for construction material or for parking . Many stray animals have also made it their home.

While the monument is hemmed in from both sides by residential buildings, the roof is no longer accessible and is filled with debris and overgrown bushes. The structure is beginning to show signs of rapid deterioation in several places but locals are still hoping it can be conserved. "It would be a matter of great pride for the village if the mahal is conserved," said Anil Pradhan of the Mahipalpur Resident Welfare Association (RWA). The issue has also been raised by Bijwsan MLA Col Devendra Sherawat who said he has written several letters on the issue.

Interestingly, the mahal has not been overlooked by the government, though they are yet to take action. It was one of the original 92 monuments identified by state archaeology department and Intach for protection and conservation.

Currently, it is on the third list of monuments Intach has submitted to the archaeology department but there is no word on when work will begin. Tourism minister Kapil Mishra, who also heads the archaeology department, did not respond to calls. While the government is yet to get its act together to protect the structure, growing encroachments inside the mahal have conservationists worried.

