Hauz-i-Shamsi, New Delhi, Delhi India

 Hauz-i-Shamsi is a water storage reservoir or tank built by Iltumish of the Slave Dynasty in 1230 AD, at a location revealed to him in a dream by the Islamic prophet Muhammad. A palace called the Jahaz Mahal was built on the eastern edge of the same reservoir during the Lodi dynasty period in the 16th century as a retreat or Inn for use by pilgrims. Also at the edge of Hauz is the tomb of 17th century Persian writer in the Mughal court, Abdul-Haqq Dehlavi. The monuments are situated in Mehrauli, Delhi.

 Hauz-i-Shamsi originally covered an area of 2 ha (4.9 acres).The domed pavilion (pictured) constructed by Iltumish to mark the foot print Muhammad’s horse located in the middle of the tank is a double storeyed structure made of red sandstone supported on twelve pillars. It could be approached only by boat (now a foot bridge exists). The original stone, on which the foot print of the horse of Muhammad was imprinted, was located at this pavilion. It has since been removed but replaced by a new one. In view of its religious significance, the water stored in the tank was considered sacred. Many famous emperors and saints have been buried on the periphery of the reservoir. Because of reduction in the size of the reservoir over the years, due to encroachments and siltation, pavilion's present location is seen in the eastern edge of the tank.

The water-body in the picture is Hauz-i-Shamsi. A hauz is a water reservoir. This hauz was built in 1230 AD by Sultan Shamshudin Iltumish. Legend has it that Iltumish had a dream in which he was instructed by Prophet Muhammad to build a reservoir at a place marked by the hoof print of the Buraq. A Buraq is a winged horse on which Muhammad rode to the heavens. Sultan Iltumish is said to have actually found the hoof print of the Buraq when he inspected the site he had seen in his dream. It is around this spot that he had the hauz dug. This spot was marked by a domed pavilion which can be seen in the picture - jutting in from the right bank of the pond.