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Mehrauli’s Hijron Ka Khanqah Is A 15th-Century Secret Spot Dedicated Only To Hijra Community

There is a secluded place in Delhi’s Mehrauli where only the hijra community is allowed to enter. It is Hijron ka Khanqah

by Ankita Mazumdar
Mehrauli’s Hijron Ka Khanqah Is A 15th-Century Secret Spot Dedicated Only To Hijra Community

You will be astonished to know that there is a secluded place in Delhi’s Mehrauli where only the hijra community is allowed to enter. It is Hijron ka Khanqah! It is very beautifully maintained and is in a very serene manner which remains almost empty. This place is a Sufi spiritual retreat spot. Did you know about this secluded spot in South Delhi? Let us tell you about what’s special about this place.

What Is Hijron ka Khanqah?

Hijron ka Khanqah translates to ‘A spiritual retreat for the hijra community’. The Khanqah was constructed during the Lodi Dynasty and under the rule of Sikander Lodi in the 15th century. During that time, there was a certain amount of appreciation towards the hijra community but with the British rule in India, their socio-economic status went downhill and they suffered massively.

Originally, Hijron ka Khanqah was never intended for this purpose. It was a graveyard during the rule of the Lodi Dynasty but later became a ground for the hijra community during the 20th century. Since then they made this into a spiritual retreat for themselves where all gather to celebrate each other.

The entry into this courtyard is through an iron grill. You will enter the courtyard to see 49 graveyards of the hijra community. There is one tomb larger than the others and the tomb of a hijra community named Miyan Saheb, supposedly. This place has been under maintenance by the hijra community of Turkman Gate for ages. 

The western wall of Hijron ka Khanqah has seven markings that indicate the direction of Mecca’s central shrine. If you get a chance, climb up the stairs and get a lovely view of Mehrauli. It will surely be a memorable moment! 

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Hijra Community Celebrate Festivals & Other Occasions Here; You Can Only Visit Then

Hijron ka Khanqah is a delight during festivals. They happily celebrate festivals with huge feasts, dance, and sing their hearts out. Then they distribute food among the poor people or whoever comes. Only then you can visit Hijron ka Khanqah, otherwise on normal days you need a permit.

Hindu mythology has shown time and again the importance of the hijra community during the epics and their participation in courts. They were deemed respectable by the Mughal and Lodi Dynasty rulers. However, they still face oppression. British left the country more than 200 years ago, why are their petty rules and regulations still ingrained? It is time we treat them as human beings and equals. 

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This is a hidden gem right in the lanes of Mehrauli, share it with your friends and spread the word for Hijron ka Khanqah. 

Cover Image Courtesy: Canva

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