A palace known as the Jahaz Mahal was constructed on the eastern edge of the same reservoir during the Lodi dynasty in the 16th century, serving as a retreat or inn for pilgrims.
[7] 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.
Owing to the reduction in the size of the reservoir over the years on account of encroachments and siltation, the pavilion's present location is seen in the eastern edge of the tank.
This was in addition to an open channel close by that carried the overflow of the tank to Tughlaqabad fort to enhance the drinking water supply.
[2] The Jharna, which was once the Mughal retreat and the highlight of the three-day festival of the Phool Walon Ki Sair, is seen now partly in ruins and the surroundings have been encroached upon (25 families are reported to be living here now).
The High Court scathingly remarked on the inaction of the concerned authorities on their upkeep of the monuments and observed:[10]Since 2000, we have been hearing this case and only files are getting thicker.
A conservation architect has remarked:[9]The Jharna is an extremely significant water structure and connected with protected monuments like Jahaz Mahal and Hauz-i-Shamsid.