Sheikh Chehli Mausoleum, a protected monument, is located on an ancient mound, in
Thanesar of
Haryana. Believed to have been built by Sher Shah Suri, the mausoleum is attributed to sufi saint Abdul Karim, popularly known as Sheikh Chehli.
The mausoleum is noted for its architectural splendor, particularly its dome resembling that of Taj Mahal in Agra. Built of buff sandstone and white marbles, it stands on an artificial terrace and has an octagonal shape. Arched recesses in white marbles add to the charm of the tomb. Uniqueness is that the windows are covered with pierced tracery screens in marble. The cenotaph of the saint is enshrined at the center of the chamber. Madarsa, a building with nine arched openings and a stone tank, is attached to the tomb.
The madarsa section of the Mausoleum houses a museum, which is a repository of excavated items revealed from in and around Thanesar. The mausoleum is also inclusive of a fort in ruins. There are three mounds covering an area of about five kilometers within the precincts of this fort.
Pathari Masjid, built by Feroz Shah Tughlaq in the 14th century, is close to the western entrance of the mausoleum.
