Seth Chuhimal ka Talab aur Chhatri

Almost unknown and forgotten spot, Chuhimal ka Talab standing quietly in Nuh region of Mewat is a significant spot reflecting the architectural sensibilities and lifestyle of late 18th-century. Seth Chuhimal was a prominent and affluent merchant of Nuh at the time. A pond was built in late 18th century by him as a private retreat to be used by his family, however served as water resource and a space for leisure in dry region of Mewat.

Surrounding the water of the pond are 8 symmetrically placed octagonal chhatris (elevated, open pavilions) along with a pavilion which were intended to be used as resting spaces while enjoying cool breeze in warm Mewat seasons, due to the cooling effect by the pond waters. 

Check out a virtual tour of the Talab- 

Despite predominantly arid climate of the region, the pond has never run dry. Locales attribute this intriguing fact to existence of wells beneath the pond, a traditional groundwater recharge and storage mechanism. Nearby dry regions and Rajasthan have plenty of such systems were employing water management practices and where stepwells and ponds were engineered to ensure year-round water availability. We were able to see number of fishes in the pond water. It stands as a testament to how historical communities adapted to their environment through thoughtful designs. 

Adjacent to the pond, is the Chhatri (Cenotaph) dedicated to Seth Chuhimal. Such Chhatris were built to honor deceased Kings and notable figures in many parts of India. Backfrop of Aravallis and a waterbody in the front made a brilliant landscape for the Chhatri - 

This double story magnificent structure was built by Seth Hukum Chand, son of Seth Chuhimal in memory of his father - 

The upper floor of this chhatri is adorned with exquisite engravings depicting tales from epics, animals, processions, and even British era soldiers carrying rifles. 

First time I came across, Bali - Sugreev fight depiction. God Ram has killed Bali and bow is visible as well - 

God Krishna lifting Govardhan mountain - 

Carved figures of British-era soldiers carrying rifles is unusual and indicate the growing colonial presence and ongoing transition in the late 18th century. Vagabond was happy but the utter neglected state of the site was painful. With appropriate maintenance and upkeep, the spot has a potential to be valuable heritage site in Haryana, like the Cenotaphs in other parts of India. Take a virtual tour of the Chhatri - 

That would have completed our trip, hadn't a local shopkeeper told us about an ancient God Shiv temple in Nuh at foothills of Aravalli hills, Nalhareshwar Mahadev Mandir. Hills and ancient - these 2 words were enough to make us run towards the temple. 

Keep exploring Folks……