The name says school, but this sandstone building of 1450 is the tomb of a teacher and a university vice chancellor.
Built in 1450 under the aegis of Mahmood Khilji I of the Malwa Sultanate, this elegant structure is not a school at all. It is the tomb of a mudarris, or teacher, and the aalim, the vice chancellor, of the darool uloom or university that functioned here in that period. The ruins of that university can still be seen in the vicinity, and the name madarsa probably attached itself to this building because of the school in the surrounding area.
The plan is a square central chamber surrounded by an arcaded corridor, entered through a single arched doorway in the middle of the front wall. The whole structure was built of sandstone and carried five domes, the largest in the centre with four smaller ones around it.
The walls of the tomb carry intricately carved jaalis in which a six pointed star, analogous to the Star of David, is given repeated and emphatic expression alongside other decorative motifs. They repay close looking rather than a glance from the doorway.
Roundels with finely carved flowers run along the upper portions of both the interior and exterior walls. Following them around the building is the easiest way to see how consistently the decoration was planned.
Inside the square chamber are two tombstones placed side by side, engraved with exquisite geometrical patterns in high relief. On the interior of the western wall the central section is ornately carved to indicate the direction of prayer.
The building is close to the Qazion ki Bawdi stepwell, so the two are easily seen together. The interior is a single chamber, which makes for a short but concentrated visit.
October to March is the comfortable season. Jaali screens are at their most rewarding when the sun is low and light comes through the pierced stone at an angle, so aim for the first or last hours of the day.
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