History

Nuh is the district headquarters of the Mewat district in the Indian state of Haryana. It lies on the Delhi-Alwar highway and is about 45 kilometres from Gurgaon.The town assumed importance in the time of Bahadur Singh of Ghasera because of the trade in Salt which was manufactured in the neighbouring villages. To the west of the town is a masonry tank of red sandstone with a chhatri possibly connected with the name of Chuhi Mal, adorned with floral designs. The tomb of Sheikh Musa combines the Muslim and Rajput forms of architecture, and is at a distance of about 2 and a half kilometres from town. Nuh, the headquarters of the Tehsil of the same name and having an altitude of 190 meters, is situated about 45 km south of Gurgaon on Delhi-Alwar Road. It lies in 28″ 06′ 19″ North Latitude and 77″ 00′ 09″ East Longitude. The town assumed important in the time of Bahadur Singh of Ghasera because of the trade in Salt which was manufactured in the neighboring villages. To the west of the town is fine masonry tank of red sandstone with a chhatri possibly connected with the name of Chuhi Mal, adorned with beautiful floral designs. The tomb of Sheikh Musa, an example of the combination of Muslim and Rajput architecture, is at a distance of about two km and half from town. It is famous for its shaking minarets. The shaking of the minarets can be distinctly felt. There are two monuments in village Kotla about 6.5 km south of Nuh. These are ‘MOSQUE’ and the tomb of Bahadur Khan Nahir. In these buildings, red sandstone and Grey quartzite are skillfully combined in a very effective and well-built structure. Over the ruined gateway is an inscription giving the date of its building as A.D. 1392-1400
1. Introduction and Geography
Nuh serves as the district headquarters of the Mewat district in Haryana. Geographically, it is situated in the foothills of the Aravalli Range, about 45 kilometers from Gurgaon (Gurugram) on the Delhi-Alwar highway. The region is defined by its mountainous terrain, valleys, and historic masonry tanks, blending natural beauty with historical significance.
2. Ancient Roots: The Era of the Pandavas
The history of Nuh is deeply intertwined with Hindu mythology, specifically the period of the Mahabharata. Local legends strongly suggest that the Pandavas passed through this region and lived here during their 14-year exile.
Jhir Mandir (Ferozepur Jhirka): Legends state that Yudhishthira (the eldest Pandava) invoked the Shiva Lingam here. The current temple structure was later established in 1870 by Pandit Jeevanalal Sharma after he had a dream instructing him to build the temple’s top (Shikhar).
Nalhar Shiv Mandir: Located at the base of the Aravallis, this site features a difficult trek (250+ steep steps) to a natural reservoir. It is believed the Pandavas stayed here and drank from this water source. Locals revere the water trickling from the rocks as a “miracle” (chamatkar) given the arid nature of the region.
3. Medieval History: The Era of Khans and Sultans (14th Century)
As we move into recorded history, Nuh became a significant center of power and architecture, particularly around the late 14th century.
Kotla Fort and Mosque (1392–1400 AD): Located about 6.5 km south of Nuh in the village of Kotla, these ruins date back to the time of Bahadur Khan Nahar.
Architectural Significance: The monuments here, including the tomb of Bahadur Khan Nahar and a mosque, display a skillful combination of red sandstone and grey quartzite. An inscription over the ruined gateway specifically dates the building to A.D. 1392-1400, marking a clear historical footprint.
4. Commercial History: The Salt Trade Era
In later centuries, the town of Nuh assumed significant commercial importance, particularly during the reign of Bahadur Singh of Ghasera.
The Salt Trade: The region became a hub for the trade of salt, which was manufactured in neighboring villages. This economic activity elevated Nuh’s status from a simple settlement to a trade center.
Ghasera Fort: This fort remains a testament to the historical events of that era and the region’s connection to the rulers of Ghasera.
5. Architectural Heritage: A Blend of Cultures
Nuh is home to unique monuments that showcase a fusion of Muslim and Rajput architectural styles.
Tomb of Sheikh Musa (Malab): Located about 2.5 km from town, this tomb is a prime example of architectural syncretism (blending Muslim and Rajput forms). It is famous for its “shaking minarets,” the vibrations of which can be distinctly felt, making it a marvel of medieval engineering.
Chuhi Mal Ka Talab: To the west of the town lies a masonry tank made of red sandstone. It features a chhatri (cenotaph) adorned with floral designs, believed to be connected to the name of Chuhi Mal.