Safdarjung’s Tomb in New Delhi

Apart from being the capital of India, Delhi is a fascinating city with pleasant contradictions. Comprising of Old Delhi and New Delhi, the city is home to famous tourist destinations like the Laxmi Narayan Temple, India Gate, Jama Masjid, Red Fort, Qutub Minar, Humayun’s Tomb, and the vivacious shopping bazaar of Chandni Chowk. One such tourist attraction in Delhi is the Safdarjung’s Tomb, the last of the mausoleums of the Mughal dynasty.

Background

Safdarjung’s Tomb was built by Nawab Shuja-ud-Daula in 1753-54 AD for his father, Mirza Mukin Abul Mansur Khan ‘Safdarjung’. Mirza Mukin Abul Mansur Khan was the wazir of emperor Ahmed Shah and Safdarjang was a title, either awarded to him by the king, or he assumed himself. Erected roughly on the pattern of Humayun’s tomb, Safdarjung’s tomb is set in the middle of a garden, which spreads over an area of 300 sq m. This garden is laid down on the pattern of the Mughal Charbagh style.

Description

The tomb was built by an Ethiopian architect, Bilal Mohammed Khan, at an exorbitant cost of Rs 3 lakhs. The marble and sandstone facing used for it was abstracted from the tomb of Abdul Rahim Khan-i-Khanan. The tomb is made of buff-colored sandstone with the intermittent use of red sandstone and marble. There are two graves here, one of Safdarjung and the other apparently that of his wife’s.

The central chamber is carved and finely polished, surrounded by rhombic and square compartments. Sunlight enters through the latticework. Constructed of small hard-baked lakori bricks, the central structure has double-storey minarets at the corners and a globular marble dome, and is surrounded by eight rooms. The three-domed and arched mosque with whaleback roofing at the entrance was added later.

There are beautiful pavilions on either side of the Safdarjung Tomb, known as Moti Mahal or the pearl palace, Jangli Mahal or the sylvan palace and Badshah Pasand or the emperor’s favorite.

How to reach

Safdarjung Tomb lies at the Lodi road, New Delhi. To reach there, the nearest airport is the Indira Gandhi International Airport located 23 km southwest of Central Delhi and the domestic terminal at Palam is 5 km away from the international terminal. Taxi and coach transfer is available from both International and Domestic Arrivals.

Architecture of Safdarjung’s Tomb

The Architecture of Safdarjung’s Tomb in Delhi stands as the last flickering specimen of Mughal creations. One of the final Mughal constructions, this mausoleum for ages has been a witness to the changing times and bygone dynasties.

Safdurjang was the Wazir of the Mughal Empire who was also honored as the Governor of Oudh. After his demise in 1754, the Safdarjung’s Tomb was constructed by his son Shujauddaulah.

The Safdarjung’s Tomb reflects the striking features of the Mughal mausoleums with its arched gateways, octagonal towers and sprawling gardens.

The architecture of Safdarjung’s Tomb is quite similar to the Humayun’s Tomb. The mausoleum has pavilions known as the Badshah Pasand and Jangli Mahal. Sprawling acres of greenery surround the tomb which is about 300metres in area.

The Safdarjung’s Tomb is covered by a bulbous dome and has four polygonal towers inlaid with marble work. The tomb is built of red sandstone and it also represents the features of Mughal architecture.

The central chamber of the tomb has eight compartments. The edifice is placed on a high platform.

Considered to be one of the major tourist attractions, the Safdarjung’s tomb is a famous historical monument that reminds of the bygone Mughal dynasty and the monarchs who once ruled Delhi.

Fast – Facts:

Location:

located near the crossing of Safdarjung Road and Aurobindo Marg near Safdarjung Airport in New Delhi.

History:

Built by Nawab Shujauddaulah in the memory of his father, it was constructed in the year 1753-54. Safdarjung was the Governor of Oudh.

Architecture:

Considered to be the final specimen of Mughal and Islamic architecture, the Safdarjung’s Tomb is a replica of Humayun’s Tomb. The arched gateways, sandstone construction and reflection pools indicate that they are the typical features of Mughal mausoleums. There are beautiful pavilions in the tomb which are the Badshah Pasand, Moti Mahal and the Jangli Mahal.

How to Reach:

Just a 20 minutes drive from the Connaught Place, the Safdarjung’s Tomb is easily accessible and tourists can take taxis, auto rickshaws or the metro rail.

Attractions:

There is an interesting library in the gateway which will make you aware about the history of the place as well as about the monuments and history of Delhi.

Charges for Photography: INR 25

Nearest Shopping Venues:

• Jorbagh Market: It is famous for art and crafts, designer wear
• Khan Market: Known for curios, artifacts and books
• Sarojini Nagar Market: Famous for the clothes and household goods 

Nearest Metro Station: Central Secretariat

Nearest Airport: Indira Gandhi International Airport

Nearest Railway Station: Nizammuddin Station

Nearby Attractions:

Tourists visiting Safdarjang’s Tomb also should visit the nearby attractions of Safdarjang’s Tomb. The monument Safdarjang’s Tomb located in the Lodi Road in Delhi is one of the 18th century Mughal Monuments which is built in the memory of Shujauddaulah’s father Safdarjang. Safdarjang was the governor of Oudh and the tomb built in his memory is the last flickering specimen of Mughal and Islamic architecture. 

Tourists visiting the Safdarjang’s Tomb will find the arched gateways, reflection pools, sandstone construction and marble work which are the typical features of Mughal creations. 

Tourist Places near Safdarjang’s Tomb:

Dilli Haat:

If you wish to take a glimpse on the kaleidoscopic fabric of India then visit the Dilli Haat. One of the nearby attractions of Safdurjung’s Tomb, it draws tourists and specially the art and craft lovers from all over India. This crafts village of Delhi spreading over six acres of area is the confluence point of different arts and handicrafts of India. Different states, different colors and different flavors, Dilli Haat is a fusion of these differences.

India Gate:

A fascinating and wonderful monument built in the commemoration of Indian soldiers is located near the Safdarjang’s Tomb. It is also considered to be one of the nearby attractions of Safdurjung’s Tomb.

Lodi Gardens:

Built by the Lodis, these serene and beautiful gardens with the remnants of historical relics is one of the favorite tourist attractions of Delhi. Indulge yourself the cool shades of acres of greenery or get nos talgic about the bygone dynasties in the beautiful environs of the Lodi Gardens.

Nearby Shopping Venues:

The nearby shopping venues which are located beside Safdarjang’s Tomb are:

• Jorbagh Market: Famous for art and crafts, designer wear
• Khan Market: Famous for curios, artifacts and books
• Sarojini Nagar Market: Famous for clothes and household goods