Safdarjung's tomb is a sandstone and marble mausoleum in Delhi, India. It was built in 1754 in the late Mughal Empire style for Nawab Safdarjung. This is considered the last monumental tomb garden of the Mughals and was planned and built like an enclosed garden tomb in line with the style of the Humayun tomb. The slabs from the tomb of Abdul Rahim Khankhana were used in the construction of the tomb.
The monument has an ambience of spaciousness and an imposing presence with its domed and arched red brown and white coloured structures.
The tomb has four key features which are: The Char Bagh plan with the mausoleum at the center, a nine-fold floor plan, a five-part façade and a large podium with a hidden stairway.
The large square garden surrounding the tomb is surrounded by a wall that is approximately 280 metres long on each side. The layout is in the form of four squares with wide footpaths and water tanks, which have been further subdivided into smaller squares.
The central chamber, square in shape, has eight partitions with a cenotaph in the middle.
The interior of the tomb is covered with stucco with decorations
The main entry gate to the tomb is two-storied and its façade has very elaborate ornamentation over plastered surfaces and is in ornate purple colour.
Its overall layout consists of four pavilions which have multiple chambers and the entrance gateway to the east is impressive. On the eastern side adjoining the gate are many apartments and a mosque, and a courtyard
Brief Background:
1st Nawab of Awadh : Saadat Ali Khan Nishapuri (c. 1680 – 19 March 1739) was the Subahdar Nawab of Awadh (Oudh) from 26 January 1722 to 1739 and the son of Muhammad Nasir. At age 25 he accompanied his father on the final campaign of the Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb against the Maratha in the Deccan, and the emperor awarded him the title of "Burhan-ul-Mulk" for his services.
2nd Nawab of Awadh : Khan had five daughters and no sons. He gave his eldest daughter in marriage to his nephew, Muhammad Muqim, better known as Safdar Jung. All subsequent Nawabs of Awadh down to Wajid Ali Shah are thus descended from Khan through his daughter. Safadarjung ruled over Awadh was an independent ruler of Awadh as viceroy of Muhammad Shah. He was very rich and most powerful.
Sources:
Wikipedia
Pictures © Navneel Neeraj
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