Profusely ornamented, this garden tomb is believed to have been built for a high ranking noble of the Mughal court.
It stands on a lofty platform within a recently reconstructed walled enclosure.
It stands on a lofty platform within a recently reconstructed walled enclosure.
The incised plaster ornamentation on its façade and interior still retains the original polychrome in bright hues of blue, green and red.
The structure features traditional squinch arches and walls brandishing calligraphic inscriptions of verses from the Quran.
The roof parapets are adorned with minarets and decorative motifs.
Its surrounding garden pre-dates the adjacent garden-tomb of Mirza Muzzafar Hussain.
Its principal entrance was from the south, where a grand flight of steps still survives.
Remnants of water channels are still visible on the eastern side of the garden, as are grave platforms to the north.
Over the years, the structure suffered considerable damage but recent conservation efforts have restored it to its former glory.
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The structure had suffered from inappropriate repairs in the 20th century.
The structure had suffered from inappropriate repairs in the 20th century.
Careful interventions were required to restore the architectural intentions of the Mughal builders, including rebuilding the lower platform and removal of cement plaster, which was used here extensively.
Re-plastering with lime plaster included restoration of the intricate plasterwork on the parapet, interiors and facade.
The sandstone lattice screens openings have been restored using Mirza Muzaffar Hussain’s tomb as a model.
Collapsed portions of the comparatively low enclosure wall were rebuilt on the original foundations.
Because the north-eastern portion had suffered from damage caused by landslides in the past, these portions were raised six metres.
A neem orchard has been planted within the garden enclosure.
The Mughal Mausoleum as well as the adjacent garden-tombs of Mirza Muzaffar Hussain had been encroached upon, making the land entirely inaccessible.
A grant from the US Ambassador’s Fund for Cultural Preservation in 2011 enabled the restoration of the monuments and garden enclosures by the Aga Khan Trust for Culture.
Conservation work led to their inclusion in the Humayun’s Tomb World Heritage Site.
