Sultan Ghari in Delhi is situated in the pocket 9 in Vasant Kung. This was constructed by Iltutmish, Qutbuddin Aibak’s slave, and this was built for his eldest son.
This tomb represents the very first tomb which was constructed for a Muslim royal in the northern sector of India at the time of the out-of-date period. This is one of the most popular tombs in Delhi and this is a must-watch place as you come to Delhi.
Overview
This is a beautiful example of architecture located in the capital city of India and one has to travel to Malakpur Kohli village to reach here.
The most beautiful things of the structure of the tomb is very attractive and the architecture here will surely impress you. This is a very elegant structure and many people from all over the world come here to see this historical beautiful structure.
This is an impressive place and if you plan your Delhi tour then this is a must-add item in your to-do list. There are many attractions nearby and you can cover them as per the time that is available to you.
This place is a mixture of Persian and oriental designs structure. Qutab Minar is a nearby place and that is located in Mehrauli and this was constructed in 13 century.
You can also add to your list some other important nearby attractions like Adham Khan’s tomb, Gandhak ki Baoli, etc. Also, there are many nearby markets where you can have a wonderful shopping experience. You can enjoy your shopping in these markets.
Sultan Ghari’s History
This tomb has a very good history and as per the history Iltutmish’s son, Nasiru’d-Din Mahmud, who was more famous as Sultan Ghari has fought many wars in order to save the empire. He was the most liked child of Iltutmish.
Mahmud was also thronged as the Governor of Lachnauti, which was known as Dhaka at that time. Then the prince in the year 1229 and this has happened because the climate of Bengal did not suit him.
He fell so sick that he died due to it. Iltutmish, who controlled the empire could not come out of the shock of the death of Sultan Ghari. After some time, he could recover from it and he decided to construct the tomb for his son.
Thereafter, Iltutmish delegated his eldest son prince Nasiru’d-Din Mahmud to fight Iwaz. In the war, Iwaz was trounced in 1227 AD with the nobles.
Then Prince Nasiru’d-Din Mahmud, was appointed as a governor of Lakhnauti province and then merged the original area of Oudh with Bihar and Bengal and then build capital at lakhnauti.
The prestige of his son was then enhanced and as a gift, he was given the title ‘Malik-us-Sharq’ (king of the East) by Iltutmish.
Sultan Ghari’s Architecture
Sultan Ghari in Delhi has very beautiful architecture and this place will remind you about many of the architectural principles of Hindu places of worship even though it was actually built in adoration of a Muslim prince.
It was built of a stone with some golden tinge and support that is 3 meters long. This is a big construction spread across an area of around 23.6 square meters. This has a unique octagonal shape, and this is located in the heart of a closed area.
The place contains walls on the northern and southern side and there are colonnades on sandstone pillars on eastern and western sides. The colonnades in the western corner are utilized as a mosque as there is a place made up of marble and pillars that are used for the prayers. The corridors are being utilized as a madrasa- a place.
This tomb is constructed on the site of a Pratihara era site and this is similar to the images and structures present in the old times Hindu temples and this also the chamber of the tomb is supported by the floor towers those are raised by a pair of pillars that support the middle beam that shows the old relics of old temples on the columns and also the floor.
The ceiling of this place rests on the column those are raised with the help of two pillars each of them robbed from old Hindu shrine and carved the lintels from other places were seen in the thick lime concerted roof.
The other pieces were used inside the ceilings that were embedded in the lime-concrete roof. Later the tomb was renovated by Firoz Shah Tughluq.
Restoration Works
The heritage zone is extended to 25 ha (61.8 acres), and this is zoned according to the topographical features so that proper restoration is done.
To restore the place which is declared as a grade-A monument by Indian national trust for Art and Cultural Heritage (INTACH), the Delhi Urban Heritage Foundation made a plan that combined restoration works with the creation of wonderful settings in order to make out the ancient beauty.
The grave has started the plan under the implementation by DDA (Delhi Development Authority) The DDA has also undertaken some other construction works:
Entrance Towers Built by DDA:
The entrance gates were built with sulfur sandstone that goes well with the settings of Sultan Ghari’s tomb by adopting the same kind of technique as that was used for the dome buildings.
100 m of the limited area and 200 m of the ruled area are demarcated and enclosed, and four different paths are built that go to the main tomb. There is a water harvesting plan that is changed to partially meet the water needs to water the plants and trees in the park that is located around the tomb.
ASI’s control is there only up to 300 m from the tomb as the remixing zone around it is there for urban development by Army.
The plan of the tomb structure is unique and different. This is in like a country yard and looks different from any other tombs of ancient times. This is constructed over a raised plant of some height in the rubble masonry work.
The place is in octanol shape and it has four corner towers over a cave known as Ghar which is on the opposite side of the western Qibla of the mosque. This is a combination of the overground tomb that comes with towers and there is an underground chamber for crypt.
Worship at the tomb (Mosque)
This is a place for devotees of both Hindu and Muslim religions and these people believe this place as dargah of a saintly ‘peer’. This is a very holy and peaceful place, and this is a must for newlyweds from the nearby villages.
This place is nurtured nicely by locals than then Archaeological Survey of India who are on paper custodians to keep the heritage structure. Thursday there is special worship for the devotees.
Every year on the 17th day of the Islamic month of Ziqad (the month that comes between Ramadan and Eid festivals), the “Urs (death anniversary) of Nasiruddin Shah” is there when the pilgrims from all corners of Delhi come to visit the tomb. This is one of the most popular places in Delhi.
How to Reach Sultan Ghari’s Tomb:
If you want to come here, then you can come to her by bus as this is located in the southern part of the capital city.
One can also take a cab or auto or even this place is accessible by metro rail. You can also make use of buses or any other modes of transports here.
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Nearest metro station
Sultan Ghari’s tomb nearest metro is R.K. Puram in Magenta Line.
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Timings:
You can come here on any day between 7 a. m to 5.p.m.
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Address
Garhi’s Tomb Road, Ruchi Vihar, Vasant Kunj, New Delhi, Delhi 110070
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Ticket
Sultan Ghari’s tomb entry ticket is Rs.25 for India and Rs. 500 for others.
Conclusion
This is a place with historical importance, and this is finely located in Vasant Kunj. This was constructed in 1231 CE by Iltutmish which was the third king of the slave dynasty. This place was then reconstructed by Feroz Shah Tughlaq.
This is an octagonal grave chamber that lies underground, and the level is fenced with the rubble packing. Sultan Ghari is placed in Malakpur Kohi village on the Mehrauli–Mahipalpur Road, and this one of the most important destinations to see in the capital city.
You can reach to this place using any suitable modes of transport, maybe train, metro, taxi or rickshaw. If you are planning a Delhi tour, then you must include this place in your plan.
Places to visit near Sultan Ghari’s Tomb
- Qutub Minar
- Mehrauli Archaeological Park
- Jahaz Mahal
- The Garden of Five Senses
- Hauz Khas Fort
- Deer Park
- Khirki Masjid