Adham Khan Tomb - Delhi
Delhi, the capital city of India, boasts a wealth of fascinating monuments. For those enamored with history and architectural marvels, exploring Delhi's 1300 monuments would require a significant amount of time—around four years, to be exact, if you were to visit just one per day. Among these historical gems is the intriguing Adham Khan Tomb, a site we'll delve into in this article.
Location
Adham Khan Tomb stands near the illustrious Qutb Minar, commanding attention in the backdrop of the bustling Mehrauli bus stand.
Who was Adham Khan? In the 16th century CE, during the reign of the Mughal Emperor Akbar, Maham Anga held significant political influence. Often regarded as Akbar's foster mother, Maham Anga was the mother of Adham Khan, the focus of our exploration.
Following the removal of Bairam Khan, Adham Khan was appointed as the Mughal general and dispatched to Malwa. Here, in 1561 CE, he secured victory in the Battle of Sarangpur, defeating the Malwa Sultan. However, his actions following this victory led to his downfall. He sent only a few elephants to Akbar and kept the rest of acquired treasure with himself. Akbar personally marched to Sarangpur and recalled Adham Khan from Malwa.
Notably, after Ataga Khan was appointed as the prime minister in 1561 CE, tensions rose within the Mughal court. On the 16th of May 1562 CE, Adham Khan, accompanied by a handful of men, assassinated Ataga Khan. This act, however, was swiftly met with retribution. Akbar, upon learning of the murder, personally intervened. Adham Khan was apprehended within the palace and, on Akbar's orders, was thrown twice from the ramparts of the Agra Fort.
The tragic events took a toll on Maham Anga, who passed away shortly after the demise of her son. In the aftermath, Akbar commissioned the construction of the tomb of Adham Khan in Mehrauli, where both mother and son found their final resting place.
Nicknamed 'Bhul Bhulaiya'—meaning labyrinth—Adham Khan's Tomb offers visitors a maze-like experience amidst its winding passages. The tomb itself is an octagonal domed structure, surrounded by a verandah on each of its eight sides, punctuated by three openings.
Adham Khan's Tomb is an octagonal domed structure with a verandah on each side pierced by three openings. The tomb is enclosed in an octagonal shaped outer wall. An interesting fusion of architectural styles, the tomb displays a blend of Mughal and Lodi influences. Originally built in the unique Lodi style, the tomb was repurposed in the 1800s when a British officer converted it into his residence. Subsequently serving as a Post Office and Police Station, it was eventually restored to its former glory by Lord Curzon, the Viceroy of India.
Happy travelling.
Today, Adham Khan's Tomb sees more casual use by locals, often serving as a meeting point or even a cricket ground—a testament to its enduring presence in the vibrant fabric of Delhi's landscape.
As you traverse the historical narratives and winding corridors of Adham Khan's Tomb, you are not just exploring a monument but stepping into the tumultuous history of Mughal intrigue and power struggles.
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