Safdarjung Tomb

Safdarjung Tomb, Delhi 

Safdarjung’s Tomb is the final resting place of the Viceroy of Awadh—popularly known as Safdarjung. The Mughal-style structure was built in 1754, making it the newest of India’s closed garden tombs, and much of its architectural inspiration was drawn from the better-known Humayun’s Tomb to the east. Like many Indian tombs of its era, it features a char bagh (four-quarter) garden as well as an intricate interior featuring carved floral designs in marble and red sandstone.

Safdarjung’s Tomb is often visited independently or on a combined tour with the nearby Lodi Gardens. It also features on some full-day tours of Delhi.

History of Safdarjung Tomb

This mausol Nawab Shujaud, the son of Safdarjung, built this monument after the death of his father. This structure stands as the last Mughal styled garden tomb in India. Sadarjung was a small ruler of Awadh, under the control of Muhammad Shah.

After Shah’s death, he moved to Delhi to be the minister of Ahmed Shah and was promted to Prime Minister in 1748. Although Safdarjung served the king effectively, he was exiled from Delhi because of court politics in 1753.

He settled down in Oudh and passed away, the very next year. Safdarjung’sson plead for building a resting place for his father in Delhi and the king accepted. The constructed started and completed in the same year.

Architecture of Safdarjung Tomb

Safdarjung Tomb was one of the last colossal tombs of the Mughal architecture inspired by the very famous Humayun’s Tomb. The design had four key features- the char bagh style- the mausoleum in-between surrounded by four gardens, the nine-fold floor, five facade design and a huge rostrum with a secret passageway. The front of the monument has intricate ornamentation and has been painted in florid purple shades. The inscription at the entrance is written in Urdu which can be translated to “When the hero of plain bravery departs from the transitory, may he become a resident of God’s paradise.”

The main mausoleum has high arched walls with intricate carvings, the cenotaph is reposed on the central chamber which is square in shape, and the dome rests on top of the terrace. The underground chamber beneath the cenotaph has the graves of Safdarjung and his wife. Built entirely with red and buff stones, the interiors of the maqbara are covered in rococo plaster work. Four polygonal towers decorated in marble and possessing huge arches occupy the corners of the tomb from outside. The rear side of the monument houses a library and several rooms. To its right, is built a mosque.

The facade though following the conventional style of Mughal architecture and built closely on the lines of Taj Mahal, clearly lack the precision of a professional architect. The structure appears unbalanced due to accentuated prominence of the vertical axis, the dome is more elongated, and the four minarets are a part of the main monument, unlike the Taj Mahal where the minarets are detached. It has also been noticed that the marble used in the construction is not completely ‘white’ and the quality of materials used was rather ‘poor’. All in all, most studies conclude that the fort is a significant example of the declining Mughal kingdom.

Gardens at Safdarjung Tomb

The gardens surrounding the mausoleum are built in the typical Mughal charbagh style, based on the designs of Humayun’s Tomb. Fenced by a 280 metres high wall, the gardens are further divided into four squares with neat little pathways and sparkling water tanks. One passage leads to the main gate while the others lead to the pavilions. The main mausoleum stands on a dais which is 50 metres in height. Four pavilions and octagonal chhatris or towers with arches built in rubble stone masonry, complete the structure of the monument.

The pavilions in the Western, Southern and Northern directions are called Jangli Mahal, Badshah Pasand and Moti Mahal respectively. These pavilions were originally the residence of the Nawab’s family. In addition to this, the complex also houses several tiny apartments, a mosque and a courtyard.

Best Time To Visit Safdarjung Tomb

The best time to visit Safdarjung tomb in Delhi is during the cool, dry season. You can choose to go sightseeing anytime between November and March. During this period, the weather in Delhi remains pleasant. The temperature ranges from 20 to 25 degrees. We suggest you wear light clothes. Make sure to visit the monument early in the morning to avoid the evening rush.

Tips For Visiting Safdarjung Tomb

• Paying for a local guide is recommended if you seek in-depth information about the monument.
• Don’t forget to carry a water bottle to keep yourself hydrated.
• Ditch the heels for shoes as the terrain is mostly uneven.
• The places to eat in the vicinity are known to overcharge tourists, so we advise you to carry your own snacks.

How To Reach Safdarjung Tomb

Delhi is a state well connected through metro and state-run buses. The nearest metro station to Safdarjung Tomb is Jor Bagh Metro, situated on the yellow line. The mausoleum is just about 300 metres from the metro; you can either choose to walk or hire a local or a battery run rickshaw. You can also book a taxi cab for a more comfortable journey. Alternatively, you can travel in one of the buses which will be relatively economical.