Sultan Ghari’s tomb was built in 1231 AD for the eldest son of Iltutmish, Nasiru D-Din Mahmud. It was the first islamic tomb or mausoleum.
Visiting Detail
- Location: Ghari’s Tomb Rd, Ruchi Vihar, Vasant Kunj, New Delhi – 110070
- Timings: 7:00 am to 5:00 pm
- Closed: Open all 7 days
- Entry fee: Rs.25 per Indian | Rs.300 per Foreigner
- Type: Fortress
- Architecture: Corbel arch Jain-Hindu temple architecture
- Year of Construction: 700-1100 CE
The ruling dynasty
Garhi means cave. Iltutmish was the third ruler of the slave dynasty. He ruled Delhi from 1210 to 1236. The area where Sultan Ghari is situated was the part of slave dynasty during that time. Earlier there was a Hindu temple which used to be located here. Now this area is part of Qutub complex. This dynasty was running under the early Delhi sultanate from 1216 CE to 1516 CE.
Location
Sultan Ghari Tomb is located in Mehrauli village. It is located 8 km west of Qutub complex from South West Delhi.
Structure
The tomb is built in a garhi or cave along with the winding stairs made of sandstone. This is supported by pillars and flooring. The octagonal roof stone slab is there on the cave covering it. The outer area of the tomb is built by Delhi sandstone, with marble, exhibiting a walled area with towers on all the corners. This gives a look of a fortress oriental architecture. There are many other tombs in the Sultan Ghari which are unknown.
The structure of the tomb is very unusual; it is very different compared to other tombs. The Tomb is of octagonal shape which is built like a Fortress. Chhatri is next to Sultan Ghari which was built by one of the two sons of Iltutmish. This was restored during the reign of Firuz Shah.
Origin of Sultan Gahri
It is believed that it was the site of the hindu temple where the tomb is built today as there are some proofs of the images and structures present in the tomb which closely resemble the Hindu temple.
Maintenance of the tomb
There is dispute between the Hindu and Muslim devotees against this Tomb. That is the reason it is not maintained by the villagers of Mahipalpur and Rangpuri because these villagers believe that it is a Dargah which is related to Muslim community instead of a temple. because of the differences in two religions, this tomb is maintained by Archaeological Survey of India instead of the local people
Worship
Both Hindus and Muslims visit this Tomb on Thursday. On the 17th day of Islamic month of the ziqad, every year the URS meaning death anniversary of Naseeruddin Shah is celebrated after pilgrims of all parts of Delhi visit this tomb.
Renovation work
In order to restore the tomb, the Indian National trust for art and cultural heritage has put this monument under Grade A monument. They have created a plan of restoration work including the healthy environmental creation to restore the glory of Ancient India. All this restoration work has been undertaken by Delhi Development Authority.
Some of these plans are given below.
- Entrance of the Tomb has been rebuilt with sandstone.
- A water harvesting plan has been created partially around the term to overcome the water requirements of the park.
- 100m of the area is restricted and around 200mof area is regulated with demarcated and fenced. Four approach tracks have been constructed which go towards the main tomb.
- ASI has taken control of the maintenance of this tomb for up to 30m.
Attractions near Sultan Ghari’s Tomb
- Aravalli Biodiversity Park: Distance: 2.8km
- The Central Park: Distance: 1.8km
- Vasant Vatika: Distance: 2.0km