“Asylum of paradise”. That’s how an inscription describes the Munir khan tomb. The Munir khan tomb stands within the Humayun’s Tomb complex in Delhi. It whispers tales of a noble past.
The Munir khan tomb houses the remains of Isa Khan Niazi. He was a noble in the courts of Sher Shah Suri and Islam Shah Suri. This mausoleum offers a glimpse into the Lodi style of architecture.
Built between 1547 and 1548, the Munir khan tomb showcases an octagonal shape. Red sandstone forms the primary building material. This gives it a distinctive look. Grey quartzite adds to its beauty. Different coloured tiles once decorated the walls.
Verandahs surround the central chamber of the Munir khan tomb. Each side features three arches topped with a chajja or roof. The architectural style mirrors those of Mubarak Shah and Sikander Lodi.
Inside the Munir khan tomb, an inner octagonal wall encloses the tomb. Jalis or latticed screens adorn most walls. These screens contain four centred arches.
The western wall holds the main mihrab. This semi circular niche indicates the direction of Mecca. Quranic verses border the mihrab. The southern wall includes the main entrance. Persian floral designs decorate the dome’s medallion. A Quranic verse also appears there.
Six tombs reside within the chamber of the Munir khan tomb. Two are large. Four are smaller. Red sandstone and marble construct Isa Khan Niazi’s cenotaph.
West of the mausoleum, you will see the mosque. Its central dome resembles the Qila i Kuhna Mosque. Side domes rise on pillars. They resemble pavilions. The single prayer chamber divides into three bays. The central bay features red sandstone. The side bays feature grey stone.
Each bay of the mosque has a four arched gateway. Green and blue tiles decorate the borders. Pinnacles adorn the corners of the central bay. The Archaeological Survey of India considers the mosque simpler than the mausoleum.
Each facade of the mosque has three equal sized arches. Stone pilasters support these arches. Blue and green tiles border the arches. A red stone frame contains the central arch. The Moth ki Masjid mosque inspired these features. Floral designs inlaid with blue and green tiles decorate the side arches. This reflects Moorish architecture.
The mosque stands on a one metre high platform. Its interior is plain. The floor is simply plastered. Lateral domes build on pendentives. The central dome rises from squinches on a sixteen sided drum. Stone pillars support its pavilions adorned with blue tiles.
Three mihrabs of equal size stand within the mosque. Calligraphy adorns these carved stone mihrabs.
Comprehensive restoration work occurred between 2011 and 2015. The Aga Khan Trust for Culture collaborated with the Archaeological Survey of India. They worked hard to preserve this beautiful complex.
The Munir khan tomb and its mosque stand as testaments to a rich history. They reflect the artistic styles of their time. This complex offers us a serene escape. It connects us to Delhi’s fascinating past.