Did you notice the octagonal dome shape? That partially restored structure before us is the Chota Batashewala Mahal. It’s a piece of Mughal history right here in Delhi. The Chota Batashewala Mahal is part of the Tombs of Batashewala Complex. This complex is under the protection of the Archaeological Survey of India. It sits in Nizamuddin East.
The entire funerary complex contains three Mughal tombs. They are the Bara Batashewala Mahal, this Chota Batashewala Mahal, and an unidentified Mughal tomb. An arched compound wall encloses the complex. This whole area was once an integral part of Delhi’s 16th-century necropolis.
The Chota Batashewala Mahal, as it was originally built, featured an octagonal dome. It was known for its elaborate decorations. However, time took its toll and the tomb deteriorated significantly during the 20th century. Imagine the intricate details that once adorned this structure.
Restoration efforts have brought it back to life. The restorers partially rebuilt it. They relied on pictures from the 1960s, old drawings, and close examination of the remaining parts. Thanks to these efforts, we can appreciate its historical significance.
The Tombs of Batashewala Complex sit within the buffer zone of Humayun’s Tomb Complex. A small road separates the two complexes. Each complex has its own compound walls. The Bara Batashewala Mahal and the Chota Batashewala Mahal are enclosed by a compound wall. This wall features arches extending 300 meters. An unidentified Mughal tomb stands to the east in its own enclosure.
These tombs are believed to have been constructed in the late 16th to early 17th century. It is said that no other funerary complex like this exists in India.
For a long time, the Delhi State Bharat Scouts and Guides occupied this site. They used it as a camping ground since 1941. This led to the deterioration of the tomb structures. The tombs were largely ignored for decades.
In 2010, the ownership of the site transferred to the Archaeological Survey of India. This finally allowed for conservation work to begin. In 2011, the Aga Khan Trust for Culture started restoration efforts. A team used traditional materials and building techniques. Cement-based repairs from earlier times were replaced.
The refurbishment of the complex cost US$750,000. It was the first project funded under the US Ambassadors Fund for Cultural Preservation Projects. The restoration began after President Obama visited the Humayun Tomb Complex in 2010. The restored structures opened to the public on April 18, 2015. This day also marked the UNESCO declared World Heritage Day.
The Ministry of Culture plans to nominate this tomb complex as part of the UNESCO heritage complex of Humayun’s Tomb. The Chota Batashewala Mahal stands as a testament to Mughal artistry and the dedication to preserving our shared history.