How about diving into a story that is all about an Afghan noble’s final resting place? This is the Tomb of Isa Khan. It stands as a testament to a life of service. It is also an architectural marvel from a bygone era.
The Tomb of Isa Khan Niazi is located in Delhi. It is within the Humayun’s Tomb complex. This mausoleum dates back to 1547-1548. Isa Khan served as a noble in the courts of Sher Shah Suri and Islam Shah Suri. The tomb reflects the architecture of the Lodi period. The mosque stands to the west of the tomb. Together, they form part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Isa Khan Niazi was not just any noble. He was a key figure in the Suri dynasty. This dynasty briefly interrupted Mughal rule in India. The inscription on the tomb calls it an “asylum of paradise”. This was built during Sher Shah’s reign. The mosque was also constructed around 1547.
Look closely at the octagonal shape. It is a hallmark of Lodi architecture. The tomb sits on a low plinth. Verandahs surround the central chamber. Each side has three arches. A chajja, or roof, tops each arch. The style echoes other Lodi-era structures.
Notice the materials used. Grey quartzite forms the main structure. Red sandstone provides ornamentation. Stucco plaster covers the rough masonry. Colorful tiles decorate the walls. The gateway rests on a one-meter-high podium. Stairs lead to it. The doorway shows Hindu architectural influences.
Step inside the Isa Khan’s Tomb. An inner octagonal wall encloses the tomb. The southern and western walls are solid. The other walls feature jalis. These are latticed screens. These screens filter light and offer glimpses of the outside. Four-centered arches are set within the recesses.
The western wall holds the mihrab. This is a niche pointing towards Mecca. Quranic verses border it. The southern wall is the main entrance. Persian floral designs adorn the dome’s medallion. A Quranic verse is inscribed there as well.
Six tombs fill the chamber. Two are large. Four are smaller. The floor is paved with sandstone slabs. Isa Khan Niazi’s cenotaph is made of red sandstone and marble.
Take a moment to admire the mosque. Its central dome resembles the one at Qila-i-Kuhna Mosque. Side domes rise on pillars. They look like pavilions. The single prayer chamber divides into three bays. The central bay is red sandstone. The side bays are grey stone. Each bay 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 has three equal-sized arches. Stone pilasters support them. Blue and green tiles border the arches. Red stone frames the central arch. The Moth ki Masjid mosque inspired these features. Grey stone forms the side arches. Stucco decorates them. Medallions on the spandrels contain floral designs. Blue and green tiles inlay them. This shows Moorish influence.
The mosque stands on a one-meter-high platform. The interior is plain. The floor is simply plastered. Lateral domes are built on pendentives. The central dome rises from squinches. It sits on a 16-sided drum. Blue tiles adorn the pavilions.
Inside the mosque, three equal-sized mihrabs display carved stone calligraphy.
In 2011-2015, the Aga Khan Trust for Culture and the Archaeological Survey of India completed extensive restoration work on Isa Khan’s Tomb. This ensured that this important piece of history will endure. The Tomb of Isa Khan is more than just a tomb. It reflects a fusion of architectural styles. It is a reminder of a noble’s life. It is a testament to the history of Delhi.