A hidden gem. The Tomb of Roshanara stands before us. It is a testament to a Mughal princess’s life. Roshanara Begum was the daughter of Emperor Shah Jahan. This garden and tomb were commissioned by her starting in 1650.
Roshanara Bagh is a Mughal-era garden. It was built by Roshanara Begum. She was Shah Jahan’s second daughter. The garden is in Shakti Nagar near Kamla Nagar. It is also close to the North Campus of Delhi University. Roshanara Bagh is one of Delhi’s biggest gardens. It boasts a great variety of plants. Some were imported from Japan. The lake attracts migratory birds in winter. It is a popular spot for bird watching.
Roshanara’s story is one of power and betrayal. She foiled a plot against her brother Aurangzeb. Shah Jahan planned to capture and kill Aurangzeb. Roshanara warned Aurangzeb of their father’s true intentions. After Aurangzeb won the Mughal War, Roshanara became the most powerful woman in the empire. She was granted the right to issue nishans. This was an exceptional privilege. She was also appointed a Mansabdar. This was a high-ranking position in the Emperor’s army.
However, Roshanara’s power did not last. Her enemies revealed her financial and moral misdeeds to Aurangzeb. Aurangzeb frowned on her lifestyle and greedy nature. He stripped her of her powers. She was banished from his court. Roshanara then commissioned this garden. She retired from politics to lead a secluded life. She died in 1671.
Today, the Tomb of Roshanara is the only original structure remaining. The tomb is in the middle of the 57-acre garden. It has a central hall with open courtyards on four sides. The tomb resembles a baradari. This is a pavilion with twelve openings. A water tank surrounds it.
The Archaeological Survey of India protects this structure. However, it has suffered damage over the years. Piecemeal repairs have not stopped the deterioration. Currently, the ASI is working on the water channel. It is next to the baradari. They have repaired the lakhori bricks in the channel. They are also plastering the surface.
Inside the tomb are two-storied chambers. Staircases lead to the roof. The roof corners are lined with chattris. These are canopy-like structures. In the central hall is a small roofless chamber. This contains Roshanara Begum’s grave. Marble lattice screens surround it.
Art historian Ebba Koch noted the tomb’s design. It was likely a garden house converted after Roshanara’s death. The tomb is a flat-roofed Hasht-Behesht pavilion. It features verandahs of baluster columns and multilobed arches.
The pillars have sustained serious damage. Some have eroded significantly. Plaster has chipped off the walls. This exposes the lakhori bricks underneath. Slabs have come off the chajja. Parts of the grave enclosures are broken. Floral motifs and carvings have disappeared. Some recesses are now home to pigeons.
Locals believe Roshanara was buried with valuables. People searched for treasure here in the past. The water channel and lake were once recreational spots. A water stream used to run here. It filled the lake. The stream has been dry for decades.
The Tomb of Roshanara stands as a reminder. It speaks of a powerful princess. It whispers tales of ambition, betrayal, and seclusion. It is a place where history and nature intertwine. It offers a glimpse into Mughal-era Delhi.