Monday 20 June 2011

Safdarjang's Tombs
















Situated besides the Safdarjung airport in New Delhi, Safdarjung tomb was built by the Nawab of Awadh for his father. It is one of the finest examples of architecture in India. The second Nawab of the Awadh dynasty was popularly known as Safdarjung. He was born as Muhammad Muqim in Khurasan province of Persia and migrated to India in 1722. He succeeded his father-in-law and maternal uncle, Saadat Khan, to the throne of Awadh. In order to occupy the throne, he had to pay an astounding amount of money to Nadir Shah.

Later, the Mughal Emperor Muhammad Shah gave him the title of "Safdarjung". He was an efficient administrator and handled the administration of Awadh with great precision. Safdarjung rendered valuable assistance to the weakened Muhammad Shah. Very soon, he occupied an important place in the Delhi court. When Ahmad Shah Bahadur ascended the throne at Delhi, Safdarjung became his Wazir-ul-Mamalik-i-Hindustan or the Chief Minister of India.

The tomb of Safdarjang was built to commemorate the memory of Wazir of Hindustan. It is situated in the center and has a huge dome. There are four water canals leading to four buildings. One of the canals has an ornately decorated gateway, while the other three are pavilions, with living quarters built into the walls. There are octagonal towers in the corners. There are also four oblong tanks (canals) on each side of the tomb.



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