Safdarjung's Tomb

The Tomb of Safdarjung was built in memory of Safdarjung, the powerful and efficient Prime Minister of the last Mughal emperor Muhammad Shah. It was built in 1754 and was described as "the last flicker in the lamp of Mughal architecture

Safdarjung's Tomb

Planned as an enclosed garden tomb, its design resembles a scaled down version of the Humayun tomb. The garden spread over almost 300-sq-metres is divided into squares reflecting the classic Mughal Charbagh garden plan with the mausoleum at the centre

Isometric view of the mausoleum

The compound of Safdarjung tomb houses a three-dome mosque, an underground chamber with the graves of Safdarjung and his wife

Safdarjung's Tomb in Sunset glory

The Safdarjung Tomb, designed by an Ethiopian architect marks the last colossal garden tomb of the Mughals. Although the Safdarjung Tomb was designed and constructed in line with the famous historical monument Humayun’s Tomb, it lacked in both grandeur and style compared to the latter.

Main Entrance Safdarjung Tomb

The main entrance is a two-storied structure, with a facade exhibiting some very elaborate ornamentation on its surface in the shades of purple. One can find an Arabic inscription here which translates to "When the hero of plain bravery departs from the transitory, may he become a resident of god's paradise"

Minaret at the corner of Safdarjung's Tomb

The four minarets at the four corners are part of the main structure which is an entirely different concept in comparison to the Taj Mahal, where the towers are detached from the facade of the tomb.

Cenotaph inside Safdarjung's Tomb

Cenotaph inside Safdarjung's Tomb

Cenotaph

Cenotaph in the last ray of the day

Marble cenotaph in Safdarjung's Tomb