Isa Khan's Tomb Near Hazrat Nizamuddin Has One Of The Oldest Sunken Gardens In India

A perfect blend of meticulous architecture and fascinating history is the Isa Khan Tomb found in Delhi. This structure was erected to the South of Bu Halima’s Garden and history has recorded its existence since 1547 AD. Isa Khan Niazi who was buried here was a nobleman at the courts of Sher Shah Suri and later his son, Islam Shah Suri. Inside the tomb, you can find a red sandstone slab, with Persian inscriptions which reveal that the tomb was built during the reign of Islam Shah by Masnad Ali Isa Khan in 1547 AD. 

The Structure

A North gateway entry with five steps leads you towards the tomb. As part of Islamic art, the structure rests on an octagonal base with all its proportions projecting perfect symmetry. Each side of the octagon has three-arched gateways which rest on pillars placed between them. Above these arches runs a continuous roof, with beautifully designed domed pavilions above it. Also, a huge central dome rises from this roof encircled by a 32-sided drum. 

You can find numerous quotations from the Quran on the Western side of the tomb whereas the centre of the tomb fascinates you with painted flowers bordered by a quotation from the Quran. Akin to many other historical tombs, there are six graves inside this structure. The grave of Isa Khan is mounted by marble and red sandstone.

Other Interesting Elements

This tomb also shares the same garden with the tomb of the well-known Mughal emperor, Humayun. The latter is a colossal tomb surrounded by lush gardens with intricate patterns and trees all around it. Take a stroll and enjoy the serenity of these gardens, especially if you’re with someone special.

As both these tombs offer great panoramic views, don’t forget to carry your camera/handy cam with you. The structures and greenery make for some great pictures. What adds more to the historic essence of the Isa Khan Tomb is the mosque situated to the west of the tomb. Stone tiles and red sandstone are the ingredients of the mosque’s beauty. The main prayer chamber is divided into three chambers. 

Buried Archaeological Elements

While restoration work of the tomb was on last year, the authorities found out that the existing garden of the tomb had much lower levels of earth beneath it, rich with copious amounts of archaeological elements. This has made the Isa Khan Tomb one of the oldest sunken gardens of this country.

An appropriate time to visit is around 5 PM in the evenings, when pleasant weather favours your trip. Apart from taking public transport, you could catch a metro to Jangpura Metro Station from where any auto-rickshaw will take you there within 5-10 minutes. It’s usually open all week and the timings are from 8 AM – 6 PM.

The deep history and architecture of this tomb make this place definitely worth a visit - come swing by sometime when you want to escape the monotony of your life!

Location | Near Hazrat Nizamuddin