The Majestic Tomb Of Khan-I-Khana In Nizamuddin Once Belonged To The Famous Poet Rahim

For most Indian school children, the name Rahim is synonymous with couplets in archaic Hindi that take some effort to comprehend, yet hardly anyone can relate the poet to his own monument. Abdul Rahim Khan-i-Khana was a poet and an astrologer, one of the famed Navratnas (nine jewels) of King Akbar’s court. Son of Bairam Khan, Akbar’s caretaker and one of his close confidants, he was presented to the king after Bairam Khan was killed in Gujarat. Akbar later married Bairam Khan’s widow and bestowed the title of ‘Mirza Khan’ upon the son.

The maternal lineage is often linked to Lord Krishna; used to explain his devotion and a lot of written work on the deity, despite being a Muslim (Iranian origin) by birth. His two sons were killed later by Jehangir when his ascension to the throne was opposed by Rahim.

The Tomb Itself

Picture Credits: theloneflaneur 

Though not a small structure by any means, the monument seems to have had alternating periods of attention and neglect. While the pathways and lawns are well maintained, the stonework on the exterior is in quite a dilapidated condition (three major chunks were stripped off for use in Safdarjung’s Tomb in 1753). The profile of the monument, however, with its sweeping arches and cenotaphs, draws one in instantly.

The tomb was built by Khan-i-Khana’s wife in 1598 and the poet-cum-administrator was buried here after his demise in 1627. Red sandstone is the chief material, relieved by the use of buff sandstone and marble. The sarcophagus is peaceful and surprisingly airy, befitting of a poet’s sepulcher. There is an underground chamber as well, but it’s usually locked. The motif of this monument is very similar to Humayun’s Tomb in the vicinity and the remains of the decorations reveal incised as well painted plaster.

Various Sightings

Picture Credits: disney_friend

The monument is thronged by morning joggers as well as kids looking for a space for soccer or cricket. Otherwise, it is usually deserted, retrospectively ironical of a man who was the centre of activity all through his life, but at the same time befitting the space and solitude of a poet’s mind. It is the perfect monument to spend a summer evening lying on the grass, curled up with a book and the mute melancholy of bare stone walls.

A lot of other famous monuments exist within walking distance and a full day’s trip is recommended to explore the region in all its diversity, so do come by some time!

Where | Tomb Of Abdul Rahim Khan-I-Khana - Nizamuddin, Jaipur Estate, Nizamuddin East, New Delhi