One of the Unexplored Places in Delhi : Batashewala Tomb Complex

Mirza Muzaffar Hussain’s Tomb, popularly known as the Bada Batashewala Mahal, By Mohsin Javed

The Batashewala Tomb Complex is situated next to the Humayun Tomb's enclosure. Access to the tomb is also from the Sunder Nursery.
Tombs of Batashewala complex is an Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) protected monument in Nizamuddin East, Delhi, includes two Mughal era tomb-garden enclosures within which stand three tombs, of national importance, and protected by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI).

A perspective and symmetric view of the tomb of Mirza Muzaffar Hussain, By Mohsin Javed

The tomb of Mirza Muzaffar Hussain, grandnephew of Emperor Humayun and son-in-law of Emperor Akbar is the principal tomb in the complex. The Chota Batashewala and the Domed Mughal tomb can be considered contemporary because of their location in the complex and their architectural character.
In addition to their historical significance, their association with the Mughal royal family and the architectural significance of the unique plan for all three structures, the tombs stand within a significant archaeological zone comprising of other 16th and 17th-century garden-tombs.

Mirza Muzaffar Hussain’s Tomb
Popularly known as the Bada Batashewala Mahal and built-in AD 1603, Mirza Muzaffar Hussain’s square tomb stands on a raised platform with five half-domed arched entrance bays on each side. Parts of the striking plaster ornamentation have survived on some of the internal wall surfaces, providing the evidence required to restore missing portions.

Front view of Mirza Muzaffar Hussain’s Tomb, popularly known as the Bada Batashewala Mahal, By Mohsin Javed

Ornamental plaster medallions and the intricate muqarnas patterns on the half-domed arched entrance bays symbolize the highest craft traditions of the period. The central grave chamber, several feet below the ground, is surrounded by eight rooms, making this an interesting example of the “hasht-bihist” plan – which represents the eight spaces of paradise as described in the Holy Quran.

Inside Mirza Muzaffar Hussain’s Tomb, By Mohsin Javed 

Inside Mirza Muzaffar Hussain’s Tomb, By Mohsin Javed 

The interiors around the tomb is richly decorated with incised plaster and tiles. All four identical facades of the square tomb have five half-domed entrances, also decorated on plaster and tiles.

The restored ceiling of Mirza Muzaffar Hussain’s Tomb, By Mohsin Javed

The restored ceiling of Mirza Muzaffar Hussain’s Tomb, By Mohsin Javed

After a careful documentation of the existing remains of original incised plasterwork, restoration work of the decayed decorative patterns was undertaken.

The restored work as seen on Mirza Muzaffar Hussain’s Tomb, By Mohsin Javed

Chota Batashewala
Within the enclosed garden and standing just east of the Mirza’s tomb, the remnants of an octagonal tomb once stood. It is said to have been profusely ornamented and known as Chota Batashewala.

Chota Batashewala as seen from Bada Batashewala Mahal, By Mohsin Javed

Described in the 20th-century texts as “Chota Batashewala” standing on a platform some 3’ high. It consisted of a central octagonal chamber, with a surrounding arcade containing an arched opening on each of the eight sides.

Chota Batashewala as seen from a different perspective, By Mohsin Javed

The central apartment was provided with four doorways, three of which were closed by stone jalli screens. The domed ceiling of the central chamber, as well as the walls inside, is ornamented by floral and geometrical patterns intermingled with Quranic inscriptions in incised plaster”.

Inside Chota Batashewala, By Mohsin Javed

A rubble masonry wall has been built all along the periphery to provide support to standing portions in lieu of the shallow foundations of the structure. A vaulted tomb chamber was also discovered and the earth in-fill that had been placed inside was removed.

Chota Batashewala as seen from a different perspective, By Mohsin Javed

The ASI protected monument known as Chota Batashewala seems to have largely collapsed following the leveling of land, by Bharat Scouts and Guides, in its immediate setting in 1989 to build the structures for the Bharatiyam event.

Mughal Tomb
Abutting the Batashewala Complex in the east and situated to the north of Humayun’s Tomb World Heritage Site stands a domed tomb on a raised platform and known as ‘Mughal Tomb’.

The Unknown Mughal Tomb, By Mohsin Javed

Archival photographs and descriptions led to believe that this was formerly an enclosed garden-tomb and clearance of debris revealed the entire northern, western stretches of the wall as well and a majority of the southern section.

The restored ornamental domed ceiling of the Unknown Mughal Tomb., By Mohsin Javed

The calligraphy work inside the Unknown Mughal Tomb, By Mohsin Javed

The Mughal tomb had an ornamented interior though much of the interior ornamentation had been lost due to neglect, water seepage and inappropriate past repairs wherein plain cement plaster was used on wall and ceiling surfaces that were originally decorated.

The calligraphy, jali, and paintwork in the Unknown Mughal Tomb, By Mohsin Javed

The calligraphy, plaster and paintwork at Unknown Mughal Tomb, By Mohsin Javed

After the careful documentation of the existing remains of the original incised plaster and paintwork, restoration of the decayed decorative patterns were undertaken on the internal ceiling and the works.

The detailed view  of the restored ornamental  ceiling of the Unknown Mughal Tomb, By Mohsin Javed

Also, the finial was found collapsed on the roof and in broken fragments and has since been restored to the dome.

The finial of the Unknown Mughal Tomb, By Mohsin Javed

This lofty domed Mughal-era tomb stands on an elevated stone masonry plinth, giving it a fort-like appearance. The domed, decorative tomb, which is visible from afar, affords spectacular views of, and from, Humayun’s Tomb.

The Humayun's Tomb as seen from Unknown Mughal Tomb, By Mohsin Javed

The restoration of the 11-acre “Batashewala complex” – undertaken by the Aga Khan Trust for Culture in collaboration with the Archaeological Survey of India with a grant from the U.S Ambassador’s Fund for Cultural Preservation. The conservation efforts on the complex by the Aga Khan Trust for Culture began in 2011, following a U.S$ 750,000.00 grant from the U.S Ambassador’s Fund for Cultural Preservation.

Source: Nizamuddin Urban Renewal Initiative
All Photos © Mohsin Javed
Related Posts: -