Safdarjung Tomb

Built in 1753-54 by Shuja-ud-Daula, Nawab of Awadh for his father Mirza Muqim Abul Mansur Khan, who was known as Safdarjang, Safdarjang's Tomb is the last model of the garden-tomb layout, which started with Humayun's tomb. Safdarjang was the viceroy of Awadh under Mohammed Shah and later became his prime minister. Located near the Safdarjang airport on Aurobindo Marg, his tomb stands on a high terrace in an extensive garden with high enclosure walls and central domed mausoleum. South of the tomb is the battlefield where Timur and his Mongol army defeated Mohammed Tughlaq in the battle of 1398.

The mausoleum is built with red and buff stone and measures 18.28 sq meters. There are polygonal towers at the corners of the mausoleum, which are covered by kiosks. In the center of the underground chamber lie the graves of Safdarjang and his wife. The ceilings of the entire tomb are decorated with painted plasterwork.

The garden, spread over an area of 300 sq. meters, is divided into several squares and resembles the Mughal style of garden or charbagh. It is because of this reason that the tomb is compared with Humayun's tomb, which is built on a much larger scale. The tomb is often described as 'the last flicker in the lamp of Indian architecture,' because though it follows the Mughal pattern of construction, the materials used in the construction are not very good so the overall effect is not up to the mark.

At present the Archeological Survey of India has its office here and maintains a library over the main gateway.

Address – At the intersection of Safdarjang Road and Aurobindo Marg, near the Safdarjang airport, New Delhi

How to Reach – One could either take local buses or hire an auto rickshaw or a taxi. The nearest Metro station is Central Secretariat form where one will have to hire an auto.

Timings – Sunrise to Sunset