Photos: Adham Khan’s tomb in Mehrauli, a monument to betrayal
Updated On Jul 27, 2017 11:34 AM IST
A monument to betrayal by a foster brother, the tomb of Adham Khan - the son of Akbar's wet nurse Maham Anga - in Mehrauli stands today, known to most who visit it, mistakenly as Bhool Bhulaiya.
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Updated on Jul 27, 2017 11:34 AM IST
Situated between the Qutub Minar and the Mehrauli Bus Terminal is a 16th century structure, one of few standing today from the reign of Akbar. The tomb of Adham Khan is a mausoleum to Akbar’s foster brother, executed by the emperor on charges of murder and betrayal. Ensuing centuries have woven lore around this monument, now simply known to most visitors as Bhool Bhulaiya. (Abhirup Biswas / HT Photo)
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Updated on Jul 27, 2017 11:34 AM IST
Adham Khan’s tomb was built along the ramparts of the 12th century Qila Rai Pithora or Lal Kot, following his execution for the murder of Ataga Khan, one of Akbar’s generals in 1562. The emperor had Adham Khan thrown off the walls of the Agra Fort twice for this betrayal. The mausoleum also contained the tomb of his mother Maham Anga (Akbar’s wet nurse) who died soon after in despair. (Abhirup Biswas / HT Photo)
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Updated on Jul 27, 2017 11:34 AM IST
This building stands in contrast to the Mughal architectural style, opting instead for an octagonal chamber, low towers and peripheral walls in line with earlier Lodi and Sur dynasties, considered betrayers by the Mughals. The monument was later taken over in the 1830s by a British civil servant known as Blake of Bengal Civil Services who razed the tombs of Adham Khan and Maham Anga to accommodate his dining hall. (Abhirup Biswas / HT Photo)
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The monument then saw multiple uses - as a police station, a post office and later simply as a guest house. Surrounded by the dense forests of the Lal Kot, the monument’s current name can be traced to tales of a wedding party that took refuge in the monument and mysteriously vanished overnight. It was the eventual action of Lord Curzon that Adham Khan’s tomb was restored to its original location, while Maham Anga’s has been lost to time. (Abhirup Biswas / HT Photo)
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Although a designated protected monument by the Archeological Survey of India, there is a distinct lack of any signs in this direction, with no guards present at the site, its walls vandalised and the location an apparent free for all. Sagar Sharma, a visitor said, ‘We come here to rest. We workers even eat our food here sometimes. It’s our usual meet up spot. When there is no work, I take afternoon naps here. But we do not stay here at night because people say it’s unlucky as ghosts visit at night.’ (Abhirup Biswas / HT Photo)
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At Adham Khan’s tomb, one finds locals walking about its hallways, children playing in the courtyard, groups engaged in card games, people napping, stray animals and even young couples tucked away in its many corridors. (Abhirup Biswas / HT Photo)
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Despite a lack of awareness about its history, Adham Khan’s tomb draws visitors by its mere presence as a tranquil island in contrast to the commotion of its busy surroundings. The young take to its always open entrance as an easy getaway from the road which is always buzzing with the din of passing vehicles. Some use it to kill time after school, while others consider it a playground fit for cricket, football and apt to its legend- hide and seek. (Abhirup Biswas / HT Photo)
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Evenings at Adham Khan’s tomb are an affair more for the elderly, who make use of the octagonal pathways in the monument for leisurely strolls. Lamenting at the ignorance surrounding the structure Santosh Kumar said, ‘I come here to relax and see the intricate work of that time. Sometimes I roam here with other old people like myself. Such amazing workmanship that it is still standing today. Though I do not know the history but it intrigues me. The sad part is people do not seem to appreciate it enough.’ (Abhirup Biswas / HT Photo)
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Updated on Jul 27, 2017 11:34 AM IST