Zafar Mahal — Attraction in New Delhi

Visited Zafar Mahal, The resting place od Last Mughal Emperor Bahadur Shah Zafar. Sadly, the experience was disappointing. The place, full of history, is not cared for. Built in the early 19th century, considered the last monumental structure of the Mughal era. This Resting Palace Served as a summer palace, particularly during the "Phoolwaalon ki sair" festival celebrating Sufi saint Hazrat Qutubuddin Bakhtiyar Kaki (whose tomb is also next to this Palace) and this palace witness to the waning years of the Mughal dynasty, mirroring the empire's declining financial resources in its simpler construction compared to other grand Mughal palaces.

Upon arrival i noticed, There's only one guard around, who seemed to be there merely for formality. The lack of care and proper security results in the almost vandalised condition of the site. It's was disheartening to see such a significant historic monument being neglected in this manner.

Furthermore, instead of visitors paying their respects, I observed a group of elderly people playing cards near the premises. This disrespect towards the monument is a reflection of the lack of maintenance and oversight.

Bahadur Shah Zafar's empty grave at Zafar Mahal tells a poignant tale of his fate and the decline of the Mughal Empire. It's a powerful reminder of history's twists and turns, left unnoticed amidst the neglect. As Zafar himself wrote,

"کتنا ہے بد نصیب ظفرؔ دفن کے لیے

دو گز زمین بھی نہ ملی کوئے یار میں"

"kitnā hai bad-nasīb 'zafar' dafn ke liye do gaz zamīn bhī na milī kū-e-yār meñ"

This poetic line hints at the tragic irony of his burial, adding depth to the site's significance. Nearby, Moti Masjid, a beautiful mosque, suffers the same fate. It's a shame for such significant places to be forgotten.

Moti Masjid, located next to Zafar Mahal, is a replica of the one in Agra's Red Fort. It's a gem of architecture, and it aslo suffers the same fate The grand entrance is named as Hathi Gate for its wide design allowing an elephant with a seat (houdah) to pass through.

I hoped the Archaeological Survey of India would do better. They must act to protect and restore Zafar Mahal, the grave, and Moti Masjid. These places deserve respect and care.

Despite its importance, the neglect makes visiting Zafar Mahal less enjoyable. I hope it gets the care it deserves soon.

Timings: Open daily from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Entry Fees: No fee for visiting Zafar Mahal. Nearby Metro...

Zafar Mahal in Delhi is truly a hidden gem that provides a captivating glimpse into the city's rich historical heritage. As an avid history enthusiast, I was thrilled to explore this lesser-known monument, and it did not disappoint.

Located in the Mehrauli area of Delhi, Zafar Mahal stands as a testament to the glorious Mughal era. The architecture is simply awe-inspiring, showcasing a perfect blend of Persian and Indian styles. Walking through the intricately designed arches and passages, I felt like I had stepped back in time.

The grandeur of Zafar Mahal is hard to miss. The imposing structure, once a royal residence, exudes a sense of majesty and regality. The sprawling courtyard, surrounded by intricately carved pillars and balconies, offers a serene ambiance where one can imagine the opulence and grand celebrations of the past.

One of the highlights of my visit was the stunning Jahanara Bagh garden adjacent to Zafar Mahal. The lush greenery, fragrant flowers, and tranquil fountains provided a peaceful retreat amidst the hustle and bustle of the city. It's a perfect spot for photography enthusiasts or anyone looking to unwind in a serene setting.

The staff at Zafar Mahal were friendly and knowledgeable. They were more than happy to share interesting historical anecdotes and answer any questions I had. Their passion for preserving and showcasing the heritage of Delhi was evident, and it added to the overall experience.

However, it's important to note that Zafar Mahal is not as well-known as some other historical sites in Delhi, which means it is relatively less crowded. While this may be a plus for those seeking a quieter experience, I believe this hidden gem deserves more recognition.

I highly recommend visiting Zafar Mahal to anyone interested in history, architecture, or simply looking to explore Delhi beyond the popular tourist spots. It offers a unique and enriching experience that showcases the splendor of Delhi's past. Don't miss the opportunity to step into the world of Mughal grandeur and immerse yourself in the captivating tales of Zafar Mahal.

Note: It's always advisable to check the visiting hours and any COVID-19 guidelines before planning your visit to...

This morning, while in a meeting discussing various locations in Delhi, my client, who was aiming for a Mughal theme for his project, was quite perplexed when I suggested some locations in Mehrauli. Indeed, as is the common misconception, he went on to say that he wanted locations only in Shahjahanabad or else the Mughal flavor wouldn't stand out. That got me thinking that although Shahjahanabad was the grand city of the Mughals, there are so many other places in Delhi that have a distinct Mughal connection. Ofcourse, the close next to Shahjahanabad for "Mughal favour" is the Nizamuddin area, home to the Humayun's Tomb and many other Mughal mausoleums. But we fail to acknowledge the importance of Mehrauli with respect to Mughal history. The Qutb, as the area is referred to in most Mughal chronicles is actually where the first and last grand Mughal monuments of Delhi lie, along with many other structures built along the way. From the Jamali kamali complex built during the reign of Babur, which can be categorised as one of the first examples of Mughal architecture in Delhi to Zafar Mahal, the last Mughal palace in Delhi, the tryst of the Mughals with the Qutb stretched beyond popular perception. The shrine of Qutub-ud-din Bakhtiyar Kaki is also home to several tombs of Mughal princes and other members of the royal family. And one of the most popular Mughal traditions that continues to be celebrated till date, the Phoolwalon ki Sair, is also synonymous with the Qutb. The last two Mughal Emperors, Akbar Shah and Bahadur Shah Zafar, loved visiting Mehrauli in the winters to hunt. The zenana also travelled with them and the women camped around the Qutub Minar all day, while enjoying the oranges that grew in the gardens near the Minar. Winter mushairas around the Qutub Minar were also Zafar's favourite, accompanied with barbeques and plum cakes sent by the British resident Thomas Metcalf, who had also strategically brought a property close to the Qutub Minar, so that he could effectively spy on the Emperor, during his long visits...