Indo Islamic Heritage

Grave and Mosque of Motamad Khan

The site is located approximately 250 meters southwest of the Mehrauli bus stand and about 1.7 kilometers northwest of the Qutub Minar metro station. It lies immediately south of the tomb of Qutub Sahib in the Mehrauli area. The nearest airport is Indira Gandhi International (IGI) Airport, while the closest railway station is Hazrat Nizamuddin. For bus travelers, Mehrauli bus stand serves as the most convenient point of access.

Motamad Khan, a noble in the court of the Mughal emperor Aurangzeb, is buried in a fine enclosure, which is believed to have been constructed in his memory. This elegant structure, situated within a larger Dargah complex, features a mosque and a tomb, with the burial location carefully chosen by Motamad Khan as he sought the blessings of Shah Qutubuddin. The marble slabs above the mosque's doorway convey his desire for God's pardon through the proximity of this sacred site. The mosque, constructed in the Mughal architectural style, is a relatively simple structure with five chambers, accessible through an intricately decorated arched entrance. The western Qibla wall of the mosque is marked by five mihrab recesses, with the central mihrab being particularly prominent, deepened by the raising of the wall. The mosque is enclosed by a large courtyard, with the walls adorned with cusped arches in relief, giving it a refined appearance. The gateway and the north and south walls are further decorated with kangura battlement designs, which are delicately crafted in incised plasterwork. The roof of the mosque is supported by flat sandstone slabs, resting on 12-sided columns, and the central mihrab is made of white marble, offering a stunning contrast. The mosque's exterior is limewashed, enhancing its timeless beauty. Inside the courtyard, the marble-clad grave of Motamad Khan is located, although it has been damaged over time. Additionally, there is a temporary structure made of asbestos roofing, supported by rectangular rafters and pillars, which partially covers the courtyard. The mosque and its structures are primarily built from rubble masonry and local stone up to the plinth level. The main building material is red sandstone, which gives the structure its distinctive appearance. Despite the passage of time, the architectural integrity and historical significance of this site remain an important part of the region?s heritage.

Year of Built: 17th Century

Address: Dargah of Qutub Sahib, Mehrauli, to the west of the gateway of Maulana Fakhruddin

Country: India

State: Delhi

District: South Delhi

Pincode: 110030

Longitude: 77 10 49

Latitude: 28 31 10