Indo Islamic Heritage

Ataga Khan Tomb

The Tomb of Ataga Khan, constructed during the 16th century, is a significant mausoleum located on the outer periphery of the Nizamuddin Dargah complex in Delhi, India. Built under the reign of Mughal Emperor Akbar, this tomb commemorates Ataga Khan, a prominent noble and close confidant of Akbar. Ataga Khan served as the Prime Minister (Wazir) of the Mughal Empire and played a critical role in the administration of Akbar?s court. The Nearest Bus Stand- Hazrat Nizamuddin 9 min walk The Nearest Metro Station - JLN Stadium 17 min walk, , Nearest Railway Station- Nizamuddin Railway Station Railway Station Nearest Airport- IGI

Ataga Khan, the prime minister of Mughal Emperor Akbar and husband to Jiji Anga, Akbar's wet nurse, was murdered in 1562 by Adham Khan, a general in Akbar?s court, due to jealousy and intrigue. Adham Khan's actions led to his own execution by Akbar, who subsequently ordered the construction of a mausoleum for Ataga Khan. Anthony Welch suggests that Ataga Khan?s second son, Mirza Aziz Koka, played a significant role in the tomb?s patronage. Designed by architect Ustad Khuda Quli and calligrapher Baqi Muhammad from Bukhara, the tomb's construction commenced in 1562 and concluded in 1566. Its form is inspired by earlier Indian tombs, particularly the cube-shaped structures typical of Delhi, with the main building measuring 10 meters per side and featuring a 4-meter outer dome atop an inner dome. The tomb?s entrance, a wooden door, is located on the southern side, and the site is elevated above the Nizamuddin Dargah courtyard. Constructed primarily from rough sandstone, the tomb is faced with red sandstone inlaid with colored stones and adorned with white marble inscribed with Quranic verses. This decorative style draws from the Qila-i-Kuhna mosque. Although the interior once featured extensive plaster decoration, only fragments remain today. The choice of Quranic epigraphy and the tomb?s location in the sacred Nizamuddin Dargah reflect the honor and martyrdom status attributed to Ataga Khan by the Mughals.

Year of Built: 16th Century

Address: 286, Nizamuddin, Nizammudin West Slum, Nizamuddin West, New Delhi, Delhi

Country: India

State: Delhi

District: South East Delhi

Pincode: 110013

Longitude: 77.2423

Latitude: 28.5915?