Indo Islamic Heritage
The Tomb of Zafar Khan in Delhi is a significant historical monument situated within the complex of Sultan Ghari's tomb, near Vasant Kunj in South Delhi. Nearest Bus Stand: Mehrauli Nearest Metro Station: Yellow Line Nearest Railway Station: New Delhi Railway Station Nearest Airport: Indira Gandhi International (IGI) Airport
The Tomb of Zafar Khan in Delhi is an important historical monument located within the complex of Sultan Ghari’s tomb, near Vasant Kunj in South Delhi. Zafar Khan was a general in the army of Ghiyasuddin Balban, one of the most powerful sultans of the Delhi Sultanate. He played a significant role in defending the Sultanate against Mongol invasions and led several military campaigns. As a trusted commander, Zafar Khan was one of Balban’s most prominent lieutenants. His tomb is an early example of Indo-Islamic architecture. It marks the beginning of Islamic influence on Indian funerary architecture, blending elements such as domes, pointed arches, and decorative carvings with indigenous Indian features like corbeled brackets and Hindu-style pillars. Although the design of the tomb is relatively simple compared to the more elaborate Mughal tombs that came later, it is significant due to its historical context and its location near other key monuments from the early Delhi Sultanate period. The tomb’s stone masonry, along with the use of arches and domes, reflects the early phase of Islamic architecture in India. This was a time when builders were beginning to adapt traditional Indian construction techniques to new Islamic architectural styles. As such, the Tomb of Zafar Khan is a notable part of the rich architectural and cultural heritage of the Delhi Sultanate.
Year of Built: 13th -14th Century
Address: Airforce Residential Quarters, Tughlakabad, New Delhi, Delhi
Country: India
State: Delhi
District: South Delhi
Pincode: 110044
Longitude: 77.2614
Latitude: 28.5096°