Safdarjung - A reminiscent of father-Son love

Also referred to as 'Safdarjung Ka Maqbara', Safdarjung Tomb stands upright since the 18th century and was constructed by Nawab Shujaud Daula on the memory of his father Safdarjung.

Safdarjung was a Persian native who became Subadar to the Nawab of Oudh in 1739. Later he showed his guiding expertise by serving under many rulers and was given the title of ‘Safdarjung’ by emperor Nasir-Ud-Din Muhammad Shah. Named as powerful and resource statesman, Safdarjung proved his excellence as an able administrator and was relocated to Delhi where he was made the Wazir ul-Mamalik-i-Hindustan or Prime Minister of Hindustan under emperor Ahmad Shah Bahadur. However, in 1753 he was dismissed from his position due to some court politics and was outcasted from Delhi.
On October 5, 1754, he passed away in Sultanpur near Faizabad.

The tomb was designed by Ethiopian architect, which follows the line of Humayun’s tomb architectural style but lack grandeur. The monument is build up of red and brownish-yellow colored sandstone, which has rectangular chambers and octagonal corners. There are four polygonal towers at each corner of the tomb.

The actual graves of Safdarjung along with his wife Amat Jahan Begum are placed in an underground chamber of the monument, entry to this is not allowed.

The most amazing beauty of the monument is the huge lush green garden that encompasses the structure. There are also water canals around the four pathways in the garden each leading to ‘Jangli Mahal’ or 'Palace in the woods', ‘Badshah Pasand’ or 'The Emperor's Favourite’ and ‘Moti Mahal’ or 'Pearl Palace'.

This monument, which was earlier used as the resident by the family of Safdarjung is now the office of Archaeological Survey of India (ASI).

Built-in Mughal Empire architectural style this monument stands as the last monumental garden tomb. Located at the proximity of Safdarjung airport, this monument has become a famous tourist spot for both Indian and foreign visitors.