Khan-i-Khanan Tomb
Khan-i-Khanan Tomb
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4.0
23 reviews
Excellent
6
Very good
13
Average
3
Poor
1
Terrible
0
Kunal Kapoor
New Delhi, India327 contributions
Feb 2015 • Friends
This place is the burial of Abdul Rahim Khankhana. The tomb is situated in Nizamuddin East on the Mathura road near Humayun's Tomb in New Delhi. It is a quiet monument, surrounded by lovely garden and the best part is it is not crowded and you can admire its beauty in a moment of quiet reflection. Although not included in most tour itineraries, this place is worth visiting after visiting Humayun's Tomb and Nizamuddin mosque.
Written 27 February 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
DanielE15
Charlottesville, VA49 contributions
This is a beautiful ruin of a tomb, despoiled for the building of Safdarjang's Tomb. Abd al-Rahim was a great courtier and a highly cultivated man. Among other things he was a great patron of manuscript illustration. Jahangir inherited him from Akbar's court--he was one of "the old wolves of the state". A lovely and evocative site.
Written 21 January 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Satyendra Garg
National Capital Territory of Delhi, India6,946 contributions
Dec 2014 • Solo
There is a particular emotional attachment to this monument for those who read couplets written by Rahim in school and getting the substance of life. It becomes additionally emotional as you feel sad that materials from this monument was stripped off to decorate tomb of another big shot of his time, Safdarjung. Why cannot you build a tomb, if you are so keen to build one, out of your own resources, rather than robbing a beautiful monument of its glory and material. But maybe life is cruel and we never learn lessons for short term gains to us.
A visit to this lovely monument can be fulfilling as it is a quiet monument, surrounded by lovely garden and the best part is it is not crowded and you can admire its beauty in a moment of quiet reflection.
I loved the experience and went around the monument quietly, of course admiring its beauty and taking photographs at the time of setting sun.
This place is quite near to Humayun tomb and can be seen from the main Mathura road between Nili Masjid and Ashram. For those who admire Indian architecture a visit is worthwhile. The monument is a ticketed one, Rs. 5 for Indian visitors and is open on all days, between the sunrise and the sunset.
A visit to this lovely monument can be fulfilling as it is a quiet monument, surrounded by lovely garden and the best part is it is not crowded and you can admire its beauty in a moment of quiet reflection.
I loved the experience and went around the monument quietly, of course admiring its beauty and taking photographs at the time of setting sun.
This place is quite near to Humayun tomb and can be seen from the main Mathura road between Nili Masjid and Ashram. For those who admire Indian architecture a visit is worthwhile. The monument is a ticketed one, Rs. 5 for Indian visitors and is open on all days, between the sunrise and the sunset.
Written 10 December 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
macedonboy
Glasgow, UK186,708 contributions
Dec 2019
This building houses the tomb of Abdul Rahim Khan-e-Khana, who was Hindi poet in the service of Akbar the Great. Like the nearby Humayan’s Tomb and other important Mughal era garden tombs, this building is built using red sandstone. Stylistically, it similar to other early Mughal Indo-Islamic buildings built to a square plan and highly symmetric all round. So much so, it looks a lot like the tombs of both Humayun and Safdarjung.
Much of the building is currently covered up due to renovations, but they still charge full price for entrance. Since much of the exterior is covered up due to scaffolding and sheeting, it’s not worth going to see it under the building works are completed
Much of the building is currently covered up due to renovations, but they still charge full price for entrance. Since much of the exterior is covered up due to scaffolding and sheeting, it’s not worth going to see it under the building works are completed
Written 31 December 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
earthisnotflat
Sunnyvale, CA153 contributions
Mar 2014 • Solo
Like most of the ancient structures in India, this tomb stands testimony to the neglect shown by Indian officials for promoting and developing good heritage sites of historical value. The tomb is a magnificent structure standing testimony to around 400 years of Indian monsoons and still maintaining its composure. No doubt it is past its prime but is still magnificent. The main problem is the parking space for visitors, as there is none. Located in an elite locality, the lack of parking discourages enthusiasts to even give it a try. The surroundings to give it some credit are well maintained with lawns spreading on all four sides, but it has mostly become a shelter for homeless couples due to lack of sufficient fame. It is to conclude a worthy visit for students of history and architecture in general.
Written 8 May 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
rupeshbits
New Delhi, India328 contributions
Mar 2018 • Family
It is one of beautiful architecture which you will really love to see once. It's a small historical place but it's architecture is amazing. but unfortunately it is the neglected one. t is tomb of Abdul Rahim Khan-e-Khana (17 December 1556 – 1627), also known as Rahim was a poet who lived during the rule of Mughal emperor Akbar.
Written 31 May 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Nas S
Long Beach, CA2,240 contributions
Feb 2018 • Couples
This is a lovely tomb but not at it's best shape. It's great that they're working on it to restore. Beautiful garden surrounding the tomb itself. It's a hidden gem from the main roads. Definitely worth a visit.
Written 7 March 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Amolak Rattan K
New Delhi, India2,974 contributions
Sept 2018 • Friends
Not in a good shape , architecturally it is a beauty which you can appreciate only from close quarters . Now it is being restored and after that tourists will love to know about one of the main and revered poet Abdul Rahim Khan I Khanna .
Amolak Rattan Kohli
Former Governor Of Mizoram
Amolak Rattan Kohli
Former Governor Of Mizoram
Written 11 September 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
gbajaj91
Pune, India29 contributions
Dec 2014 • Solo
Awesome location, near Humayun's Tomb. Best time to visit is during winters as the place gets good sunshine. You can relax in the gardens or can have some fun activities with friends and family
Written 30 June 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Nirde101
Delhi19 contributions
Mar 2013 • Family
Who can forget reciting ‘Dohe’ in our school Hindi classes? Dohe are short Hindi couplets conveying profound messages that draw meaning from everyday life for easy understanding. Apart from Kabir, another prolific dohe writer was Rahim. To understand the childhood connection with Rahim, we need to jog our memory to recall a popular doha:
Rahiman Dhaga Prem Ka, Mat Todo Chatkaya,
Toote Se Phir Na Jude, Jude Gaanth Pari Jaaye.
English Translation
Rahim says; Do not break the thread of love between people. If the thread breaks, it cannot be mended; even if you mend it there will always be a knot in it. The friendship will not be same anymore.
Now, that sure brought an instant childhood connection with Rahim and a smile to the face.
Khanzada Mirza Khan Abdul Rahim Khan-e-Khana (17 December 1556 – 1627) popularly known as Rahim was one of the Navratnas (Nine Ministers or Nine Gems) in Akbar’s court.
Abdul Rahim Khan was the son of Bairam Khan. History is amazing - how can a son of a Mughal general infamous for atrocities could turn out to be composer and poet. Akbar who was probably sick of the overbearing and revolting Bairam Khan – Akbar’s tutor, regent and general - retired him and sent him packing to Mecca. This was better than being thrown off the Agra Fort as Adham Khan would testify. On his way in Gujarat, Bairam Khan was recognised by a certain man called Hazi Khan whose father was brutally killed by Bairam Khan during the Second Battle of Panipat between Akbar and Hemu. Bairam Khan had exhorted the kid Akbar to behead Hemu as he lay bleeding from an arrow wound in the eye. Bairam must have done something similar to this guy’s father too. Anyway, Hazi Khan takes revenge and kills Bairam Khan. Maybe it was all planned by Akbar! However, Rahim Khan then four and his mother were released unharmed and they returned to Akbar’s court.
Rahim Khan joined Akbar’s court, regaled the court with his songs and poetry, rose through the ranks until he was promoted as one of the Navratnas and conferred with the title of Mirza Khan. He was master of several languages like Persian, Chagatai, Sanskrit and Hindi. To augment his salary, he started writing Hindi Couplets for NCERT books. He was a contemporary of Tulsidas and both would exchange notes. You could call them today’s Gulzar and Javed Akhtar. Although a Muslim, he was a devotee of Lord Krishna and wrote poetry dedicated to Him. The reason could be owing to his maternal lineage tracing back to Jadaun Rajputs and Yadavas.
History again has a way of repeating unflinchingly in gory ways. Just like Rahim’s father Bairam Khan tutored Akbar and was unceremoniously disposed off in an ambush in Gujarat for his efforts, Rahim tutored Akbar’s son Jahangir. For his efforts, Jahangir had Rahim’s two sons killed and their bodies left to rot at Khooni Darwaza opposite Feroz Shah Kotla. Jahangir was simply annoyed that Rahim supported Jahangir’s eldest son Khusrau to succeed Akbar.
During his trips to Delhi, Mirza Khan marvelled at the beauty of the recently built Humayun Tomb. He figured that he would build something similar for his wife; just like Bu Halima did in her husband Humayun’s memory. Built in 1598, about 30 years after Humayun’s Tomb, the structure and planning of Khan-i-Khanan Tomb is similar but on a much smaller scale. The tomb, like Humayun Tomb is faced with red sandstone and white marble. The high dome has decorated plaster work. On his death Rahim Khan was also buried here along with his wife and sons. Mirza Khan’s cenotaph lies on the first floor. The tomb was stripped of its sandstone and marble for building the Safdurjung Tomb – a pattern repeated earlier by Sher Shah Suri who dismantled Siri Fort to build Shergarh and Shahjahan who walked away with Feroz Shah Kotla to build Shahjahanabad.
The chain of inspiration for building tombs for spouses continued and later Shahjahan taking a cue from Rahim Khan built a popular tomb in Agra for his wife.
Today, the Khan-i-Khanan Tomb sits on prime real estate in East Nizamuddin. The lawns are lush and well maintained. Since it is a ticketed monument and that too in the shadow of Humayun Tomb, it does not get many visitors. Most people driving on the busy Mathura Road are too busy negotiating the traffic to look. Few who do, look at the tomb with some bewilderment. People are not sure what to make of the stripped exterior. The tomb looks like a once rich person who has been dealt a bad hand and all that is left now is a tattered coat and some old glory. It looks both tragic and endearing – just like Rahim’s life.
Come and spend some time among the scarred and stripped walls. You just might hear poetry and couplets wafting in the air.
Getting There: As you drive on Mathura Road from Subz Burj roundabout towards Nizamuddin Railway Station, the tomb lies on the left.
Rahiman Dhaga Prem Ka, Mat Todo Chatkaya,
Toote Se Phir Na Jude, Jude Gaanth Pari Jaaye.
English Translation
Rahim says; Do not break the thread of love between people. If the thread breaks, it cannot be mended; even if you mend it there will always be a knot in it. The friendship will not be same anymore.
Now, that sure brought an instant childhood connection with Rahim and a smile to the face.
Khanzada Mirza Khan Abdul Rahim Khan-e-Khana (17 December 1556 – 1627) popularly known as Rahim was one of the Navratnas (Nine Ministers or Nine Gems) in Akbar’s court.
Abdul Rahim Khan was the son of Bairam Khan. History is amazing - how can a son of a Mughal general infamous for atrocities could turn out to be composer and poet. Akbar who was probably sick of the overbearing and revolting Bairam Khan – Akbar’s tutor, regent and general - retired him and sent him packing to Mecca. This was better than being thrown off the Agra Fort as Adham Khan would testify. On his way in Gujarat, Bairam Khan was recognised by a certain man called Hazi Khan whose father was brutally killed by Bairam Khan during the Second Battle of Panipat between Akbar and Hemu. Bairam Khan had exhorted the kid Akbar to behead Hemu as he lay bleeding from an arrow wound in the eye. Bairam must have done something similar to this guy’s father too. Anyway, Hazi Khan takes revenge and kills Bairam Khan. Maybe it was all planned by Akbar! However, Rahim Khan then four and his mother were released unharmed and they returned to Akbar’s court.
Rahim Khan joined Akbar’s court, regaled the court with his songs and poetry, rose through the ranks until he was promoted as one of the Navratnas and conferred with the title of Mirza Khan. He was master of several languages like Persian, Chagatai, Sanskrit and Hindi. To augment his salary, he started writing Hindi Couplets for NCERT books. He was a contemporary of Tulsidas and both would exchange notes. You could call them today’s Gulzar and Javed Akhtar. Although a Muslim, he was a devotee of Lord Krishna and wrote poetry dedicated to Him. The reason could be owing to his maternal lineage tracing back to Jadaun Rajputs and Yadavas.
History again has a way of repeating unflinchingly in gory ways. Just like Rahim’s father Bairam Khan tutored Akbar and was unceremoniously disposed off in an ambush in Gujarat for his efforts, Rahim tutored Akbar’s son Jahangir. For his efforts, Jahangir had Rahim’s two sons killed and their bodies left to rot at Khooni Darwaza opposite Feroz Shah Kotla. Jahangir was simply annoyed that Rahim supported Jahangir’s eldest son Khusrau to succeed Akbar.
During his trips to Delhi, Mirza Khan marvelled at the beauty of the recently built Humayun Tomb. He figured that he would build something similar for his wife; just like Bu Halima did in her husband Humayun’s memory. Built in 1598, about 30 years after Humayun’s Tomb, the structure and planning of Khan-i-Khanan Tomb is similar but on a much smaller scale. The tomb, like Humayun Tomb is faced with red sandstone and white marble. The high dome has decorated plaster work. On his death Rahim Khan was also buried here along with his wife and sons. Mirza Khan’s cenotaph lies on the first floor. The tomb was stripped of its sandstone and marble for building the Safdurjung Tomb – a pattern repeated earlier by Sher Shah Suri who dismantled Siri Fort to build Shergarh and Shahjahan who walked away with Feroz Shah Kotla to build Shahjahanabad.
The chain of inspiration for building tombs for spouses continued and later Shahjahan taking a cue from Rahim Khan built a popular tomb in Agra for his wife.
Today, the Khan-i-Khanan Tomb sits on prime real estate in East Nizamuddin. The lawns are lush and well maintained. Since it is a ticketed monument and that too in the shadow of Humayun Tomb, it does not get many visitors. Most people driving on the busy Mathura Road are too busy negotiating the traffic to look. Few who do, look at the tomb with some bewilderment. People are not sure what to make of the stripped exterior. The tomb looks like a once rich person who has been dealt a bad hand and all that is left now is a tattered coat and some old glory. It looks both tragic and endearing – just like Rahim’s life.
Come and spend some time among the scarred and stripped walls. You just might hear poetry and couplets wafting in the air.
Getting There: As you drive on Mathura Road from Subz Burj roundabout towards Nizamuddin Railway Station, the tomb lies on the left.
Written 8 April 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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