Credit: shubham jangid
Overview
Darya Khan’s Tomb is a magnificent piece of architecture and a prime example of Muslim art and architecture in the Mandu region of Madhya Pradesh. He himself completed the construction of the tomb between 1510-26 and was buried when he died. He was a court official of Mahmud Khilji 2.
History and Architecture
The tomb is part of Darya Khan’s group of monuments. Although built from red sandstone, Darya Khan’s tomb looks similar to the mausoleum of Hoshang Shah’s tomb in the nearby Central Group of Mandu. There are three graves inside the tomb, including those of Darya Khan, who was an officer in the Mandu court, and his family members. The Darya Khan tomb is on a raised platform. The exterior of the tomb is made from red masonry and decorated with colored enamels in intricate patterns. The shape of the hall is a square, with arches built from the corners to support the dome above. The only ornamentation is in the band of small arches set with blue tiles and in the beautiful stone trellis- work fitted into the walls for the purpose of admitting light and air within.
On the flat roof, at the northern and southern ends of the terrace, there are three smaller domes and a huge dome in the center.
An unknown tomb is to the northwest of Darya Khan’s tomb. This unknown tomb is rectangular in shape, with a triple-arched entrance, and topped with a central dome. The Darya Khan tomb is approachable from this tomb through a series of arched gateways.
Somvati kund, a small brick-lined pond, is adjacent to the southern wall of Darya Khan’s tomb. From Somvati, if you follow the road toward the southwest, you will come across an inn.
How to reach Darya Khan’s Tomb
Situated near Haathi Mahal, Darya Khan’s tomb is located 2 kilometers from the Mandu bus stand.
Timing of Darya Khan’s Tomb
8 am – 6 pm
Entry fees
Indian – Rs 25
Foreigner – Rs 100