Khusro Bagh Prayagraj
Mughals certainly knew how to build beautiful gardens, whether for religious or aesthetic purposes. The Khusro Bagh, located in Prayraj (Allahabad), Uttar Pradesh is evidence of their refined sense of aesthetics. The garden is a historical site, and one of the heritage attractions that you must visit in Uttar Pradesh.
It houses the tombs of Khusro Mirza (the eldest son of Jahangir), Shah Begum (the first wife of Jahangir), and Princess Sultan Nithar Begum (the daughter of Jahangir). All three of them were buried in this mausoleum complex during the 17th century. The use of red sandstone and exquisitely carved tombs are simply marvelous to look at. There is also serenity in the atmosphere, a kind of stillness that is treasurable.
Architecture of Khusro Bagh
All three tombs in Khusro Bagh are built in the finest traditions of Mughal architecture. The main tomb is that of Shah Begum, which is located in the center of the garden. It is this three-tiered structure built of red sandstone which is most prominent in the tomb complex. Besides two points of entry, there are two points of exit on the north and south side of the complex. What you see on the top, however, is a false cenotaph, while the real grave is located on the main level.
The tradition of adding a false cenotaph is common in Islamic architecture. They are added mainly for aesthetic purposes. On the cenotaph, you can see some amazing Arabesque inscriptions carved by the court calligrapher of Jahangir, Mir Abdullah Mushkin Qalam.
The second tomb is the mausoleum of Shah Begum’s daughter, Nithar Begum. This tomb was built under her orders between 1624 and 1625 AD. In terms of architectural beauty, it is the best among the three tombs. It is a two-storeyed structure built in red sandstone. The lower level, which houses the grave, is approachable through a doorway which is carved within the plinth. In the upper level, you come across some amazing frescoes belonging to the Mughal period.
The third tomb, although much simpler than the other two, is that of Khusro Mirza, the eldest son of Emperor Jahangir. Consisting of a single story, it is built in red sandstone and adorned with lovely inscriptions and frescoes. There is a grave located right next to the tomb which is believed to be that of his mare.
