Tomb Of Sher Shah Suri

We’ve all heard of the famous Taj Mahal, one of the Seven Wonders of the World, which is also the tomb of Mumtaz Mahal built by Shah Jahan. Humanyun’s Tomb is another example of a beautiful tomb. The Sher Shah Suri Tomb is yet another beautiful monument. As the name suggests, it is the Mughal emperor Sher Shah Suri’s tomb.

The tomb of Sher Shah Suri is in the Sasaram town of Bihar state, India. The tomb was built in memory of Emperor Sher Shah Suri, a Pathan from Bihar who defeated the Mughal Empire and founded the Suri Empire in northern India. He died in an accidental gunpowder explosion in the fort of Kalinjar on 13 May 1545 AD.

History of Tomb of Sher Shah Suri

The Sher Shah Suri Tomb is one of the best examples of the Indo-Islamic style of architecture that was popularized by the Mughals. The tomb was built in honor of Emperor Sher Shah Suri and houses his tomb in its chambers.

The significance of the tomb has a lot to do with the Suri Dynasty which started from Sasaram. Sher Shah’s father and founder of the Suri Dynasty was the Jaigirdar of Sasaram. Sher Shah later ascended to the throne of Delhi. But the graves of the Suri Emperors are present in the hometown and at the tomb of Sher Shah. Apart from that, all the trusted 24 companions of Sher Shah have been graved at the Mausoleum. The tomb was built three months after he died in a gunpowder accident.

Architecture of Tomb of Sher Shah Suri

A perfect example of Indo-Islamic culture, the Tomb of Sher Shah Suri is an architectural excellence constructed in the 16th century. Aliwal Khan was the main architect of the structural masterpiece that was built in 1545. The sandstone mausoleum was made during the reign of Islam Shah, son of Sher Shah.

The inscription of the tomb indicates that the monument was completed on August 16, 1545. The Tomb is considered the finest example of Afgan architecture. The tomb is situated inside a square-shaped lake. The monument is built of sandstone. The tomb has been built in the center of the lake and is a plinth with Kiosk. Besides this, the tomb is also beautified with stone banks and moorings. The Kiosks are also called domed chambers.

There are in total four octagonal shape chambers on the four sides. Apart from that there is one grand door on the front side of the tomb that is the only entrance to the tomb. A causeway was later built to link the tomb with the guard room. On all sides, there are verandahs which have 24 small domes. All the domes are in series. Each corner of the verandah is supported by a cupola.

The engineering of the tomb of the Sher Shah Suri is fascinating and at the same time astonishing. The tomb has been supported by the arches. However, the arches look beautiful from the verandah. The main tomb rises above 22 feet from the verandah. The huge side of the tomb has not stopped it from ventilation.

The stone jails in the Mausoleum have ensured that adequate air and light are reached. The arches are beautifully crafted with inscriptions of the Quran and floral carvings. There were colored and beautiful tiles as well when it was built, however, with time the design has been destroyed. But a few tiles like Red, Blue, and Gold can still be witnessed in the tomb. The Afghan style of design and architecture has proven the worth of the monuments for many years.