Tomb of Aurangzeb in Khuldabad, Maharashtra
Tomb of Aurangzeb in Khuldabad, Maharashtra, is a historical landmark that attracts tourists from all over the world. This simple and austere structure, built in 1707 AD by Aurangzeb’s son, Azam Shah, is the final resting place of the Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb.
The tomb is a simple one. Visitors can walk around the outside of the tomb and view it from the surrounding gardens. Khuldabad is also home to several other attractions, including the tomb of the Sufi saint, Zar Zari Zar Baksh, and the ancient Kali Masjid.
Take a virtual tour of the cenotaph of one of the most controversial rulers of the Mughal Empire in my travel blog.
Wending our way through the narrow roads of Khuldabad we reached the next destination Tomb of Emperor Aurangzeb. There in the serene atmosphere of the court yard of Alamgir Dargah lie the remains of the man who once ruled India sitting on jewel encrusted thrones.
Tomb of Aurangzeb Khuldabad Maharashtra
We stood there in silence, stunned at the simplicity of the tomb!
The tomb of Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb was just a simple mound of sand. This man who was endowed with all riches of his ancestors wrote in his will, “No marble sheets should shield me from the sky as I lie there one with the earth.”
And just as he desired only the portion where he lay is not covered with marble. The sides covered with plain white sheets. It is left open to sky, with few tulsi plants growing over it.
I remembered reading of his atrocities on Hindu population of India. Probably people change as their end draws near, how else does one explain the humility in those words!
Aurangzeb’s tomb is just a small space covered with white cloth nothing like the tomb; Taj of Deccan, built by his son for his mother!
Earlier Aurangzeb’s tomb was just a plain mound of earth we were told. In 1911, Lord Curzon the then viceroy of India ordered a marble enclosure for the grave. The grave is thus enclosed in a delicately carved, lattice-work grill made of marble.
Aurangzeb didn’t want the expenses for his mausoleum to be taken from state treasury, instead he earned it all by stitching caps, copying verses from Quran and selling them. He was forever committed to simple living.
He died in Ahmednagar but was buried in Khuldabad in the Dargah of his Guru, saint Sayyid Zain-ud-Din who died in 1370, as per his wish.
Other Sights at Alamgir Dargah
The tombs of Azam Shah (Aurangzeb’s son), his wife’s and their daughter’s tomb were in another enclosure.
A walk along the Dargah’s premises will take you to the various rooms, dormitories, open water tanks and tombs of other historical figures. We sensed a profound mood in the interiors which was so silent in spite of the human traffic there.
He died in March 1707, and we were there at the quiet sepulcher three centuries later, Dec 2007! (This post was first written on Jan 29th 2008.)
FAQ on Tomb of Aurangzeb in Khuldabad
Who built Aurangzeb’s Tomb?
Aurangzeb’s Tomb was built by Aurangzeb’s son, Azam Shah.
What is the architecture of tomb of Aurangzeb like?
Aurangzeb’s Tomb is a simple, austere structure made of black stone. It has a domed roof and a marble cenotaph with inscriptions from the Quran.
Can visitors enter Aurangzeb’s Tomb?
When I visited there was no restrictions. Tourists can walk around the outside of the structure and view it from the surrounding gardens.
What other attractions are there in Khuldabad?
Khuldabad is a historical town with several other attractions, including the tomb of the Sufi saint, Zar Zari Zar Baksh, and the ancient Kali Masjid.
How do I get to Khuldabad?
Khuldabad is easily accessible by road from Aurangabad, which is well-connected to other major cities in India by air and rail.
What is the best time to visit Khuldabad?
The best time to visit Khuldabad is during the winter months from November to February when the weather is pleasant and cool.
I missed this when we visited Aurangabad; hopefully next time. Thanks for sharing such an informative post.
Not that I have been fond of the man, but your post has got me re-thinking of what he was really like. Nice one
Informative and illustrative write up Indrani.
Great post, Indrani, with lovely pics. Thanks for bringing this side of Aurangzeb 🙂
A very informative post. Beautifully written 🙂
Simple tomb as the life of the Emperor.
Its like seeing a different version of Aurangzeb. Nice post, Indrani!