Zafar Mahal




Quick Facts

Architectural style Mughal Architecture
Town or city Delhi
Country India
Completed 19th century
Demolished Ruins
Architect Akbar Shah II and Bahadur Shah Zafar II

During the declining period of Mughal reign in India, Zafar Mahal had been established as its summer palace in Mehrauli village situated in South Delhi. This is considered as the last monumental edifice of Mughal architecture having two parts: Mahal or Palace built by Akbar Shah II in 18th century and the other part - entrance gate reconstructed by Bahadur Shah Zafar II during 19th century, known as ‘Zafar’ meaning Victory. Pitiably, the profound desire of Bahadur Shah Zafar to be buried in the precincts of this place at the famous Dargha of Khwaja Qutubuddin Bakthiar Kaki could not be fulfilled because of his deportment by British.

History

Zafar Mahal is considered the last piece of architecture by the Mughal Empire having monumental dignity in India, which was preceded by wonderful edifices installed in earlier periods starting from Mughal Emperor Babur. It was Babur who established the Mughal Dynasty in India in 1526 AD which continued for 332 years with the last emperor Bahadur Shah Zafar ending it in 1858. Ironically, Bahadur Shah Zafar was deported and taken away from this summer Palace to Rangoon, with treason charges on him for the rebellious event of Sepoy Mutiny that happened in 1857 AD in India.

Mehrauli complex in Zafar Mahal precincts houses many graves built with marble screen enclosures, which include one of Bahadur Shah I laid by his son Jahandar Shah, apart from Shah Alam II, who was blinded by the Rohila leader Ghulam Qadir. Shah Alam was referred as puppet ruler because he was acting under the directions of Maratha rulers first and British India leaders afterwards.

What to See

Hathi gate in Zafar Mahal, a magnificent sandstone construction with the curved Bengal roof, is a three-storeyed structure with intricately carved windows having arcades inside on either side of the rooms, the interior having been built similar to Chatta Chowk at the Red Fort, is an architectural contribution by Bahadur Shah. He held this palace for his stay during his hunting activities and also when he attended the famous festival called Phoolwalon ki Sair in which he was honoured every year by the florists of the region.

Hathi Gate is a spot to be visited, which is now in good condition, whereas other parts of Zafar Mahal is converted into shops and residential areas. It would be hard for the visitor to visualise a summer house of a Mughal emperor here.

As one visits Zafar Mahal, there are quite a few attractions to see around such as Dargah of Qutbuddin Bakthiar Kaki, Adham Khan’s tomb, Jamali Kamali Mosque, Qutub Minar, Rajon-Ki-Bain and Mosque and Gandhak ki Baoli.

Visitors have a number of food stalls and eating places around Zafar Mahal, which include Thai Wok Ambavata Complex, Red Snapper Aurobindo Marg, Osaka Aurobindo Marg, etc

There are also shopping areas such as Mehrauli’s Ambavata Shopping Complex, Mehrauli, Sahara Mall, DT Mall in Gurgaon and Hauz Khas Village, which a shopping freak visitor cannot miss.

Visitor’s Information

Hours:  Sun-Sat to 10am-6pm

Address: Lado Sarai, Mehrauli, New Delhi, DL

How to Reach

As one proceeds straight from Qutub Minar towards Mehrauli Market, one can reach Zafar Mahal, Delhi having many local transport facilities to take one to this place.

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