Sabz Burj
Sabz Burj ("Green Dome") is an octagonal tomb situated in Mathura Road, Nizamuddin complex, beside Humayun's Tomb, Old Delhi.
History
Some Mughal historians consider the Sabz Burj tomb is constructed to be for Fahim Khan, who died in 1626 A.D. He was an attendant to Abdur Rahim Khan during 4th Mughal emperor Jahangir's reign.[1] But others have opined that it was made in 1530–40. There is no grave inside the building.[2]
The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) has renovated the structure.[3] In 2018, the Aga Khan Trust for Culture (AKTC) discovered original 16th century paintings on the ceiling. It requested the ASI to remove cement and tiles from the 1986 restoration in order to restore the original lime that covered it. Complete restoration by the AKTC should be completed by 2020.[4][5][6]
Architecture
Its exterior is covered in blue tiles (although subz means "green") and stone.[7] The structure is crowned with a blue dome and it is popularly known as the Neeli ("Blue") chhatri. It is a protected archeological monument of Delhi. The construction was influenced by Central Asian architecture, which consists of alternating wide and narrow sides. Entrances have been built into the wider sides, while the narrower sides are ornamented in a pattern of incised plaster, paint or glazed tile.
References
- "World Heritage Sites". Nila Gumbad. Archological Survey of India. Archived from the original on 10 April 2009. Retrieved 10 April 2009.
- Ahmad Hasan Dani. "History of Civilizations of Central Asia: Development in contrast". Retrieved 27 September 2017.
- By R,V. Smith. "Delhi: Unknown Tales of a City". Retrieved 27 September 2017.
- https://www.hindustantimes.com/delhi-news/timurid-art-on-delhi-s-little-known-subz-burj-to-get-a-revamp/story-C9A7Ou2OT40mD3btqrN4bL.html
- https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/delhi/mughal-style-repairs-may-save-rare-dome-art/articleshow/68696081.cms
- https://indianexpress.com/article/cities/delhi/conservators-at-sabz-burj-strike-gold-in-a-painting-on-on-the-ceiling-5236456/
- "Subz Burj". monumentsofdelhi.com. Retrieved 27 September 2017.