Tomb of Salim Chishti

Tomb of Shaikh Salim Chisti

The Tomb of Sheikh Salim Chishti is famed as one of the finest examples of Mughal architecture in India, built during the years 1580 and 1581, along with the imperial complex at Situated near Zenana Rauza and facing south towards Buland Darwaza, within the quadrangle of the Jama Masjid which measures 350 ft. by 440 ft.[1] It enshrines the burial place of the Sufi saint, Salim Chisti (1478 – 1572), a descendant of Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti of Ajmer, and lived in a cavern on the ridge at Sikri.[2] The mausoleum, constructed by Akbar as a mark of his respect for the Sufi saint, who foretold the birth of his son, who was named Prince Salim after him and later succeeded Akbar to the throne of the Mughal Empire, as Jahangir.[1]

Architecture

Intricate Jali, stone latticework window,looking into the quadrangle of the Jama Masjid
Wooden canopy over the inner tomb, with an inlay mosaic of mother-of-pearl

The tomb has been constructed on a platform which is about 1 m. high, a flight of five steps leading to the entrance portico. The main tomb building is enclosed by delicate marble screens on all sides, and the tomb is located in the centre of the main hall, which has a single semi-circular dome. The marble building is beautifully carved, and has an ivory-like appearance. The plinth is ornamented with mosaics of black and yellow marble arranged in geometric patterns. An ebony “chhaparkhat” enclosure surrounds the marble cenotaph, which is usually covered by a green cloth. A wooden canopy incrusted with mother-of-pearl inlay mosaic over it.[3]

The door to the main chamber is intricately carved with arabesque patterns and bears inscriptions from the Koran. Brown marble borders the interior bays while the relief panels - with the Koranic verses - have a blue background. The carved and painted tomb chamber has a white marble floor, which is inlaid with multicolored stones.

Here's a compilation of all the Jali's around the tomb of Salim Chishti.

Belief

Devotees ask for the blessings of the saint and seek fulfillment of their wishes. It is believed that tying a thread on the marble screens of the main tomb building serves as a constant reminder to the saint of their wishes.

Gallery

See Also

References

  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 "Fatehpur Sikri". Imperial Gazetteer of India (v. 12). Oxford. pp. 84–85.
  2. ↑ "World Heritage Sites - Fatehpur Sikri (1986), Uttar Pradesh". Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) website.
  3. ↑ "Indian Empire". Imperial Gazetteer of India ( V. 2). Oxford. p. 126.

External links

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