Tomb of Nur Jahan
Mehr-un-Nissa arrived in the Mughal court as the fourth child of Asmat Begam and Mirza Ghiyas Beg. Her parents had immigrated from Persia before settling into imperial service under Emperor Akbar. The emperor granted her father the title Itimad-ud-daulah, meaning Pillar of the State. Mehr-un-Nissa married Sher Afghan Ali Quli Khan Istajlu at age 17. He was a Persian adventurer known for his brilliant military career. They had one daughter named Ladli Begum before he died in 1607. Her brother Asaf Khan later served her next husband, the Emperor Jahangir. She became the most powerful Mughal Empress after marrying Jahangir. Her influence extended far beyond traditional royal duties during her lifetime.
The mausoleum took four years to complete at the cost of Rupees three lakhs. Much of the structure was probably built while Nur Jahan herself was still alive. She survived Jahangir by 18 years and died at the age of 68. Following Shah Jahan's ascent to the throne, she received a yearly allowance of 200,000 rupees. This financial support likely helped fund the ambitious building project. The tomb stands as a testament to her political power and wealth. Its construction timeline suggests careful planning rather than hasty completion. Historical records indicate the project began well before her death.
During the occupation of Lahore by Ranjit Singh's army, the site suffered severe damage. Ornamental stones and marble were stripped from the tomb for reuse elsewhere. Much of this material ended up decorating the Golden Temple in Amritsar. This event occurred in the 18th century under the Sikh Empire. The loss of these decorative elements significantly altered the original appearance of the monument. Archaeologists note that many floral motifs once visible on the exterior are now missing. The plundering represents a major chapter in the tomb's turbulent history.
The British constructed a railway line between the tombs of Asif Khan and Nur Jahan. This infrastructure development interrupted the open fields that had separated the monuments. The Shahdara ensemble of monuments suffered under British rule due to this disruption. The tomb underwent minor repairs after the railway was built. Current plans call for major restoration work to address long-term deterioration. The physical separation caused by the tracks remains a defining feature of the site today. Engineers later attempted to mitigate the damage through structural reinforcements.
A platform measuring 158 square feet supports the entire structure. The building measures 124 feet on each side and stands 19.6 feet high. Unlike her father's white marble tomb, this mausoleum is primarily clad in red sandstone. It features seven vaulted arches covered with marble and flower mosaics in semi-precious stones. Minute paneling executed intricate patterns throughout the interior spaces. Honeycomb-shaped cornices appear in several rooms along the walls. The outer platform uses sandstone while the inner floor is covered with marble. Floral motifs in white, black, and yellow marble once adorned the exterior surfaces.
The central vaulted chamber contains a marble platform holding two cenotaphs. One commemorates Nur Jahan and the other honors her daughter Ladli Begum. Hakim Ajmal Khan of Delhi built the original sarcophagus in 1912. An epitaph inscribed on her tomb reads: On the grave of this poor stranger, let there be neither lamp nor rose. Let neither butterfly's wing burn nor nightingale sing. The tomb stands in the center of a Persian-style Charbagh garden layout. Tulips, roses, and jasmine once grew within these original gardens. That original garden no longer survives today but remains part of historical records.
Up Next
Common questions
Who was Nur Jahan and what was her relationship to the Mughal court?
Mehr-un-Nissa arrived in the Mughal court as the fourth child of Asmat Begam and Mirza Ghiyas Beg. Her parents had immigrated from Persia before settling into imperial service under Emperor Akbar. She became the most powerful Mughal Empress after marrying Jahangir.
When did the construction of the Tomb of Nur Jahan begin and how long did it take?
Historical records indicate the project began well before her death and took four years to complete at the cost of Rupees three lakhs. Much of the structure was probably built while Nur Jahan herself was still alive. The financial support likely helped fund the ambitious building project following Shah Jahan's ascent to the throne.
What happened to the Tomb of Nur Jahan during the 18th century occupation by Ranjit Singh's army?
During the occupation of Lahore by Ranjit Singh's army, the site suffered severe damage in the 18th century under the Sikh Empire. Ornamental stones and marble were stripped from the tomb for reuse elsewhere and much of this material ended up decorating the Golden Temple in Amritsar. This event significantly altered the original appearance of the monument.
How does the British railway line affect the current layout of the Tomb of Nur Jahan?
The British constructed a railway line between the tombs of Asif Khan and Nur Jahan which interrupted the open fields that had separated the monuments. The physical separation caused by the tracks remains a defining feature of the site today. Engineers later attempted to mitigate the damage through structural reinforcements.
What are the specific dimensions and architectural features of the Tomb of Nur Jahan?
A platform measuring 158 square feet supports the entire structure which measures 124 feet on each side and stands 19.6 feet high. Unlike her father's white marble tomb, this mausoleum is primarily clad in red sandstone with seven vaulted arches covered with marble and flower mosaics in semi-precious stones.
Who is buried inside the central chamber of the Tomb of Nur Jahan and when was the sarcophagus built?
The central vaulted chamber contains a marble platform holding two cenotaphs one commemorates Nur Jahan and the other honors her daughter Ladli Begum. Hakim Ajmal Khan of Delhi built the original sarcophagus in 1912. An epitaph inscribed on her tomb reads On the grave of this poor stranger let there be neither lamp nor rose.