Roshanara Begun Tomb and Bardari – Delhi

Delhi

By kevinstandagehotography on January 5, 2024 • ( 2 Comments )

Roshanara Begum (3rd Sept 1617 – 11th Sept 1671) emerged as a remarkable Mughal princess, the third daughter of Emperor Shah Jahan and Mumtaz Mahal. Renowned for her brilliance and poetic prowess, Roshanara ardently supported her younger brother, Aurangzeb, during the tumultuous war of succession following Shah Jahan’s illness in 1657. With Aurangzeb’s accession to the throne in 1658, she attained the prestigious title of Padshah Begum, becoming the foremost lady of the Mughal Empire and a formidable political force.

Her enduring legacy, however, is associated with the Roshanara Bagh, a pleasure garden nestled in present-day Shakti Nagar in north Delhi. This bagh also came to house Begum’s tomb after she died in 1671, which is now among a few other historical structures from this period in Delhi. Today the garden only houses the tomb, a 17th-century eastern gateway, and a water channel, the other structures have fallen into obscurity over the years for lack of proper care and maintenance.

Begum’s grave rests in the middle of the 57-acre garden and the tomb has a central hall with open courtyards on four sides. The tomb closely resembles a baradari (a pavilion with 12 openings) and is surrounded by a (now dry) water tank.

At the four corners of the tomb, there are two-storied chambers with staircases leading to the roof, with chattris crowning the corners of the roof. In the middle of the central hall, there is a small roofless square chamber that contains the grave of Begum, which is surrounded by marble with lattice screens. It is highly likely that this was a pre-existing garden house which was converted into a tomb after Roshanara Begum’s death.

Sadly, the structure today is showing signs of much neglect, and some botched previous renovation attempts. The pillars of the complex have sustained serious damage over the years, plaster has chipped away on the walls, exposing the layer of lakhori bricks underneath. Most significant of all is the jaali of the grave enclosure, which is now broken in parts.

The exquisite floral motifs and intricate ornamental carvings lining the interiors of the complex have completely disappeared in some places, in other areas bricks have fallen off creating recesses that are now home to pigeons.

For all the decay that is so obviously enveloping this tomb, it is still possible to envisage just how spectacular it would once have looked, the final resting place of a woman who played a significant role in the Mughal history of India.

In the intricate dynamics of Roshanara’s family, her eldest brother, Dara Shikoh, held favor as Shah Jahan’s cherished son and heir. Shah Shuja, the second son, governed Bengal with aspirations for the imperial throne. Aurangzeb, the third son, assumed nominal governance of Deccan, while the youngest, Murad, faltered in his role as the Governor of Gujarat, prompting Shah Jahan to strip him of titles in favor of Dara Shikoh. This familial discord culminated in a power struggle, with the younger sons resolved to depose Shah Jahan and seize the throne. Roshanara aligned herself with Aurangzeb, while Jahanara Begum, the older sister, supported Dara Shikoh.

Roshanara’s ascendancy commenced when she thwarted a conspiracy by her father and Dara Shikoh to eliminate Aurangzeb. Shah Jahan’s deceptive invitation to Aurangzeb, ostensibly for family resolution, concealed sinister intentions. Sensing the danger, Roshanara dispatched a messenger to warn Aurangzeb of the impending threat, urging him to stay away from Delhi.

Aurangzeb, grateful for Roshanara’s timely intervention, emerged victorious in the war of succession, catapulting her into a powerful and effective role at the imperial court. Fearing reprisal from Dara Shikoh, Roshanara advocated for his execution. The gruesome episode of Dara’s public display and beheading, followed by the presentation of his head to Shah Jahan, further intensified the family’s anguish.

Roshanara’s relationship with her older sister, Jahanara, was marred by jealousy, exacerbated by their father’s favoritism towards Jahanara. Seizing an opportunity, Aurangzeb, displeased with Jahanara’s support during the war of succession, replaced her with Roshanara as Padshah Begum and head of the Imperial harem. Henceforth, Roshanara held a preeminent position, granted the privilege to issue nishans and appointed as a Mansabdar, exercising authority in the Emperor’s army.

Over time, strains developed in Roshanara’s association with Aurangzeb. Rumors of her alleged affairs and her domineering rule in Aurangzeb’s palace led to a rift. Despite her earlier support, she became a target of disdain among her brother’s wives. Roshanara’s involvement in state matters, advisory role, and contributions to the construction of the Jama Masjid further fueled animosity.

In 1662, during Aurangzeb’s severe illness, Roshanara took charge, restricting access to her confidants. Believing her brother’s survival was unlikely, she assumed control of the state, even resorting to forging a decree to hinder Aurangzeb’s eldest son’s succession. Accusations of accumulating wealth through corrupt means and misusing granted powers went unaddressed, given her influential position in the court.

Ultimately, in 1667/8, Roshanara’s de facto co-rulership concluded as Aurangzeb, disapproving of her lifestyle, stripped her of powers, banished her, and directed her to lead a pious life in seclusion at her garden palace outside Delhi.

Despite Aurangzeb’s consolidated rule, Roshanara, apprehensive of repercussions, requested a palace away from the walled city, choosing to distance herself from the political turbulence. Living a secluded life in her Delhi palace, surrounded by a dense forest, she remained unmarried until her demise. Aurangzeb discreetly arranged her poisoning, resulting in her death at 54. Interred in the Roshanara Bagh, a garden she had personally designed and commissioned, her resting place stands as a poignant reminder of her pivotal role in India’s history.

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Categories: Delhi, India, Roshanara Begun Tomb and Bardari, Uncategorized

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