Madrasa Ghaziuddin Khan, situated adjacent to the Ajmeri Gate in Old Delhi, India, holds a significant place in the city’s historical and educational landscape. Established around the 18th century by Ghaziuddin Khan I, a prominent noble of the Mughal Empire, this complex served as a hub of Islamic learning during its early years.
Over time, the madrasa underwent several transformations, eventually accommodating colonial-era educational institutions such as Delhi College and the Anglo-Arabic School. Today, the premises house Zakir Husain Delhi College, thereby maintaining its legacy as the oldest continuously operating educational center in Delhi.
This architectural masterpiece stands as one of the few surviving historical madrasas in India, offering a glimpse into the rich cultural and educational heritage of the Mughal period. The complex features not only the main madrasa building but also a mosque and the tomb of Ghaziuddin Khan, adding to its historical significance.
Reflecting the architectural influences of the later Mughal era, the structure combines elements of Central Asian design with Shah Jahani aesthetics. Its layout and design showcase a fusion of styles, illustrating the evolving architectural trends of the period.
The early origins of the madrasa remain somewhat mysterious. While older British accounts suggest its establishment in 1792, modern scholars believe it was founded earlier, likely around the turn of the 18th century. Ghaziuddin Khan I, also known by his titles Bahadur and Feroze Jung, a notable figure in the court of Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb, is credited with its founding. It is widely thought the completion of the structure might have been overseen by Ghaziuddin Khan’s grandson, Ghaziuddin Khan II.
Ghaziuddin Khan, also known as Ghazi ud-Din Khan Feroze Jung I, was a prominent figure in the Mughal Empire during the late 17th and early 18th centuries. Born in 1649 in the province of Balkh, which is now part of Afghanistan, Ghaziuddin Khan rose to become one of the most influential nobles and military commanders of his time.
Ghaziuddin Khan’s career in the Mughal court began under Emperor Aurangzeb, where he quickly distinguished himself as a skilled administrator and military strategist. He played a crucial role in several military campaigns, including campaigns in the Deccan region and the northwest frontier.
His military prowess and administrative abilities earned him the trust and favor of Aurangzeb, who appointed him to various high-ranking positions within the empire. Ghaziuddin Khan held several important titles throughout his career, including Mir Bakhshi (Master of the Royal Stables) and Mir Atish (Master of Ordnance).
Following Aurangzeb’s death in 1707, Ghaziuddin Khan emerged as a key player in the subsequent power struggles within the Mughal court. He supported Bahadur Shah I in his bid for the throne and played a crucial role in securing his ascension to the imperial throne.
As a reward for his loyalty and service, Ghaziuddin Khan was granted the prestigious title of Feroze Jung I, along with vast territories and significant administrative powers. He served as the governor of several provinces, including Lahore and Kashmir, where he implemented various reforms to improve governance and administration.
Ghaziuddin Khan’s influence continued to grow under subsequent Mughal emperors, and he remained a central figure in the political landscape of the empire for several decades. However, his later years were marked by conflicts with rival nobles and factions within the court, as the Mughal Empire faced increasing challenges from external invasions and internal strife.
Despite facing numerous challenges and setbacks, Ghaziuddin Khan remained a resilient and formidable figure until his death in 1710. His legacy as a skilled military commander, astute administrator, and influential statesman endures as a testament to his contributions to the Mughal Empire during a tumultuous period in its history.
Details regarding the operations of the madrasa are scarce. It was among the three prominent madrasas functioning during the reign of Aurangzeb’s successor, Emperor Bahadur Shah, and was primarily financed through private means. Facing financial difficulties, the madrasa ceased operations in the 1790s but was later revived in 1792 with the generous support of affluent Muslims from Delhi.
In 1803, control of Delhi shifted from the Marathas to the British. Upon their arrival, the British discovered that the madrasa had been repurposed as a Maratha headquarters, raising concerns about its proximity to the Ajmeri Gate and its potential as a security risk. While demolition was initially considered, a decision was made to integrate the madrasa into the fortifications of Shahjahanabad, transforming it into a bastion.
By 1824, repairs were undertaken to restore the madrasa complex, and the following year, in 1825, the government established an oriental college known as Delhi College on its premises. Delhi College remained housed within the madrasa complex until 1849, when it was relocated to a different site. Subsequently, following the Indian Rebellion of 1857 (where sepoys burnt and looted the library), British police occupied the premises until 1889, paving the way for the establishment of the Anglo-Arabic School within the building.
In the aftermath of Indian independence and the Partition in 1947, a portion of the premises served as a refugee camp for Pakistani migrants for a period of two years. In 1948, Zakir Husain and Maulana Abul Kalam Azad initiated the revival of the site as a school, which eventually evolved into Zakir Husain Delhi College, a venerable institution that continues its educational mission to this day.
Watercolour of the tomb of Ghazi al-Din Khan from ‘Views by Seeta Ram from Delhi to Tughlikabad Vol. VII‘
The Madrasa Ghaziuddin Khan complex stands out as one of the few remaining examples of Mughal madrasas, alongside notable counterparts such as Khair-ul-Manazil and the madrasa at Sheikh Chilli’s Tomb. Its existence also marks a rarity among historical madrasas in India, where educational institutions were typically integrated with mosques rather than being housed in dedicated structures.
Watercolour of the tomb and enclosure of Ghazi al-Din Khan from ‘Views by Seeta Ram from Delhi to Tughlikabad Vol. VII’
The architectural design of the complex, conceptualized as a four-iwan madrasa-cum-mosque, evokes parallels with Central Asian madrasas like the Ulugh Beg Madrasa in Samarkand, Uzbekistan, possibly influenced by Ghaziuddin Khan’s Bukharan heritage. The design principles also draw inspiration from Shah Jahani architecture, prevalent during the reign of Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan, while incorporating stylistic elements characteristic of later Mughal architectural trends.
The placement of the structure outside the walls of Shahjahanabad, coupled with the absence of earlier Mughal constructions in the vicinity, indicates that the area was relatively undeveloped at the time of its construction. This insight provides valuable context to the historical and architectural significance of Madrasa Ghaziuddin Khan within the broader narrative of Mughal-era urban development in Delhi.
Much of the original design of the madrasa has been faithfully preserved. The complex is structured as a rectangular, symmetrical courtyard building, measuring 69.5m x 96.2m, comprising of three wings. Additionally, it includes a main entrance portal, a mosque situated on the western side (forming the fourth wing), and an enclosure housing the tomb of Ghaziuddin on the southern side. Each wing, along with the mosque itself, features an iwan as a distinctive architectural element. The three wings are two-storeyed, accommodating domed hujras or cells. Notably, the eastern wing, facing the entrance, spans twice the length of the north and south wings and prominently showcases the main entranceway. All wings are adorned with plaster facades, contributing to the overall aesthetic appeal of the structure.
The mosque, positioned at the western extremity of the complex, stands as a distinct freestanding structure fashioned from red sandstone. Characterized by three domes, it rests upon an elevated terrace, lending it a commanding presence within the compound.
The interior of the mosque boasts several halls adorned with distinctive pillars, exemplifying a design reminiscent of the mosque architecture prevalent during the reign of Emperor Shah Jahan. This architectural style finds resonance with renowned mosques in Delhi such as the Jama Masjid, Fatehpuri Masjid, and the Zeenat-ul-Masajid.
Adjacent to the southern side of the complex, an enclosure serves as the resting place of Ghaziuddin Khan, who was interred here following his demise in 1710.
The roofless tomb structure comprises a dual enclosure crafted from delicate jali screens, with the outer layer fashioned from sandstone and the inner layer from marble. Its architectural form echoes the design conventions typically employed for the tombs of Mughal dignitaries during this era, imbuing it with historical and cultural significance.
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Categories: Delhi, Ghaziuddin Khan's Madrasa, Mosque & Tomb, India
Kevin Standage 
Ghaziuddin Khan’s demise is mentioned as in 1722 and 1710 in two places. Kindly check.
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