MAQBARA SAADAT ALI KHAN

Category Historic

MAQBARA SAADAT ALI KHAN

In the splendid and beautiful environs of Qaiserbagh stand three centrally protected monuments in one campus, i.e. the Mausoleum of Saadat Ali Khan, The Mausoleum of Musheerzadi and Sapper’s Tomb.

The majestic Maqbara of Saadat Ali Khan, the fourth Nawab of Oudh, a testament to filial devotion and architectural elegance. This grand monument, erected by his successor and son, Ghazi-ud-Din Haidar, rises atop a lush mound, surrounded by manicured lawns and delicate railings.

Originally, the site cradled Ghazi-ud-Din’s palace, where he resided as heir-apparent. Upon ascending to the throne, the prince, driven by a poignant sense of reciprocity, decreed the demolition of his palace to make way for his father’s eternal resting place.

The Maqbara’s imposing structure culminates in a resplendent dome, while its floor showcases an exquisite black and white marble chessboard design. A designated pathway traverses the pavement, guiding the gaze to the subterranean vault beneath, where Saadat Ali Khan lies entombed.

The adjacent corridor conceals the final repose of three Begams, their resting places marked by unadorned recesses in the red brick floor. Their daughters’ tranquil slumber is preserved within the eastern gallery. A winding staircase descends into darkness, leading to a narrow passage where three recesses honor Saadat Ali Khan and his two brothers.

In the eastern corner, a smaller mausoleum cradles the sarcophagus of Musheerzadi, Saadat Ali Khan’s wife and Ghazi-ud-Din’s revered mother.

These hallowed grounds witnessed tumultuous times during the Mutiny. Cannons atop the tombs rained devastation, hindering General Havelock’s relief efforts.

Adjacent to the principal Maqbara lies a humble, stone-flagged grave, sheltered by a low railing is called Sapper’s Tomb. Here, officers and men of the 23rd Company of Royal Engineers, fallen victim to abandoned gunpowder on March 17, 1858, find eternal rest. A delicate white marble tablet bears testament to this historical fact. All these 3 monuments are conserved by the Archaeological Survey of India vide Notification No. UP 1645-M/1133 Dated 22.12.1920.