Dipanjan

Afsarwala Tomb: A Forgotten Relic of the Past

Nestled within the grand Humayun’s Tomb complex in Delhi, Afsarwala Tomb stands as an overlooked yet historically significant monument. Believed to date back to the late 16th century, during the Mughal era, this tomb is thought to house the remains of a high-ranking Mughal officer (“Afsar” meaning officer in Persian). While widely recognized as an Islamic funerary structure, its architectural elements hint at an intriguing past, suggesting that it may have been built over or incorporated elements from a pre-existing Hindu site.

Architectural Features of Afsarwala Tomb

The Afsarwala Tomb follows the typical Mughal architectural style, characterized by a domed structure, intricate stucco work, and finely-carved sandstone elements. The tomb is accompanied by a mosque, enhancing the spiritual significance of the site. Despite its Mughal identity, closer examination of its design and ornamentation reveals unexpected Hindu temple influences.

Key Architectural Elements:

  1. Domed Structure with Islamic Calligraphy: The tomb features a single massive dome, a signature feature of Mughal architecture. Calligraphic inscriptions can be found on its walls, adding to its Islamic character.
  2. Ornate Entranceway and Facade: The entryway, adorned with decorative motifs, combines geometric Islamic patterns with floral designs that bear a striking resemblance to those seen in Hindu temples.
  3. Mihrab and Mosque: The adjacent mosque, which aligns with Mecca, is similar in design to other Mughal-era mosques, featuring arched niches and prayer halls.

Hindu Architectural Influences in Afsarwala Tomb

Despite its clear Mughal lineage, certain architectural elements raise speculation about the site’s origins:

  1. Carved Brackets and Pillars: The overhanging eaves (chhajjas) and stone brackets supporting them resemble those found in Hindu temples, where they were used to provide structural stability and decorative appeal.
  2. Floral and Lotus Motifs: The presence of lotus carvings, a key symbol in Hindu iconography, suggests either an adaptation from an earlier temple or the involvement of indigenous craftsmen familiar with Hindu temple designs.
  3. Use of Spolia (Repurposed Temple Materials): Some pillars and ornamental friezes display carvings reminiscent of pre-Islamic Indian architecture, hinting at the possibility that elements of an earlier Hindu or Jain structure were reused in the tomb’s construction.

  4. Presence of a Well: A significant feature of the tomb premises is an old well near the mosque. Wells were often associated with Hindu temple complexes for ritualistic purposes, raising further speculation about the site’s original use before its transformation into an Islamic funerary monument.

Possibility of a Pre-existing Hindu Site

Several factors contribute to the speculation that the Afsarwala Tomb may have been constructed over a Hindu religious site:

  • Historical Patterns of Temple Destruction and Reuse: The Mughals, like their predecessors, often repurposed materials from older Hindu temples when constructing new buildings. The integration of Hindu motifs in an otherwise Islamic structure suggests such a possibility.
  • Location within a Sacred Landscape: Before the Mughal period, Delhi had a rich history of Hindu and Jain temples. Given its proximity to the Yamuna River and other ancient sites, this location may have once been of religious importance.

  • Structural Discrepancies: Some of the tomb’s elements, particularly certain stone placements and carvings, do not align perfectly with traditional Mughal architectural principles, suggesting the adaptation of pre-existing structures rather than an entirely new build.

Conclusion

The Afsarwala Tomb is an intriguing piece of Delhi’s architectural puzzle, embodying the fusion of Islamic and indigenous Indian artistic traditions. While officially recognized as a Mughal-era funerary structure, its Hindu architectural elements hint at a deeper, possibly pre-existing history. Whether this site originally housed a Hindu temple remains uncertain, but its design details and construction materials leave room for speculation. Further archaeological and historical research could unveil more secrets, shedding light on yet another forgotten chapter of India’s syncretic heritage.