Discover Isa Khan's Tomb, Delhi, a popular tourist attraction in Delhi. Find details on timings, tickets, and travel tips for a perfect visit.

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Isa Khan’s Tomb, situated near Humayun’s Tomb, is a 16th-century pre-Mughal monument built during Sher Shah Suri’s reign. Surrounded by lush gardens and octagonal pavilions, it showcases early Mughal architectural style. Open daily from 7 AM to 6 PM, it offers a peaceful and historically rich experience for visitors exploring Delhi’s heritage.

<h3>Introduction</h3>Isa Khan’s Tomb is a striking 16th-century mausoleum located within the Humayun’s Tomb complex in Nizamuddin, New Delhi. Built during the Sur dynasty, several decades before Humayun’s Tomb, it is one of the finest examples of pre-Mughal architecture in India. The octagonal tomb, set within its own walled garden, showcases exquisite stonework, ornate lattice windows, and vibrant tile decorations. Its design bridges the architectural transition between the Lodhi and Mughal eras, making it one of Delhi’s most historically and artistically significant monuments.

<h3>Historical Background</h3>Isa Khan Niyazi was a nobleman in the court of Sher Shah Suri, the Afghan ruler who briefly interrupted Mughal rule in North India during the mid-16th century. He commissioned this tomb for himself in 1547 CE, during his lifetime, making it one of the earliest examples of a self-built mausoleum in India. The tomb predates Humayun’s Tomb by almost two decades and represents the grandeur and ambition of the Sur dynasty. It was rediscovered and restored by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) and the Aga Khan Trust for Culture as part of the Nizamuddin heritage restoration project.

<h3>Architectural Features And Design Elements</h3>Isa Khan’s Tomb stands within a sunken octagonal enclosure, featuring arcaded verandahs, corner towers, and finely detailed domes. The main chamber is octagonal, crowned by a central dome surrounded by smaller chhatris (domed kiosks). The red sandstone structure is enriched with incised plaster work, blue and turquoise glazed tiles, and lattice stone jalis. The overall design reflects Afghan and Persian influences while retaining the simplicity and symmetry typical of Indo-Islamic architecture. The garden enclosure surrounding the tomb is believed to be one of the earliest examples of the charbagh layout in India.

<h3>Intricate Craftsmanship And Artistic Excellence</h3>The tomb is a masterpiece of craftsmanship, especially noted for its stone lattice work, geometric patterns, and tile embellishments that have withstood centuries. The glazed tilework in shades of turquoise and blue adds elegance to the sandstone framework. The delicate calligraphy inscriptions and finely balanced proportions reflect both Afghan traditions and early Mughal artistry. Isa Khan’s Tomb remains one of the best-preserved monuments from the pre-Mughal era, symbolizing artistic innovation and cultural continuity.

<h3>Visiting</h3>Isa Khan’s Tomb is situated within the larger Humayun’s Tomb complex, just to the west of the main mausoleum. The site is open daily and can be accessed with a single entry ticket to Humayun’s Tomb. Visitors can walk through the stone gateway leading into Isa Khan’s serene garden enclosure, which offers a peaceful contrast to the grandeur of Humayun’s main tomb. The site is well-maintained, with informational plaques, manicured lawns, and photography-friendly surroundings. The ideal visiting hours are early morning or late afternoon.

<h3>Cultural Significance</h3>Isa Khan’s Tomb is an architectural milestone in Delhi’s history. It represents the final phase of Afghan architecture before the full flourish of Mughal design. The tomb’s self-contained garden layout later inspired the charbagh pattern used in Humayun’s Tomb and the Taj Mahal. The site embodies cultural syncretism — a blend of Central Asian, Persian, and Indian influences. For your travel website, the tomb can be positioned as ‘The forgotten gem beside Humayun’s Tomb’ — perfect for heritage lovers, architecture enthusiasts, and those seeking calm spaces in Delhi.

<h3>Conservation Challenges And Preservation Efforts</h3>By the late 20th century, the structure had deteriorated due to neglect, vegetation growth, and weathering. In 2011, the Aga Khan Trust for Culture (AKTC) in collaboration with ASI and the Sir Dorabji Tata Trust began extensive restoration work. The team restored the collapsed roof canopies, repointed stonework, and revived the garden layout according to historical plans. Traditional lime mortar was used instead of modern cement to preserve authenticity. The project is now cited globally as a model for sustainable heritage conservation.

<h3>More About This POI</h3>For your travel website, Isa Khan’s Tomb can be featured as a ‘hidden heritage experience within the Humayun’s Tomb complex.’ Recommend travelers visit the Isa Khan enclosure before proceeding to the main Humayun’s Tomb for a sense of historical continuity. It’s an excellent site for architecture students, photographers, and history buffs. The calm garden setting and intricate stone detailing make it ideal for slow exploration and guided heritage walks. Encourage pairing it with nearby attractions like Nizamuddin Dargah, Sundar Nursery, and the Humayun’s Tomb museum for a full heritage circuit.

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Access to Isa Khan’s Tomb is through the main Western Gate of the Humayun’s Tomb complex.

Humayun’s Tomb Complex Entry

Isa Khan’s Tomb, located within the Humayun’s Tomb complex, is a 16th-century octagonal tomb built during Sher Shah Suri’s reign. The tomb predates Humayun’s mausoleum and is surrounded by gardens and pavilions representing early Mughal architecture.