Grave of Delhi's only woman Sultan lies forgotten

The name of Razia Sultana, the first and the only woman emperor of Delhi, is etched in indelible ink on the pages of history. Her grave, however, is another matter.

As one reaches the Bulbuli Khana Chowk in Turkman Gate area of Old Delhi, one can see a small sign pointing towards the neglected last resting place of Razia, daughter of Shams-ud-Din Iltutmish, who succeeded him after he died in 1236 AD. Her grave lies neglected today.

Inside, there are two graves on a platform. The other one remains unidentified. Some sources say it belongs to Razia's sister Shazia, who was killed along with her. In this densely populated neighbourhood, it is hard to believe that the ramshackle grave belongs to an Empress.

Unlike her father's tomb in Mehrauli's Qutub complex, Razia's tomb lies forgotten.

Mohammad Taufiq, the local caretaker, says: " My brother and I teach the Quran here every day. Kids from nearby area come to learn. We also pray here. The adjacent houses have been here for a long time and cannot be removed as it will require displacement of many families from all four sides."

The two graves stand on a plinth. The entire structure is made of stones. It almost looks like some stones have been put together to create a mound in an open area, with half a stone-wall built around it.

Just a metre from the grave on its northern side, a make-shift plywood washroom has been constructed for visitors. The left wall facing the graves has been converted in to a 'Qibla' or a wall mosque.

After crossing the noisy, busy streets, the enclosure feels very quiet and devoid of any life.

As there is no documentation available, there are conflicting theories on Razia's grave. Some believe she is buried in Haryana's Kaithal, where she died on October 14, 1240, during a rebellion led by her own brother, Muiz-ud-din Bahram, who succeeded her as Sultan.

But the site at the Turkman Gate is the only one identified as her grave by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) and many historians.

HISTORICAL VALUE

• The entrance of this mausoleum without a dome has a board stating: “Protected Monument: a monument of national importance under the Ancient and Historical Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act-1951.” The original stone walls of the structure, however, touch the walls of a residential building.