Tomb of Itimad-ud-Daula - Architecture In India

Itmad-ad-daula was the little bestowed upon Mirza Ghiyas Beg by emperor Jehangir.

According to Persian descent, Mirza Ghiyaz Beg became the first wealthy and became Prime Minister under Emporer Jehangir.

His daughter, Nur Jahan, later married the emperor and sent a mausoleum to honor his father's memory at his death in 1622 AD

Itimad-ud-daula and his wife are buried in the central chamber, his brother and sister and other members of his family occupy the four corners.

The Mausoleum was commenced in 1622 A.D and complete in 1628 A.D.

Many artifacts of the tomb symbolize the Taj Mahal.

Itmad-ud-din Daula was the first Mughal building to be completely enclosed with marble and heavily used in Pietra dura, a marble installation associated with the Taj Mahal.

Architectural Features:

The Tomb of modest scale, built on low lt form that is 4 feet high.

It has a square plan measuring  68'- 10', subdivided into 9 chambers, with 4 corner octagonal towers in form of minarets.

The kiosks of minarets consist of small hemispherical cupolas resting on small arches supported by 8 pilasters.

The roof pavilions impart a distinct  Hindu feel in its use of Bengali roof , completed by wide overhang, or eaves

Sandstone pathways lead up to the main tomb.

Each facade has a central arched entrance, flanked by two arches that are filled by beautiful marble screens.

Fine corbels support a marble tracery running along its length.

The platform and tomb are embellished with mosaics and Pietra and pietra dura inlay work of stone. 

Inlay marble art was practiced for many years, but this was the first attempt to imitate Persian Persian ornaments and tile work.

The interior is a series of rooms and corridors arranged around a verandah that contains the central chamber containing cenotaph.

The square roof Pavillion above the central chamber allows the light to filter down through its marble screen to washover the two yellow cenotaphs of Itimad ud Daua and his wife.

Muqarana squinches decorate the soffits of corner chambers and the main hall.

The surface above the dados has regularly distributed niches, alcoves, and decorative panels that allow for variation in decoration.