Zafar Mahal Mehrauli

"It is called zafar mahal because the last Mughal ruler Bahadur Shah Zafar wished to be buried in the palace but unfortunately was exiled to rangoon by the British.
The palace currently is in ruins with modern flats surrounding it. There is also a white marble mosque and an unnamed marble grave inside the premises.
The place is not well preserved as one can see from the pictures also"

Shahnawaz Mukhtar

"Zafar Mahal is last monumental structure built as a summer palace during the fading years of the Mughal era. The building has two parts-The palace which was built first by Akbar Shah II in the 18th century, and the entrance gate called Hathi gate that was reconstructed in the 19th century by Bahadur Shah Zafar II. Bahadur Shah Zafar wished to be buried in the precincts of the Zafar Mahal but was deported by the British to Rangoon, after the First War of Indian Independence in 1857, where he died of old age.

A masjid called the Moti Masjid built by Bahadur Shah I was a private mosque of the royal family, which has now become part of the palace compound. The mosque is a small and unique three-domed structure made of white marble. The austere mosque has the mihrab on the west direction of prayer but is unusually not embellished, except for little border of floral carving on the south at the top edge of a dado

Hathi gate is so called because a full decorated elephant with the howdah could pass through it. An inscription on the main arch credits building of the gate by Bahadur Shah II in the eleventh year of his accession as Emperor in 1847-48 AD. A broad Chhajja built in the Mughal style is a striking feature of the arch. At the entrance gate, there are small projecting windows flanked by curved and covered Bengali domes. On both sides of the arch, two ornate medallions in the form of large lotuses have been provided. The gateway also depicts a classic tripolia or three-arch opening."

Vikas Singh

"Visited Zafar Mahal, The resting place od Last Mughal Emperor Bahadur Shah Zafar. Sadly, the experience was disappointing. The place, full of history, is not cared for.
Built in the early 19th century, considered the last monumental structure of the Mughal era.
This Resting Palace Served as a summer palace, particularly during the "Phoolwaalon ki sair" festival celebrating Sufi saint Hazrat Qutubuddin Bakhtiyar Kaki (whose tomb is also next to this Palace) and this palace witness to the waning years of the Mughal dynasty, mirroring the empire's declining financial resources in its simpler construction compared to other grand Mughal palaces.

Upon arrival i noticed, There's only one guard around, who seemed to be there merely for formality. The lack of care and proper security results in the almost vandalised condition of the site. It's was disheartening to see such a significant historic monument being neglected in this manner.

Furthermore, instead of visitors paying their respects, I observed a group of elderly people playing cards near the premises. This disrespect towards the monument is a reflection of the lack of maintenance and oversight.

Bahadur Shah Zafar's empty grave at Zafar Mahal tells a poignant tale of his fate and the decline of the Mughal Empire. It's a powerful reminder of history's twists and turns, left unnoticed amidst the neglect. As Zafar himself wrote,

"کتنا ہے بد نصیب ظفرؔ دفن کے لیے

دو گز زمین بھی نہ ملی کوئے یار میں"

"kitnā hai bad-nasīb 'zafar' dafn ke liye
do gaz zamīn bhī na milī kū-e-yār meñ"

This poetic line hints at the tragic irony of his burial, adding depth to the site's significance.
Nearby, Moti Masjid, a beautiful mosque, suffers the same fate. It's a shame for such significant places to be forgotten.

Moti Masjid, located next to Zafar Mahal, is a replica of the one in Agra's Red Fort. It's a gem of architecture, and it aslo suffers the same fate
The grand entrance is named as Hathi Gate for its wide design allowing an elephant with a seat (houdah) to pass through.

I hoped the Archaeological Survey of India would do better. They must act to protect and restore Zafar Mahal, the grave, and Moti Masjid. These places deserve respect and care.

Despite its importance, the neglect makes visiting Zafar Mahal less enjoyable. I hope it gets the care it deserves soon.

Timings:
Open daily from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
Entry Fees:
No fee for visiting Zafar Mahal.
Nearby Metro Station- Qutub Minar"

Ehramul Haque