The history of India is an intriguing tapestry consisting of tales of rulers and the ruled, beliefs of different religions, and traditions of several cultures- all woven together into beautiful patterns.
Though it is interesting to read and listen to these stories, it is nothing compared to visiting the historical monuments. These wonders of the world can make us a part of the legends we’ve heard so much about.
The Taj Mahal is an epitome of love while the India Gate is a memorial of thousands of brave warriors. The Pari Mahal in Kashmir is famous for the sightings of mythical creatures, whereas the Pathra Village is known as the village of nearly a hundred ancient temples.
However, there is one particular monument with a back story so astonishing that it seems like a fairy tale frozen in time, forced to relive the same story again and again.
Adham Khan’s Tomb is a 16th-century monument in memory of Adham Khan, a general of the Mughal Emperor Akbar. He was the son of Maham Anga, Akbar’s wet nurse and thus also his foster brother. When Adham Khan murdered Akbar’s favourite general Atgah Khan in May 1562, Akbar immediately ordered his execution by defenestration from the ramparts of the Agra fort. Maham died on the 4th day of grieving and was buried with her son.
The tomb lies on the walls of Lalkot and rises from a terrace enclosed by an octagonal wall provided with low towers at the corners. It consists of a domed octagonal chamber in the Lodhi Dynasty style of the 14th century, the kind of tombs that were built for traitors. It has a veranda on each side pierced by three openings. It is popularly known as Bhul-bhulaiyan, for a visitor often loses his way amidst the several passages in the thickness of its walls.
The unparalleled beauty of this tomb is a way of distracting the visitors from the resonances in the silence, the punishment of a treacherous yet brave warrior and the heartbreak of a mother. The silence surrounding this tomb is worse than the screams of pure pain that laid its foundation.
It is also believed that after his victory in Malwa, Adham Khan attempted to force himself on Baz Bahadur’s consort Rani Roopmati. She drank poison to save her honour but not before cursing Adham that no woman would ever visit his tomb.
Because of Rani Roopmat’s curse, women don’t visit the tomb even today. One can only find beggars, homeless people, and stray dogs where Adham Khan rests.
The tomb tells a tale of treachery, love, heartbreak, and a curse.
– Saumya Sharma, Amity International School, Noida
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