Delhiites, Have You Been to The Tomb of Iltumish in Mehrauli, The Sultan Who Ruled Delhi in The 13th Century?

Outside the north-west corner of the Quwwat-ul-Islam, close to the Qutub Minar lies the tomb of the third ruler of the Mamluk dynasty of Delhi. The tomb of Iltutmish is quite simple with geometrical and arabesque patterns carved intricately on its entrance. This is what makes it a beautiful example of India’s heritage to the world. Here is everything you need to know about the Tomb of Iltutmish and why it deserves a visit!

Who was Iltutmish?

Shams ud-Din Iltutmish was initially a slave of Qutb-ud-din Aibak before becoming his son-in-law and close lieutenant. The Governor of Badaun, he dethroned Qutub-ud-din’s successor and descended to the throne of the Delhi Sultanate in 1211. He then shifted the capital from Lahore to Delhi and remained the ruler until his death on May 1, 1236, and was buried in this tomb. So, he got to rule the capital for a good 25 years in the 13th century! Iltutmish is also said to have completed the construction of the Qutab Minar after Qutb-ud-din Aibak’s demise.

Built-in 1235 AD, this tomb is a mausoleum with exquisite workmanship.

With a Square plan and an arched entrance, on the western side, you’ll see 3 prayer niches called mihrabs. This tomb is made of red sandstone, measuring 44 sqft on the outside and 30 sqft inside. You’ll be in awe of it’s ornate and delicate stonework on the inside.

Another thing worth admiring is the beautifully carved Quranic inscriptions used as ornamentation, along with arabesque and floral motifs covering the entire walls. What’s strange is that there are no inscriptions on the tomb which credit it to Iltutmish, leading to doubts about the tomb’s identity. However, records and writings of contemporary and subsequent historians have confirmed that the tomb does indeed belong to Iltutmish.

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