Altamash Tomb
Description:
The tomb of Shams-ud-din Altamash (1211-36), the son-in-law and successor of Qutub-ud-din Aibak. Altamash is widely regarded as the real founder of the Delhi sultanate and had a very successful reign.
The tomb was built in 1235 and is quite an interesting example of Islamic architecture in India. It marks the phase when the sultans had stopped spare parts from broken temples for their buildings.
It seems that there had been plans to cover the tomb chamber with a dome, as is obvious from the squinches which make their first appearance in this building. The dome fell but was replaced by Feroze Shah Tughlaq and then again fell down, beating even his patience for it was not replaced.
Inside the tomb there are three mihrabs (prayer niches). The central one of these is located higher than the other two and is profusely decorated with marble. The tomb itself is quite simple, but its entrance is intricately carved with geometrical and arabesque patterns.
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