Shah Nawaz Khan Ka Makbara-Black Taj Mahal

A brave soldier of Jahangir’s army, Iraj was born in Ahmedabad (Gujarat) and was the eldest son of Abdur Rahim Khan-1-Khana, the commander of Burhanpur. Iraj was bestowed the title of Shah Nawaz after contributing to Jahangir’s victory in several battles in the south. For his exemplary bravery, he was also conferred the illustrious post of ‘Panch Hazari Mansabdaar’, a prestigious post in those days. Shah Nawaz Khan died at the early age of 44. Jahangir was more distraught than his father on the untimely death of his loyal and brave soldier. As a tribute to this young hero, Jahangir got a mausoleum of black stanes constructed on the banks of Badi Utavali River. The design and domes which are well lit and airy are exactly like one of the seven wonders of the world. Taj Mahal, thus giving it the name of Black Taj’. The grave of Shah Nawaz Khan lies in the crypt of the mausoleum. similar to the grave of Queen Mumtaz which is also kept in the crypt of Taj Mahal. The sun rays fall on Shah Nawaz Khan’s tomb just like they fall on the tomb of Queen Mumtaz in Taj Mahal Considered architecturally special among Mughal monuments, the painting and workmanship of the mausoleum, despite its age, is still in pristine condition.

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