HOSHANG SHAH TOMB

The tomb of Hoshang Shah is considered to be India’s first marble tomb and the construction dates back to the 15th century. This imposing tomb was a talk of the town when it was made and before the construction of Taj Mahal, Shah Jahan even sent his architect Ustad Hamid and the team to examine the intricacies and the unique architectural elements which mostly pertain to Afghan art style architecture. It is one of those places to visit in Mandu which brings proud to the state.

The main sarcophagus of Hoshang is carved in the form of a casket. One can also find a predominant influence of Hindu architecture in the designs of the pillars and brackets of the tomb. The entrance to this tomb is through a porch, square in plan, with well-proportioned and artistic ached openings on three sides supporting the marble dome above. The entrance to this tomb is through a porch, square in plan, with well-proportioned and artistic ached openings on three sides supporting the marble dome above. Though the porch faces north the entrance to the tomb proper is from the south through a doorway of exquisite proportions with simple but pleasing ornamentation.  The main sarcophagus of Hoshang Shah is carved in the form of a casket with receding bands and with a mihrab moulded at the top. There are other graves also below the dome, three of which are in marble.