CHAUSATH KHAMBA (Syllabus: GS Paper 1 – History)

Context: Recently, as visitors journey to the Nizamuddin dargah, a 14th-century shrine honoring Sufi saint Hazrat Nizamuddin Auliya, their gaze falls upon a remarkable sight to the right. This striking structure, known as Chausath Khamba or "64 pillars," captivates with its marble pillars and intricate lattice work, adding to the allure of the surroundings.

Chausath Khamba

• About: constructed during 1623–24, stands as a testament to Mughal architectural brilliance in the heart of New Delhi's Nizamuddin precincts, dedicated to Sufi Muslim shrines and tombs.
• Significance: The name "Chausath Khamba" translates to "64 pillars" in Urdu and Hindi, aptly describing the architectural feature that distinguishes this monument.
• Builder and Purpose: Commissioned by Mirza Aziz Koka, son of Ataga Khan, during the reign of Mughal Emperor Jahangir, the structure served as a mausoleum for Mirza Aziz Koka himself.
• Evolution of Structure: Originally designed as a hall, the monument underwent a transformation into a tomb, showcasing an innovative blend of eclectic architectural styles typical of the Mughal era.
• Architectural Features: Constructed entirely of white marble, the square-shaped monument boasts 64 columns supporting twenty-five bays, each crowned with a dome, illustrating the grandeur of Mughal craftsmanship.

Hazrat Nizamuddin Auliya

• Early Life: Sultan-ul-Mashaikh, Khwaja Syed Muhammad Nizamuddin Auliya, born in 1238, hailed from a lineage of esteemed Sufi scholars within the Chishti Order.
• Spiritual Eminence: Hazrat Nizamuddin, also known as Mahbub-e-Ilahi, attained great spiritual heights, earning reverence as a Sufi saint.
• Influence and Legacy: He holds a significant place in the annals of Indian spirituality, being one of the most renowned Sufis from the Indian Subcontinent.
• Chishti Spiritual Lineage: Nizamuddin Auliya's spiritual lineage traces back to notable predecessors like Fariduddin Ganjshakar, Qutbuddin Bakhtiyar Kaki, and Moinuddin Chishti, who were pioneers of the Chishti Order in the Indian subcontinent.