Balban Tomb

Location: Just near the entrance of the Archaeological Survey Park on the western side of the Mehrauli-Gurgaon Road

Famous as: Tomb of Balban, ruler of the Delhi Sultanate

Time to Visit: Open on all days

Preferred Timings: sunrise to sunset

Admission Fee: Free and open to all

Photography charges: nil

How to Reach: Tourists can either take local buses from various points within the city to reach this monument, which is located in south Delhi, or they can hire auto-rickshaws and taxis or take the metro rail.

Nearest Railway Station: Nizamuddin Railway Station

Nearest Metro Station: Central Secretariat

Functional Metro Station: Central Secretariat

Nearest International Airport: Indira Gandhi International Airport

Time required for sightseeing: About 30 minutes

Located just near the entrance of the Archaeological Survey Park on the western side of Mehrauli-Gurgaon Road lies a 13th century tomb, popularly known as Balban's tomb. Balban was the last of the major Slave dynasty sultans who died in 1287 and was buried here.

The tomb is among the many ruined old structures of Mehrauli that are in a serious state of neglect. Ghiyathu'd-Din Balban's tomb is a rubble-built square chamber, open to the sky, with arched openings on all its sides. The chamber occupies an important place in the history of the development of Indo-Islamic architecture, as it is for the first time that true arches were used in a structure in India.

To the east of Balban's tomb is situated a ruined rectangular structure. It is said to contain the grave of Khan Shahid, Balban's son whose original name was Muhammad. He died fighting against the Mongols near Multan in 1285.

Nearby Tourist Attractions

Dargah of Qutb-Sahib, Hathi Gate & Zafar Mahal, Jamali Kamali Mosque, Qutab Minar, Gandhak ki Baoli and Rajon-ki-Bain & mosque.

Nearby Places to Eat

Thai Wok Ambavata Complex, Osaka Aurobindo Marg, Red Snapper Aurobindo Marg and a number of roadside food stalls near the Qutb complex.

Nearby Shopping Venues

Ambavata Shopping Complex, Mehrauli, Hauz Khas Village, Sahara Mall and DT Mall in Gurgaon.

Last Updated On: 2011/07/01