Safdarjung’s tomb in Delhi loves anyone with a mobile camera. The edifice lures mere mortals inside – especially at dusk – with the sole intent of getting itself photographed.
If one can pass oneself as someone below 14 years – gets a free entry – only condition – have to pose appropriately for a photo
Wazir-ul-Mamalik-e-Hindustan Asaf Jah Jamat-ul-Mulk Shuja-ud-Daula Nawab Abul Mansur Khan Bahadur Safdar Jang Sipah Salar- whew! Safdarjung is easier to recollect –
Born in Neyshabur , modern day Iran – the city of Omar Khayyam– Mr Safdarjung migrated to India, became one of the most powerful individuals in the Mughal court- got banished to Sultanpur, in modern day Uttar Pradesh- had an equally ambitious wife (Sadr -i -Jahan) – both are interred in the same place.
His political alliances make the modern day politician a novice- Marathas , Rajputs, Mughals – and who not – alliances was his game as well his bane.
He keeps reminding us of all the ‘kursiyon ka kissa” through strategically placed items.
His loyal guard ensures everyone is driven out before dusk – so that he can dress up for a photo session – with the palm trees as a veil
A sprinkle of bird glitter as ornament makes him shine.
And do the cameras love Mr and Mrs Safdarjung! It’s as if mobile cameras were invented for them.
A nook exists to attract the connoisseur – a Rangan Dutta, a Darlymple– humans who can tempt more humans to photograph
They fail miserably when it comes to partners engrossed in each other
Including this gentleman- so much into his mobile that he forgot to click an illuminated masouleum. Sacrilege!
The entombed family provides a space for its pets
And ensures a little bit of snacks for the trapped mobile photographers.
And then they pose for all – for as long as one wants
The last prominent remnant of an era past its prime- the family of Nawab of Oudh- makes sure that they live for posterity through the photo gallery
Free to share
Discover more from Burst Abdomen
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.