Hidden in one of the poshest and elitist areas of Lutyen’s Delhi, Lal Bangla is the name given to two imperial late-Mughal tombs located in the lush and sprawling lawns of the Delhi Golf Club. While there are some contentions regarding this fact, the mausoleum is widely believed to belong to Zinat Mahal Sahiba, also fondly known as Lal Kunwar and Begum Jaan, the mother and daughter of late Mughal emperor, Shah Alam.

It is contested by many that this tomb belongs to the courtesan Lal Kunwar who had captivated Emperor Jahandar Shah with her talent. She was brought to the Red Fort and given the exalted title of ‘Imtiaz Mahal’ and her brother Niamat Khan Kalwant was appointed as the Governor of Multan.

Photo Credits: The Wanderer Ali

This love story had a sad ending with Farrukhseyar overthrowing Jahandar Shah’s rule in 1712 with the help of the Sayyid Brothers. The emperor and Lal Kunwar were imprisoned in Salimgarh. Jahandar Shah was murdered here and buried in Humayun’s tomb. Imtiaz Mahal spent her last days as a widow in Red Fort. 

While it is unsure the remains of which Lal Kunwar is present here, the Lal Bangla stands as an important testimony to a very crucial part of late Mughal history. 

Photo Credits: The Wanderer Ali