The country’s oldest sunken garden (with a tomb) lies right here in the heart of Delhi. Yes, the tomb of Isa Khan Niazi enclosed within the complex of Humayun’s Tomb is the oldest surviving sunken garden of the country, that is, it is set up to a foot below the level of the main ground surrounding it.

Isa Khan was a Pashtun Noble in the army of Sher Shah Suri of the Suri dynasty, who lies buried in an octagonal tomb placed within an octagonal structure, that pre-dates the Humayun’s Tomb itself by twenty years. The mausoleum’s architectural style bears a striking resemblance to the tombs of other dynasts situated in the Lodhi Gardens. The pillars of the structure have a slanting look, giving it the appearance of a tent. Minimal decoration on the top makes use of glazed tiles, a technique also traced elsewhere in the city. The square head doorway has been built in Hindu architectural style, in addition to many other Indo-Islamic features.

After restoration and conservation projects and the rediscovery of the sunken gardens, Isa Khan’s Tomb is now considered as the earliest example of the same. The concept of a sunken garden was also later developed at Akbar’s Tomb and at the Taj Mahal.

Where: Inside Humayun’s Tomb Complex, Nizamuddin, New Delhi
Nearest Metro Station: JLN Stadium, Violet line
Timings: Mon-Sun, From Sunrise to Sunset
Ticket: INR 35 for Indian Citizens (Included in Humayun’s Tomb Enrty Ticket)