16th-century Sabz Burj gets a new lease of life

It is called Sabz (green) Burj, but covered with turquoise blue tiles. The monument, counted among the earliest Mughal-era buildings, has received a new lease of life following a four-year-long conservation bid.

- Sadia Akhtar

NEW DELHI:

Located at the busy intersection of two key arterial roads Mathura Road and Lodhi Road the domed tomb lies to the west of Humayun's Tomb and serves as a gateway to the world heritage site.

Though it is said to be built in the 1530s, there is no record of who built the tomb, and for whom. It demonstrates Timurid's architectural style synonymous with Central Asia and is double-domed like Humayun's Tomb. The tomb's outer dome is dotted with glazed tiles and displays unique geometric and interlacing patterns in different colors and forms a prominent part of the neighborhood's skyline.

With the word sabz in its name meaning green, the tomb is largely covered in turquoise blue tiles. The lotus finial atop the dome and the neck, however, consists of green tiles. The incised plasterwork also gives a hint of green color in parts. Experts say that the name of the monument might have originated through local folklores.