Delhi’s Untold Mystery :- History and Travel Guide of Bhool Bhulaiya (Adham Khan’s Tomb)

​Detailed History

Whenever the name ‘Bhool Bhulaiya‘ is mentioned, people instantly think of the Bara Imambara in Lucknow. However, very few know that a centuries-old, historic ‘Bhool Bhulaiya’ also exists in the Mehrauli area of the national capital, Delhi. In the pages of history, this monument is officially documented as the ‘Tomb of Adham Khan’. It was constructed in the year 1562 by the Mughal Emperor Akbar.

Adham Khan was the son of Maham Anga, Emperor Akbar’s wet nurse (foster mother), and served as a general in the Mughal army. Adham Khan was notoriously ruthless and arrogant. In 1562, fueled by a power struggle, Adham Khan brutally assassinated Akbar’s favorite Prime Minister, Ataga Khan, in open court. Infuriated by this treason, the young Emperor Akbar ordered Adham Khan to be thrown down from the terrace of the Agra Fort twice, ensuring his death. Shattered by the tragic demise of her son, Maham Anga also passed away within forty days. Exhibiting deep respect for his foster mother, Akbar buried both Adham Khan and Maham Anga together at this site and built this grand mausoleum. Due to the confusing labyrinthine design of its corridors, visitors frequently lost their way, leading locals to nickname it ‘Bhool Bhulaiya’.

​Detailed Architecture

​This Bhool Bhulaiya of Mehrauli stands completely apart from conventional Mughal architecture. It follows the octagonal structural design characteristic of the Lodhi and Suri dynasties, which is rarely seen in the prominent Mughal era.

Exterior Architecture :-

​The entire structure stands majestically on an elevated octagonal platform. The tomb features eight distinct corners, with three beautiful arched entryways on each facing side. A massive central dome crowns the structure, visible from a great distance. The surrounding verandahs and overhanging eaves (chhajjas) give it the look of a fortress. During the British colonial era, the building’s layout was highly compromised; at one point, British officials converted it into a residential bungalow, and later, it was utilized as a rest house and a police station. It was finally vacated and restored to its original glory during the tenure of Lord Curzon.

Interior Architecture :-

Stepping inside the tomb reveals a vast central chamber where the mazar (grave) of Adham Khan is situated (the graves were removed during the British occupation but were later re-established). The monument earned the moniker ‘Bhool Bhulaiya‘ because of the intricate configuration of steps built within the thick walls and octagonal corridors. If a visitor explores the upper terraces and walkways without guidance, they easily become disoriented by the identically looking walls and sharp turns, making it difficult to recall the entry path. Standing directly beneath the central dome creates a distinct acoustic echo.

​Travel Guide & Routes

• Ticket and Entry Fee :– Entry to Delhi’s Bhool Bhulaiya (Adham Khan’s Tomb) is completely Free. There is no ticketing system.
• Visiting Days :– The historical landmark remains open on all seven days of the week.
• Opening and Closing Time :– From 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM (Open from sunrise to sunset).
• How to Reach :–
  • By Metro :– The nearest metro stations on the Yellow Line are ‘Mehrauli’ or ‘Qutub Minar’. The tomb is within walking distance or a brief 5-minute e-rickshaw ride from the stations.
  • By Road and Bus :– The tomb is located right opposite the Mehrauli Bus Terminal. Direct local buses, autos, and cabs to Mehrauli are readily accessible from all parts of Delhi.
• Photography Spots :– The lofty octagonal facade of the tomb, sunlight filtering through the historic arches, and the framing view of the nearby Qutub Minar from the complex are excellent photography spots.
• Local Food :– The local Mehrauli market offers authentic tastes of traditional Delhi street food, samosas, and Mughlai kebabs. Numerous modern cafes and upscale rooftop restaurants are also located in the vicinity.
• Nearby Markets :– The traditional ‘Mehrauli Main Market’ is located right adjacent to the monument. Additionally, the premium shopping malls of Saket are just a short drive away.

​Nearby Attractions

Mehrauli is a treasure trove of historical monuments, allowing you to club your visit to Bhool Bhulaiya with these prominent landmarks.

• Qutub Minar Complex :– The world-famous minaret is located just a few hundred meters away from this tomb.
• Mehrauli Archaeological Park :– Spanning right next to it, this park houses over 100 historical relics, including the Jamali Kamali Mosque, Rajon ki Baoli, and Balban’s Tomb.
• Jahaz Mahal and Hauz-e-Shamsi :– A beautiful reservoir and a ship-like palace dating back to the Lodhi era, situated very close by.
• Yogmaya Temple :– One of Delhi’s oldest historical temples, traditionally believed to date back to the Mahabharata era.

​Author’s Perspective

​Delhi’s Bhool Bhulaiya is not merely a tomb; it is a standing monument to Akbar’s absolute justice and a dark, tragic tale of the Mughal court. While millions flock to admire the grandeur of the neighboring Qutub Minar, this serene and somewhat overlooked monument safeguards an entirely different aura of mystery. Today, it has smoothly transitioned into a quiet evening spot for local residents, yet when you stand amidst its silent arches, the echoes of the past are palpable. If you are searching for a historical corner in Delhi that remains detached from commercial crowds and holds an untold story, Mehrauli’s Bhool Bhulaiya deserves a top spot on your itinerary.

​Interesting Facts

• Akbar’s Stern Justice :– The monument represents the uncompromising nature of Akbar’s judicial mindset, as he did not hesitate to execute his own foster mother’s son for a capital crime.
• The Secret Behind Octagonal Layouts :– In the early Mughal era, octagonal designs were intentionally selected for individuals viewed as traitors or rebels to consciously set them apart from the grand square imperial Mughal architecture.
• Bungalow and Police Station :– During British rule, an officer cleared out the burial chambers to set up his dining quarters. The structure later functioned briefly as a regional police station.
• The Haunting Legends :– Local folklore once claimed that an entire wedding procession (baarat) vanished into the intricate upper pathways of the maze, prompting authorities to seal off some internal staircases.

Important Questions and Answer :-

Question 1:- What is the official name of Delhi’s Bhool Bhulaiya and where is it?

Answer:- The official name of Delhi’s Bhool Bhulaiya is ‘Adham Khan’s Tomb’. It is located right next to the Mehrauli Bus Terminal in South Delhi.

Question 2:– Why is this building called Bhool Bhulaiya?

Answer:- The structural network of its octagonal porches, terraces, and hidden staircases built into the heavy walls is highly deceptive, causing early visitors to easily lose their sense of direction.

Question 3:- Who was Adham Khan and why did Akbar build his tomb?

Answer:- Adham Khan was a general and the son of Akbar’s powerful wet nurse, Maham Anga. After he murdered Akbar’s Prime Minister, Akbar ordered his execution and later constructed this tomb out of respect for his foster mother.

Question 4:- Do you need a guide to explore Delhi’s Bhool Bhulaiya?

Answer:- Unlike Lucknow’s massive labyrinth, this structure is smaller, so official guides are not required. Additionally, access to some of the narrow upper stairwells is now restricted for safety.

“It is a labyrinth forgotten in the folds of time, where pathways remained intact, but deep secrets of the Mughal empire were lost forever.”