The tomb of Rahim

His father Bairam Khan, regent of the boy king Akbar who grew up to be one of the greatest emperors of the Indian subcontinent, was murdered when he was only four years old. Taken under the wings of the emperor, Khanzada Abdul Rahim Khan - i - khana flourished as a scholar well versed in several languages and also as a military commander when he was given the governorship of several states. But he is remembered today by his dohas, or couplets in Hindi, of earthy common sense and a touch of humility. A contemporary of the Hindu saint Tulsidas, Rahim was also known for his devotion to Krshna, a worthy proponent of the syncretism of the golden age during the rule of Emperor Akbar. Sadly, his sons were killed by emperor Jehangir as he was opposed to his accession to the throne. He built the tomb on the death of his wife, and after his death, was also interred there. 

 

  

It was terribly hot and sultry in the Sunday afternoon in June and the place was totally empty. The central dome and canopies looked bare and stripped off as indeed they were, by the courtiers of  the later Mughals. The tomb is on a square base and a raised platform containing chambers that are all sealed off now. The southern side has a staircase leading up to the tomb chamber but the stairways up or down are again, sealed off. The recessed arch and the design closely follows Humayun's tomb

 

 

 

Tired and sweating, when I entered the central domed chamber which had arched entrances on all four sides, I was immediately into a different realm, with a rush of cool air which seemed to swirl around the cemented tomb. It was so calm and comforting that I couldn't but lie down on the cool block of cement and promptly fell asleep!

 

 

View straight up to the inside of the central dome, with faint remains of the original painted ceiling.

 

I have found different places with different vibes and the tomb of Rahim was one totally at peace with itself, reaching out and touching your soul with the magic wand of contentment

 

 

The mynah looked as thirsty as myself! But there was water nearby and the rains are not far away ..

 

Says Rahim,

a dilemma indeed

speaking the truth and

breaking worldly ties, but

lies are not beholden

to the Lord