2. WHO WAS SAFDARJUNG? Muhammad Muqim succeeded the throne of
Oudh in 1739. Muhammad Shah, the then Mughal Emperor, awarded him
with the title of Safdarjung because of his strong administrative
and dictatorship skills. Safdarjung became the chief minister of
the Mughal Empire when Muhammad Shahs son, Ahmad Shah, succeeded
the throne. He became a powerful and central figure in the Delhi
court during his reign as Chief Minister. Safdarjung misused his
power to a great extent and hence was dismissed eventually in 1753.
Safdarjung died in 1755 near Faizabad, where he made his military
headquarter.
3. INSIGHTS INTO THE TOMB Nawab Shajaud Daula, son of
Safdarjung, administered his fathers Tomb. The Tomb was constructed
during the period when the Mughal Empire was declining. The
architecture of this tomb resembles that of Taj Mahal and Humayuns
Tomb. However parts of this monument show inaccuracies in symmetry
and the use of inexpensive material depicts the state of penury of
Mughal Empire. The Charbagh or gardens surrounding the mausoleum at
the centre, enclosed by high walls, Safdarjungs Tomb is probably
the last mausoleum built during Mughal Empire. Its significance
lies in the fact that it symbolises the end of the era of Mughal
Architecture which is appreciated and marvelled till date.
Archaeological Survey of India has decribed it as the last flicker
in the lamp of Mughal architecture".
4. ONLINE SURVEY
5. I conducted an online survey related to Safdarjungs Tomb
amongst the local residents. Survey included a questionnaire of 6
questions to get a brief insight into the knowledge about the Tomb
amongst people Results and analysis of the survey are based on a
sample of 72 respondents.
6. Q1:Which Heritage Site, in your opinion, is visited by
maximum number of tourists everyday? 0.00% 10.00% 20.00% 30.00%
40.00% 50.00% 60.00% 70.00% 80.00% 90.00% RED FORT HUMAYUN'S TOMB
SAFDARJUNG'S TOMB 88.89% 6.94% 4.17%
8. Q3:If yes, What made you visit this monument? 0.00% 10.00%
20.00% 30.00% 40.00% 50.00% 60.00% ACADEMIC PURPOSES TOURISM FAMILY
OUTING 4.55% 54.55% 40.91%
9. 0.00% 5.00% 10.00% 15.00% 20.00% 25.00% 30.00% 35.00% 40.00%
45.00% 50.00% ARCHITECTURE HISTORY GRANDEUR OF THIS SITE 49.23%
31.54% 19.23% Q4:What Attracted You The Most About This
Monument?
10. Q5:If your answer to 2nd question is no, what are the
reason(s) for not visiting this monument? 0.00% 10.00% 20.00%
30.00% 40.00% 50.00% 60.00% NOT AWARE OF THIS MONUMENT NOT A WHS
SITE LACK OF PROPER CONSERVATION 57.41% 40.74% 11.11%
11. Q6:If given a chance, Would you like to explore Safdarjungs
Tomb? 0.00% 10.00% 20.00% 30.00% 40.00% 50.00% 60.00% 70.00% 80.00%
90.00% YES NO 85.51% 14.49%
12. CONCLUSIONS: The survey shows that this monument is least
popular amongst other Mughal Monuments in comparison. As many as
31% of the visitors who explored this monument, explore it for its
history as well as for its architecture. Henceforth its history has
a crucial place in Indian History. Lack of proper awareness is what
is keeping the visitors away. Moreover, 40% of the respondents
didnt visit this site since it was not recognised as a World
Heritage Site. 85% of the respondents have the enthusiasm to visit
this site and believe that with proper awareness , conversation
initiatives by the government and being recognised globally can
help to restore its
13. INTERVIEW WITH THE TICKETING OFFICER Safdarjungs Tomb is
visited by 500-600 visitors each day. The officer believes that due
to lack of awareness amongst the tourists as well as the locals,
this monument is losing its importance over time. Declaring it a
World Heritage Monument would help restore its place in history
(Contains video)
14. WHY A WORLD HERITAGE SITE? The UNESCO recognises a
particular site as World Heritage Site when at least 1 of the 10
criterion is met by that site. One of the criteria under Cultural
Criteria includes: "to bear a unique or at least exceptional
testimony to a cultural tradition or to a civilization which is
living or which has disappeared. The above criteria is met by
Safdarjungs Tomb as it has a unique place in the history of Mughal
Architecture. While all other Mughal monuments represent the power
they had during their time or to commemorate the dead rulers. All
such monuments are intricately handcrafted and are considered
architectural marvels. However Safdarjungs Tomb is one such
monument based on Mughal Architecture which lacks architectural
precision and is constructed of cheap material. This signifies the
state of penury of the Mughal Kings as well as the fall of the
Mughal Empire. Moreover it is considered to be the last monument
constructed during Mughal Rule. Hence it deserves the recognition
of a World Heritage Site.
15. RECOMMENDATI ONS Tourism companies can be given incentives
to organise field trips to this Heritage Site. Government of India
should promote this monument through various advertising campaigns
conducted domestically and internationally. Light and Sound shows
can be organised using the latest laser technology to attract more
tourists. Generating the requisite awareness amongst the locals and
the tourists can help uplifting its Heritage importance. Moreover
many of the respondents who didnt visit this monument showed keen
interest to explore this unexplored heritage. RECOMMENDATIONS
16. PICTURE GALLERY
17. EXTERIOR VIEW OF THE SAFDARJUNGS TOMB INTERIOR OF THE
TOMB
