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Heritage & Legacy
700-Year History
تاریخ
From Timur's first Tazia in 1399 to the Mughal Empress who built a mosque within its walls — Dargah Shah-e-Mardan has witnessed the full arc of Delhi's imperial history, always as a beacon of Shia faith and devotion to Hazrat Ali ibn Abu Talib (AS).
Timur's First Tazia
Timur Lang (Tamerlane), the Turco-Mongol conqueror, made the world's first Tazia and buried it near the sacred footprint site, declaring the land 'Karbala' — believed to be the first replica of Karbala after the original in Iraq.
The Miracle of Hazrat Arif Shah
A Shia Muslim named Arif Shah, fleeing persecution, invoked 'Ya Ali Madad' at this spot. A divine figure appeared, saved him by making him appear as a small child to pursuers, and left a sacred footprint on the stone. The dargah was founded at this site.
Suri Dynasty — Oldest Records
Recent research places the dargah's formal existence to the Suri Dynasty period (Sher Shah Suri's reign), making it the oldest established Shia shrine in Delhi.
Mahabat Khan's Burial
Mahabat Khan, a prominent Mughal general who died in Deccan (Hyderabad), had expressed a wish to be buried near Qadam Shareef. His remains were brought from Deccan to Delhi — a testament to the shrine's spiritual prestige.
Mah Khanum's Tomb
The elaborately decorated tomb of Mah Khanum was built. Its Persian inscription compares her to Mary, mother of Jesus Christ. The tomb features a famous underground crypt.
Mughal Empress Qudsia Begum
Empress Qudsia Begum, mother of Mughal Emperor Ahmad Shah Bahadur and grandmother of the last Mughal Bahadur Shah Zafar, secured and developed the entire enclosure. She brought the Qadam Shareef stone here and built the white mosque within the complex. Under her patronage, Shias gained great power at the Mughal court.
Majlis Khana Built
The grand Majlis Khana (Imambargah) was commissioned by Ishrat Ali Khan — a magnificent congregation hall with stained glass windows, gold-painted pillars, and rich red and green carpets, used for Ashura and Arba'een sermons to this day.
Naqqar Khana Gateway
The double-storied Naqqar Khana (drum house gateway) was commissioned by Sadiq Ali Khan — topped with a miniature black onion dome. It was here that royal musicians once announced the arrival of dignitaries.
Karbala Graveyard Established
During the reign of Shah Alam II, the Karbala Graveyard was formally established within the complex. Over 111 graves now lie here, including that of Empress Qudsia Begum herself. Tazias are ceremonially buried here every Ashura.
Post-Partition — New Custodians
After India's partition, the area was renamed from Karbala Colony to B.K. Dutt Colony. The sacred relics were temporarily moved to Panja Sahib near Kashmere Gate. Anjuman-e-Haideri Trust was established to manage the complex, initially under Nawab Zain Yar Jung of Hyderabad (who also rebuilt Mirza Ghalib's tomb).
Living Heritage
Today, managed by Anjuman-e-Haideri Trust under Syed Bahadur Abbas Naqvi, the dargah continues to welcome lakhs of devotees annually. Foreign diplomats, members of parliament, and pilgrims from across India come to seek the blessings of Shah-e-Mardan.