Chhota Batashewala can be considered contemporary to Mirza Muzaffar Hussain’s Mausoleum and the Mughal Mausoleum because of its location in the complex and architectural character.

Chhota Batashewala can be considered contemporary to Mirza Muzaffar Hussain’s Mausoleum and the Mughal Mausoleum because of its location in the complex and architectural character.

The historical significance of the monument is not only due to its association with the Mughal royal family, but also due to its architectural significance. The monument stands within a significant archaeological zone and is now part of the World Heritage site of Humayun’s Tomb Complex.

Built in random rubble masonry, the building stands on a platform just under a metre high, and consists of a central octagonal chamber with a surrounding arcade containing an arched opening on each side of the octagon.

Built in random rubble masonry, the building stands on a platform just under a metre high, and consists of a central octagonal chamber with a surrounding arcade containing an arched opening on each side of the octagon.

The central apartment has four doorways, three of which were enclosed by stone lattice screens, while the fourth, on the south side, provides an entrance to the mausoleum.

The domed ceiling of the central chamber, as well as the walls inside, are ornamented by floral and geometrical patterns intermingled with Quranic inscriptions in incised plaster.

No trace of a grave is found within.

During the 1950s, this complex was turned into a camping ground. By 1989, around 150 structures had been built on the site. This construction caused the Chhota Batashewala to gradually collapse over a span of three decades. Major parts of the structure had fallen to ruin, and only a part of the façade remained.

During the 1950s, this complex was turned into a camping ground. By 1989, around 150 structures had been built on the site. This construction caused the Chhota Batashewala to gradually collapse over a span of three decades. Major parts of the structure had fallen to ruin, and only a part of the façade remained.

Using archival images, the effort here has been to raise standing portions of the structure to complete just one portion of the facade in order to indicate to visitors the original scale and profile. A rubble masonry wall has been built all along the periphery to provide support to standing portions in lieu of the shallow foundations of the structure. A vaulted mausoleum chamber was also discovered and the earth in-fill that had been placed inside was removed.

The three recessed arches of the façade have now been reconstructed and give the onlooker an idea about the original structure. The walls have been beautifully decorated with geometric and calligraphic patterns, along with a vibrant parapet that crowns the remaining structure.

Beautifully carved stone medallions with calligraphic details adorn the medallions on the façade.