Hazira Maqbara, Vadodara

Our quest for seeing all the hidden historic treasures of Baroda took M and me to Hazira Maqbara (also known as Qutubuddin Tomb) on a sultry, hot Sunday. This monument is the tomb of Qutubuddin Muhammed Khan and his son (the latter occupied important position in Administration of the city). This tomb, which was built in 1856, is significant because Qutubuddin Khan was the tutor of Salim, son of King Akbar who was ruling Vadodara city that time.

The plaque at the entrance of the huge green premises explains that there is a step well a little away from the tomb and was perhaps used to water the vast gardens in earlier times. The monument is extremely beautiful. I was quite amazed to see this masterpiece which still stands in its full glory and mystique.

The tomb is located on a height in octagonal shape with beautiful delicate jaali work walls and tall windows and arches. Several tombs are kept inside smaller rooms that are also open to worshippers and visitors. An interesting story was told by the lady caretaker (who was quite taken by M and me, apparently, because she refused to leave our side). There is a tiny room in which a tomb is laid out at an odd angle. She informed us that originally the tomb was placed parallel to the wall but over years it shifted on its own.

The monument area is clean and very well maintained. Entry is open to everyone and its quietness draws locals quite often. People come and sit there for spending some quiet time. That is what M and I did too. We sat and chatted in this rarely found serene spot amid a growing city.

The architecture is comparable to any Mughal monument of Delhi or Agra. It is one of the finest monuments of Vadodara that must not be missed by tourists and locals alike.

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