Where royals sleep: Famous mausoleums other than the Taj Mahal

If you thought that the Taj Mahal was the only tomb worth visiting in India, think again. These grand tombs are more than just resting places; they are architectural marvels that speak of a glorious past. From the evergreen Humayun’s tomb in Delhi to the massive Gol Gumbaz in Karnataka, each site offers a glimpse into the cultural and artistic heritage of India. For those who appreciate architecture and art, these timeless structures will surely fascinate you.

It's the tomb of Mughal Emperor Humayun, and was commissioned by his first wife Empress Bega Begum. It's an imposing representation of early Mughal architecture. The tomb is often referred to as the "dormitory of the Mughals" because it contains the graves of many members of the Mughal royal family.

It was constructed in 1753–54 as the mausoleum of Safdarjung, who served as the viceroy of Awadh under Mughal Emperor Mohammed Shah. This grand tomb embodies the grace of Mughal architecture and stands as a tribute to Safdarjung’s significant role and contributions during Emperor Muhammad Shah’s reign.

The Tomb of Sher Shah Suri is a grand mausoleum situated in Sasaram, Bihar. It was commissioned by Sher Shah Suri for himself, who was the founder of the Sur Empire. Reportedly, the construction of the the tomb was completed on 16 August 1545, approximately three months after his death.

Gol Gumbaz, situated in Bijapur, Karnataka, is a 17th-century tomb built for Mohammad Adil Shah, the seventh sultan of the Adil Shahi dynasty. The monument also enshrines some of his family members. Although construction started in the mid-1600s, the structure was never entirely finished.

The complex is commonly referred to as the Seven Tombs, as it contains the mausoleums of seven out of the eight sultans of the Qutub Shahi dynasty.

The Tughlaqs constructed three primary types of tombs: square, octagonal, and pavilion-style. The pavilion, or chhatri, was the simplest form, typically used for nobles and members of the royal family. This architectural tradition was initiated by Ghiyas-ud-din Tughlaq.

Commissioned by Prince Azam Shah, this white marble mausoleum was constructed in honor of his mother, Dilras Banu Begum. Regarded as the "Taj of the Deccan," it is a close replica of the Taj Mahal but on a smaller and less elaborate scale.

Akbar's tomb is the grand mausoleum of the third Mughal emperor, Akbar. Commissioned by his son Jahangir, the tomb was constructed between 1605 and 1613. It is located in Sikandra, a suburb of Agra in Uttar Pradesh, and spans a vast area of 119 acres. The structure is primarily built from deep red sandstone, beautifully accented with intricate details in white marble.