Qutb Complex: Tomb of Iltumish and Imam Zamin

Tomb of Shams-ud-din Iltutmish

Shams-ud-din Iltutmish was the third ruler of the Slave dynasty. He founded the Delhi Sultanate in 1211 and received the Caliph's investure in his rule. He conquered Multan and Bengal from contesting rulers, and Ranathambhore and Siwalik from the Hindis.

The main cenotaph, in white marble, is placed on a raised platform in the centre of the chamber. The facade is known for its ornate carving, both at the entrance and the interior walls.

The central chamber is a 9 mt sq. and has squinches, suggesting the existence of a dome, which has since collapsed.

The interior west wall has a prayer niche (mihrab) decorated with marble, and a rich amalgamation of Hindu motives into Islamic architecture, such as bell-and-chain, tassel, lotus, diamond emblems.

Tomb of Imam Zamin

An octagonal tomb of Turkestani iman who was based in the mosque during the reign of Sikandar Lodi.

Imam Muhammad Ali or Imam Zamin came to Delhi from Turkestan in the reign of Sikandar Lodi (A.D. 1489-1517). He built this mausoleum in his life time and died in A.D. 1539. It is surmounted by a dome of sandstone covered with plaster and rising from an octagonal drum. Its sides are carved with perforated screens, characteristic of the Lodi period.