The tomb of Hasan Shah Suri, the emperor of Suri dynasty, is built in Sasaram, Bihar by his son Sher Shah Suri. Hasan Shah Suri was the leader who led the foundation of Suri dynasty. Beside the tomb of Hasan Shah Suri, there is located the tomb of Sher Shah Suri, his son. The tomb, 122 feet in height, shows prominent Afghan reflection on the structure.
Architecture of Hasan Shah Suri"s Tomb
Suri"s tomb was built by the master architect Mir Muhammad Aliwal Khan. He was first commissioned to erect the tomb of Hasan Shah Suri and later he built the tomb of Sher Shah Suri as well. A path or a link is made between the two tombs to go from one to the other. The grandeur of the main gate, which is the only way to enter the mausoleum, clearly depicts the Afghan architecture.
The tomb is a distinct example of Indo-Islamic architecture. This mausoleum of red sandstone stands at the centre of an artificial lake on a square stone plinth with domed kiosks, chhatris at each of its corners, stone banks and stepped moorings on all sides of the plinth, which is connected to the mainland through a wide stone bridge.
The main tomb consists of a large octagonal tomb chamber surrounded by a wide verandah on all the sides. On each of the eight sides, the verandah is provided with three arched openings and three corresponding domes above it. The main tomb chamber rises higher than the domed roofs of the verandah and supports the larger central dome. The tomb was built during the lifetime of Sher Shah as well as during the reign of his son Islam Shah. The construction of the tomb started in 1535 and got completed in 1545.
The tomb of Hasan Shah Suri is popular among tourists and local people. Apart from the historical importance, the tomb bears some significance in being the source of inspiration for the local people of Sasaram. Currently this site is under the maintenance of Archeological Survey of India.
Visiting Information to the Suri"s Tomb
By railway the city can be reached via Sasaram railway station. By road the city is approachable by accessing the National Highway 2 or "The Grand Trunk Road". By air, one can go to the city by reaching Patna airport.
