The story of Balban Tomb

Subject : History

Section: Art and Culture

Context; Lieutenant Governor VK Saxena unveiled six renovations nestled inside the park, one among which was the tomb of Balban.

More about the news:

The Tomb of Balban, situated inside Mehrauli’s Archaeological Park, dates back to the 13th century and has undergone various transformations.
Ghiyas-ud-din Balban, a Sultan of the Mamluk dynasty, ruled Delhi from 1266 to 1287. He was initially sold as a slave to Sultan Iltumish in 1232 and later released.
The tomb is architecturally significant for being one of the first structures to feature true arch construction in India, with evenly distributed weight through the placement of the keystone in the center.
It is referred to as Dar-ul-Amaan (Haven of Safety), and the building houses the tomb of Ghiyas-ud-din Balban.
The structure once served as a sanctuary for debtors, fugitives, and even murderers, offering refuge from debt collectors and pursuers. The Sultan would compensate the victims’ families in murder cases.
While the tomb has been historically significant, it is currently locked and not accessible to the public.

Some facts about Balban:

Balban was the ninth Sultan of Delhi from the Slave Dynasty. He ruled from 1266 to 1287 AD.
His original name was Baha Ud Din
He was known for his policy of “blood and iron”
He was the first Sultan of Delhi to introduce the Persian festival of Navroz in India.