Black Taj / Tomb Of Shah Nawaz Khan, Burhanpur - Timings, History, Best Time to Visit

At a distance of 7 km from Burhanpur Railway Station, the Tomb of Shah Nawaz Khan or Black Taj is a mausoleum located in the Teressa locality of Burhanpur, Madhya Pradesh. Situated on the banks of the Utavali River, it is one of the best Burhanpur attractions.

The Tomb of Shahnawaz Khan is called 'Kala Taj Mahal' or 'Black Taj Mahal' by the locals and was built between 1622 and 1623 AD. Shah Nawaz Khan was the eldest son of Abdul Rahim Khankhana. He was brought up in Burhanpur itself. Seeing his bravery, he was made the commander of the Mughal army. He died at the age of 44, buried here on the banks of the Utawali river in Burhanpur. It also houses the tomb of Shahnawaz Khan's wife.

It is a beautiful monument, shaped like the Taj though built on a much smaller scale. It is made of locally found black-colored stone hence the name Black Taj. Surrounded by a garden, the mausoleum is a big domed structure typical of Mughal architecture. The monument is square in shape with a central dome and has hexagonal minarets on the four corners with arched verandas running all around it. Inside the walls of the dome have beautiful paintings. But, the actual grave of Shah Nawaz Khan is below the Mausoleum and has a small stairway that leads to the actual grave. Next to it is a ruined monument called Paandan Mahal because it is shaped like a paandan.

Timings: 9 AM - 4 PM, Closed on Wednesdays

Entry: Free