The tomb is an example of
Indo-Islamic architecture. The octagonal tombs built by the Sayyid and Lodi dynasties at Delhi, such as the
Tomb of Sikandar Lodi are considered to be the inspiration for this tomb. The
Tomb of Hasan Khan Suri, also commissioned by Sher Shah and completed before this tomb, is considered as a prototype for this tomb.
Exterior The tomb stands in the middle of an artificial lake and is locally known as
pani roza. Rectangular in shape, the lake originally measured east to west, by north to south. The lake was meant to represent the
pond of abundance, and this symbolism is alluded by the verses of
Al-Kawthar inscribed in the tomb interior. The tomb has a height of 122 feet and is built out of red sandstone. The tomb stands on a square stone
plinth, about high. Octagonal domed
chhatris are situated on each of its corners; further, there are stone banks and stepped moorings on all sides of the plinth. Smaller, four-pillared
chhatris are situated near both ends of the north, south, and east walls. In the middle of each side of the plinth are flights of steps which lead to a platform, upon which is the tomb. A portal is located on all sides except the west, through which the inner part of the platform is accessed. The main tomb is a three-storied building built on octagonal plan. The first story consists of the outer veranda, encircling the entire length of the building. Each side of the veranda featured three entrance arches. A carved
boss representing a lotus is provided in the spandrel of each arch. The inner wall of the veranda is the outer wall of the actual mortuary chamber. Like the outer wall, it follows an octagonal pattern with three arches on each side. Of these, the middle arch forms the actual entrance, while the other two are
blind arches; except, on the western side, all three are blind arches. The inner wall is deep, and is embellished by a recessed arch with lotus medallions. The second story includes a balcony, with a battlement that acts as a parapet. The balcony measures about , and its chief feature is the domed
chhatris on each corner. The third story is also provided with
chhatris on each corner, which are smaller than those of the second. The great dome, whose exterior diameter measures , is crowned by an
amalaka. Originally, it was crowned by a
chhatri. The tomb was originally painted in bright colours and embellished with
glazed tiles. The grand dome was painted white, and the domes of the chhatris on the second and third floors were painted to resemble lotuses.
Interior The interior of the tomb, like the exterior is octagonal in shape. Each side, except the western, contains a door which leads to the verandah. A small, recessed arched niche is located on either side of each door. Above the doors are a series of windows featuring
latticed screens, which serve to illuminate the interior. Above the jali windows, the walls have 32 sides, and this 32-sided figure is surmounted by the grand dome, which has an internal diameter of 71 feet. The western qibla wall contains the
mihrab, which is elaborately decorated with carvings and tile work. Most of the carvings consists of verses from the Quran. Three inscriptions are present which glorify the sultan. ==Gallery==