History is rife with tales of conquest, power struggles, and the pursuit of revenge. One such story revolves around Hodson, a British officer exhorting Sikh soldiers to avenge the beheading of their revered Guru by killing the descendants of Aurangzeb and capturing Delhi in 1857. Amidst this tumultuous backdrop, one remarkable edifice exemplifies love, loss, and the immortalization of a beloved husband – the Humayun Tomb in New Delhi. This charming mausoleum holds deep significance in the above story, as it was the place of refuge for the last Mughal emperor, Bahadur Shah Zafar, and his family in their darkest hour.
The Call for Revenge
Hodson’s rousing call to the soldiers to seek revenge and capture Delhi was pivotal in the 1857 war. He fuelled their hatred by reminding them of the brutal beheading of their revered Guru, Aurangzeb, at the hands of the Mughals. Hodson’s strategic ploy was to harness the soldiers’ anger and channel it towards crushing the Mughal empire.
Bahadur Shah Zafar Seeks to Save His Life in Humayun Tomb
In the heart of the turmoil, Bahadur Shah Zafar, the last Mughal emperor, and his entourage sought refuge within the walls of the Humayun Tomb. This magnificent structure, built eleven years after the death of Emperor Humayun, in 1570, by Bega Begum, became a sanctuary for the beleaguered emperor’s family. Perhaps in the shadows of this grand mausoleum, they sought solace and protection, hoping to escape their impending slaughter.
Tragedy and Revenge
Despite seeking shelter at the Humayun Tomb, Bahadur Shah Zafar’s fate was sealed. Hodson, driven by the thirst for revenge, eventually caught Zafar and executed a ruthless act by shooting his two sons and a grandson at Khooni Darwaza on their way to the Red Fort. Zafar was later exiled to Rangoon, where he lived his last days pining for his homeland. His poignant words, “Kitna badnaseeb hai Zafar…” (How unfortunate is Zafar), echoed his sorrow and loss.
The soldiers, led by Hodson, played a significant role in the eventual capture of Delhi and the defeat of Tantia Tope. Their alliance with the British officer had far-reaching consequences, helping the English subdue India.
Humayun Tomb – A Widow’s Tribute
Amidst the tragedy and chaos, the Humayun Tomb is also a tribute to love and loss. Constructed by Bega Begum, Humayun’s widow, to immortalize her husband’s memory, this awe-inspiring Mughal tomb serves as a testament to the enduring love between the emperor and his devoted wife, ensuring that their story transcends time and survives through the ages.
The tale of the Humayun Tomb is woven intricately into the fabric of history, encapsulating themes of revenge, tragedy, and immortal love. In the midst of a war-ravaged Delhi, the mausoleum offered shelter to a crumbling dynasty, even as the dark forces of revenge and power-loomed overhead. Today, the Humayun Tomb stands as a breath-taking architectural marvel and a symbol of the human spirit’s resilience and the power of love to transcend the boundaries of time.
Photos by Anand Jha