Having restored Humayan’s Tomb to its earlier glory, the Archaeological Survey of India and the Agha Khan Trust for Culture now plan to undertake a similar project for Rahim’s tomb in New Delhi’s Nizamuddin area.
In the morning, Abdul Rahim Khan-i-Khana’s mausoleum, or simply Rahim’s tomb, in the Nizamuddin area of South Delhi is a picture of serenity. With the sun gently shining on the lush green grass that surrounds it, people from neighbouring localities come for their morning constitutionals along the path that encircles the structure. At night, when the monument’s gates are shut, the dome is enveloped in shimmering purple light, which is noticeable from a fair distance away.
Rahim served in the court of two Mughal emperors: Akbar and Jahangir. He was one of the nine important ministers in Akbar’s court who were known as the Navaratnas. He is known for his Hindi couplets, or dohas, and his books on astrology.
via Tomb of Akbar’s Navratna to find new life | Business Standard News.
But cultural history is only one part of this story. A central premise of our work is that cultural enrichment and historic restoration can also be effective springboards for economic and social progress. Rather than being a drain on fragile economies, as some once feared, investment in cultural legacies can be a powerful agent in improving the quality of human life. The impact of such projects can begin by diversifying local economies, expanding employment and teaching new skills. And a continuing stream of visitors, properly guided and welcomed, can provide income streams far into the future, which can be further invested in economic growth.
Did You Know?
The revitalization of the Gardens of Emperor Humayun’s tomb in New Delhi, India began when the Aga Khan Trust began work on the 12 hectare (30 acre) garden site in 2000.
Click here to read more from this 2003 AKDN publication.
Related Nizamuddin Renewal Initiative:
- Reviving India’s Soul: Ratish Nanda and the Aga Khan Trust for Culture’s Legacy in Heritage Conservation
- Preserving Heritage: PM Modi Acknowledges Aga Khan’s Role in Restoring Sunder Nursery
- Urban renewal of Nizamuddin Basti by Aga Khan Trust for Culture receives two awards from UNESCO: Excellence and Sustainable Development
- Jason Kenney, Leader of the United Conservative Party in Alberta visits Humayun’s Tomb in Delhi, India
- Now, Humayun’s Tomb will glow in the Delhi night | Condé Nast Traveller India
- Assorted Links of Interest – A0001
- Sunder Nursery: Before and After
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