Shehzadi Ka Roza : Chanderi

 Shahzadi Ka Roza, Chanderi: Unveiling the Tragic Love Story of Princess Mehrunissa 

The Tomb of the Princess

Located just a kilometre from the heart of Chanderi, the Shahzadi Ka Roza stands as a profound monument to history, architecture, and enduring tragedy. This beautifully maintained tomb, situated near the scenic Parmeshwar Tal, is far more than just a historical structure; it is a pilgrimage site for romantics and history enthusiasts alike, known locally as one of the most prominent tourist attractions in Chanderi.

It invites visitors into a large, tranquil complex featuring well-tended landscaping and offering spectacular views of the surrounding farmlands, cenotaphs, and the distant Chanderi Fort. A visit in the quiet early morning often comes with the serene backdrop of children's prayers from a nearby school and the chants of local temples. The compound also holds the poignant Jauhar monuments to the left upon entry, serving as a solemn reminder of the Rajput women who chose self-sacrifice upon learning of their husbands' demise. The Shahzadi Ka Roza stands in stark, elegant contrast, cementing its legacy as a timeless metaphor for unfulfilled love.

The Tragic Legend of Mehrunissa

The building, attributed to the 15th century, is in fact a mausoleum constructed by the then Hakim (governor) of Chanderi in memory of his beloved daughter, Mehrunissa.

The story tells of the princess Mehrunissa, who fell deeply in love with the chief of the army. Her father, strongly disapproving of the union, resolved to eliminate the commander when his requests to end the relationship went unheeded. Before the army left for battle, the Hakim hired soldiers with a grim instruction: ensure the commander would not return alive. Though grievously injured, the commander managed to escape the battlefield and ride back to Chanderi. Upon hearing the news, the princess rushed to his side, only to find that he had already succumbed to his wounds. Unable to bear the crushing loss, Mehrunissa took her own life right beside her fallen love.

Steeped in grief over his daughter’s tragic end, Hakim decided to bury both lovers together. To preserve the sanctity of their resting place, he constructed the beautiful tomb and is said to have dug a pond around it to prevent anyone from reaching the structure. Though the pond no longer exists, Shahzadi Ka Roza remains a powerful, striking monument, isolated amidst the green fields.

Architectural Marvel: A Blend of Styles

Built on a 12-foot-high, five-layered plinth, the mausoleum is a stunning example of Mughal-influenced architecture crafted from grey-colored sandstone.

Key Architectural Features:

• Façade and Elevation: The external façade is separated into two levels by characteristic eaves, which are supported by six brackets, some featuring unique serpentine struts. These serpentine elements, also present in other local structures, are considered a characteristic feature of Chanderi’s unique regional architecture.

• The Structure: The structure is a double-storey design, where the first storey is surrounded by walls and the shorter second storey is defined by a series of arched openings. Adding to the elegance, five blind ogee arches with stepped and carved serpent brackets support the structure on both levels.

Shahzadi Ka Roza exterior detail showing Mughal architecture with double-storey design, supported eaves, and carved serpentine struts on the brackets.

The roofline of Shahzadi Ka Roza, showing the dilapidated state of the original five domes and the last surviving chatari (corner dome).

• Domes and Interiors: While the structure was originally crowned by five domes (a large central one and four corner chataris), most are now in a dilapidated state, with only one chatari surviving. The main central dome is supported by wedge supports for stability, an element mirrored in the Jami Masjid of Chanderi. Internally, the 13-meter-square mausoleum features stone walls and pillars, with three levels of arched depressions adorning the space between the pillars. The large circular opening at the roof is primarily due to the absence of the central dome, which suggests a significant missing architectural element.

Close-up detail of the Mughal Interior wall detail showing the The large circular opening at 

dome's base, highlighting the three levels of recessed arched  the roof, a visible consequence 

stone wedge supports used depressions between the main   of the missing central dome 

for structural stability. Pillars. above the burial chamber

• The Burial Chamber: The inside of the structure remains considerably cooler than the exterior. The large circular opening ensures sufficient light and ventilation for the chamber housing two sarcophagi. Traces of colored tiles that once adorned the exterior upper surface can still be witnessed.

The central burial chamber of the 15th-century Shahzadi Ka Roza, featuring the two stone sarcophagi where Mehrunissa and her lover are interred.

Preservation and Visitor Experience

While Shahzadi Ka Roza is a well-maintained site, certain elements require attention. Weeds are currently growing over the remaining domes, and damages are visible on the inner walls.

Evidence of current deterioration on the mausoleum's rooftop: weeds flourish near remaining traces of the colourful glazed tiles that originally embellished the upper external façade.

Enhancing the Monument:

• The restoration of the missing central dome and the three others, along with the decorative items at the top, would significantly enhance the structure's original features and stability.

• Restoration of the inner walls and the characteristic serpentine struts would also return the monument to its original elegance.

Close-up of a carved serpentine strut, a signature architectural element of Chanderi monuments like Shahzadi Ka Roza.

• Presently, the monument experiences a low footfall, which may be partly due to the open roof allowing the coarse stone flooring to become marshy during the rainy season. Increased publicity regarding Chanderi’s rich history and architectural gems is essential.

• To improve the visitor experience and understanding, providing an inscription stone or plaque at the entrance, similar to those found at other ASI sites, would enable guests to immediately grasp the site's significance and history.

Love that Endures

The Shahzadi Ka Roza is more than a tomb; it is an eloquent historical narrative etched in stone. Its soaring architecture speaks of the grandeur of the 15th century, while the quiet presence of the two sarcophagi embodies the timeless, heartbreaking power of devotion. It stands as a striking, poignant memorial in the heart of the green fields, forever symbolising a love that, though tragically unfulfilled in life, has achieved immortality through the sheer beauty and enduring legacy of its final resting place. To visit Shahzadi Ka Roza is to walk through history and bear witness to a love story that continues to resonate centuries later.