On the left bank of the Jhelum River in Srinagar, near the historic Zaina Kadal bridge, stands a simple yet elegant octagonal brick structure that tells a remarkable story of love, respect, and Kashmir's golden age.
The Budshah Tomb, with its modest design and peaceful setting, might appear unremarkable to the casual observer, but it represents something extraordinary—the deep reverence of Kashmir's greatest ruler for his mother and the values that made his reign legendary.
This tomb is not the resting place of a king or emperor, but of Queen Miran, the mother of Sultan Zain-ul-Abidin, who ruled Kashmir from 1420 to 1470. What makes this monument truly special is that it was built by a ruler who could have constructed grand palaces or towering monuments to his own glory, but instead chose to honour the woman who shaped his character and guided his path to greatness.
The Man Behind the Monument
Sultan Zain-ul-Abidin, the eighth Sultan of the Shah Mir dynasty, was Kashmir's first Muslim ruling dynasty in the medieval ages. Known lovingly as "Budshah"—meaning the greatest king—Zain-ul-Abidin transformed Kashmir into a beacon of prosperity, tolerance, and cultural renaissance that remained unmatched in the region's history.
Sultan Zain-ul-Abidin is the most famous ruler of the Sultanate period, which extended from 1339 to 1586 AD. He ruled from 1420 to 1470 and is renowned for the all-round development that Kashmir underwent during his reign.
Professor Mohammad Ashraf Wani, who served as senior professor in the History department and Dean Academic Affairs in Social Sciences at University of Kashmir, explains what made this ruler extraordinary.
"What set Zain-ul-Abidin apart was his unprecedented interest in improving every aspect of life. Whether it was agriculture, crafts, technology, education, culture, or religion, he brought innovation and progress to all spheres," Prof Wani reveals. "His vision was ambitious—to make Kashmir as prominent as any other centre of civilization during the medieval period."
To achieve this remarkable goal, he sent emissaries to various parts of Iran, Persia, and beyond to learn about their technologies, sciences, and philosophies. This knowledge was then brought back to Kashmir and widely disseminated among the people. The results were transformative.
A Golden Age of Development
Under Zain-ul-Abidin's leadership, Kashmir experienced development that touched every corner of society. In agriculture, he supervised the construction of a network of canals that made Kashmir self-sufficient in food grains and other agricultural produce. The crafts industry flourished under his patronage, establishing traditions that continue to define Kashmiri craftsmanship today.
But perhaps what made him truly exceptional was his remarkably secular approach toward other religions and communities. Professor Wani notes that his inclusiveness was "arguably more inclusive than many rulers of our present time." Under his leadership, every section of society found satisfaction and progress, creating a harmony that was rare in medieval times.
"His reign truly serves as a roadmap for real and holistic development in any society," says Professor Wani. "Sultan Zain-ul-Abidin was an exemplary ruler. I believe all rulers should study his life to understand how to develop societies, nations, and win the goodwill of their people in ways that outlive their own times."
Most of Zain-ul-Abidin's reign was marked by peace and prosperity. All sections of society were satisfied under his rule, and there were no revolts or rebellions. The Budshah believed that people should live peaceful and prosperous lives, rather than engage the country in military conquests and expeditions.
It was only toward the end of his life that Kashmir experienced political instability, caused by his unworthy successors who fought among themselves.
Professor Wani's assessment captures the essence of this remarkable ruler: "In my opinion, no ruler matches the greatness of Zain-ul-Abidin, who developed Kashmir in every sphere of life. That's why he is considered the forerunner of all great rulers in the Indian subcontinent."
Noted poet, writer and social activist, Zarief Ahmad Zarief gives a little more credit to the entire Shah Mir dynasty that lasted for more than 200 years in Kashmir. Out of its 19 successive rulers, only three are more famous - Sultan Shahabuddin, Sultan Sikandar, and Sultan Zain-ul-Abidin. Sultan Zain-ul-Abidin, who ruled Kashmir for 51 years, 3 months, and 20 days, however, stand out, Zarief says.
Talking about his contribution to the field of crafts, Zarief says, he brought artisans from Central Asia to Kashmir and settled them there, which led to the spread of advanced arts and crafts in the region. Even today, there are places named after these artisans, such as Qalamdanpora, Sazgaripora, Kamaangarpora, Jildhagar Mohalla, etc., which were established during Budshah’s period.
Budshah developed several significant places, including Zaina Lank in Wular Lake, the Zainagir Canal, Zaina Kadal in Shehr-e-Khaas Srinagar, Zainapora, Zainakote, and Zaina Dub on the bank of Anchar Lake, which he also made his capital. Zaina Dub had nine stories, each consisting of around 50 rooms, and each room could accommodate approximately 500 people due to its vast size.
It was then known as Zin Mar, which means “house made of wood.” In present times, the place where Zaina Dub once stood is popularly known as Zoonimar.”
A Mother's Influence
The Budshah Tomb stands as a testament to the values that shaped this great ruler. Zain-ul-Abidin's mother, Queen Miran, played a critical role in his upbringing, and her wisdom and guidance greatly influenced his policies and governance. The deep bond between mother and son was well-known, and she was regarded not only as his mother but also as a figure of wisdom and moral guidance.
"This is the tomb of his mother. It symbolizes the reverence that people have toward their mothers," Professor Wani explains. "Zain-ul-Abidin Budshah did not construct this tomb for himself or for anyone else, but for his mother, which reflects the deep respect and reverence people have for their mothers."
The tomb's location near the Zaina Kadal bridge, another structure built by the Sultan, shows the significance he placed on his mother's memory. The simple yet elegant design reflects the Sultan's philosophy of moderation and respect for tradition, values likely instilled by his mother's guidance.
Zarief Ahmed Zarief speaks about a Buddhist monastery where the Budshah Tomb now stands. Its base is actually that of the former Buddhist monastery, he reveals. “I would like to mention that Kashmiri history, as recorded, spans approximately 5,500 years — out of which 4,000 years belong to the Hindu period, 800 years to the Buddhist period, and the last 700 years to the Islamic period,” he adds.
Some Hindus converted to Buddhism, and their temples were transformed into Buddhist monasteries, generally known as Bodh Vihars. After the spread of Islam in Kashmir, many of these Vihars evolved into areas or localities known as Yars, Mohallas, etc., such as Kralyar, Khanyar, Naidyar, and others.
The Architectural Marvel
The Budshah Tomb was constructed by the skilled engineers of that time. It is made of brick and still stands strong to this day. This site is also known as Mazaar-i-Salaatin Khurd, where Budshah himself is buried.
His grave was originally made of moonstone, sent by the King of China, but it was later stolen during the Sikh rule in Kashmir. Other family members of Zain-ul-Abidin Budshah, including his wife and children, are also buried there, Zarief informs.
The Budshah Tomb stands as one of Kashmir's most unique architectural treasures, representing a fascinating blend of Islamic design principles with influences from distant lands. Dr Hakim Sameer Hamdani, a noted conservationist, author, and heritage expert, explains the architectural significance and conservation challenges of this remarkable 15th-century monument.
"The Budshah Tomb is an example of Timurid architecture; however, the shape of the tomb resembles Byzantine architecture more than Timurid. Primarily, the architecture borrows elements from Islamic design, particularly in its octagonal plan, while the overall shape and design are based on Timurid influences," Dr Hamdani explains.
What makes this structure particularly special in Kashmir's architectural landscape is its construction system. The tomb features arches, squinches, and domes, following what is known as the arcade system of construction. This was revolutionary for Kashmir, which traditionally relied on wooden columns and beams in its buildings.
"Kashmir does not have a traditional history of designing or working with the arcade system. As a result, true arches and domes were largely avoided. Consequently, there are very few buildings in Kashmir that were designed using a construction system involving a dome," notes Dr Hamdani.
This structure represents one of the rare architectural experiments undertaken in Kashmir during the 15th century that combined both structural and aesthetic elements. It represents a borrowed architectural style that was prevalent in the wider Persianate world, originating from Samarkand.
A Century of Conservation Efforts
As an ASI (Archaeological Survey of India) protected monument, the Budshah Tomb is one of the very few Muslim structures that were preserved even during the time of the Maharajas. The conservation story of this tomb spans over a century, beginning with urgent intervention in the early 20th century.
"The first conservation effort was carried out in the early part of the 20th century under the expert guidance of the Imperial Archaeological Survey of India, led by Sir John Marshall. The building was already in a severely dilapidated condition at that time," Dr Hamdani recalls. Archival images from that period show the extent of deterioration the monument had suffered.
The early conservation work faced significant challenges, particularly with the dome structures. "Many of the domes, including both the central dome and the side domes, had decayed. Therefore, much of the work undertaken in the early 20th century focused on conservation, which included both stabilization and reconstruction of portions of the tomb," he explains.
Since then, the ASI has been carrying out work on the site more or less continuously, sometimes on a smaller scale and sometimes on a larger scale. Despite extensive restoration work, the building still follows the same construction pattern and design in which it was originally conceived, adhering to the first principle of conservation - authenticity.
The tomb represents a period of experimentation during the reign of Sultan Zain-ul-Abidin in the Sultanate period, holding historical, cultural, and architectural importance that extends far beyond its physical structure.
Dr Hamdani emphasizes the need for greater public awareness about Kashmir's cultural heritage. "As it is a part of our cultural history, the younger generation should be made aware of and informed about the Budshah Tomb. Whether as researchers, students, or even as citizens of this city or region, we should encourage people—especially local residents—to visit these historical sites."
Dr Hamdani advocates for integrating heritage awareness into education and using modern tools for outreach. Social media can be a powerful tool to spread awareness, and the government can incorporate historical buildings into educational curricula. Schools, colleges, and universities should encourage students to explore the city and rural areas to understand how people live today and how they lived in the past.
A Legacy That Endures
Today, as visitors stand before the Budshah Tomb, they witness more than just a historical monument. They see the physical embodiment of the values that created Kashmir's golden age—respect for family, reverence for wisdom, and the understanding that true greatness lies not in personal glory but in service to others and remembrance of those who guide us.
In an age when monuments often celebrate conquest and power, this simple octagonal structure reminds us that the greatest rulers are those who honour their roots, cherish their guides, and dedicate their lives to the prosperity and happiness of their people.
As Dr Hamdani says, "This is why it's important for people to connect with such places in order to understand and appreciate their heritage." He adds that understanding our architectural and cultural heritage is essential for preserving it for future generations.
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