Shah Nimat Allah Tomb
Gaur, Bangladesh
Though there is no inscription, the construction of the tomb of Shah Nimat Allah is attributed to Shah Shuja, governor of Bengal. Shah Nimat Allah was considered a great traveler, who settled in the Firuzpur quarter of Gaur to become the spiritual advisor of Shah Shuja. The 17th century tomb was built to honor him.

The tomb of Nimat Allah may be the first extant tomb in Bengal to exhibit clearly the influence of imperial Mughal mausoleums. Its arrangement is based upon the tomb of Itimad ud-Daulah, constructed in Agra by the empress Nur Jahan earlier in the 17th century. Centered on a low platform, it is a low square building measuring 49'-0", with three equally spaced entrances on each side and surmounted by a single dome. The dome is crowned by a lotus finial of exquisite design. The tomb has a central square chamber measuring 21'-6" and contains the sarcophagus. It is surrounded by a vaulted verandah with dome ceilings at the corners.

The tomb corners are emphasized by small turrets that are capped by small lotus shaped finials. The relief panels that articulated the façade and broke the monotony of the bare mass have all but disappeared. Above the cornice on all four sides are ornamental merlons. 
Sources:

Asher, Catherine B. 1984. Inventory of Key Monuments. Art and Archaeology Research Papers: The Islamic Heritage of Bengal. Paris: UNESCO, 79.

Hasan, Syed Mahmudul. 1980. Muslim Monuments of Bangladesh. Dhaka: Islamic Foundation, 127, 128.
Location
Firozpur, Gaur, Bangladesh
Images & Videos
Part of Site
Events
Constructed 17th century
Style Periods
1526-1858
Dimensions
Square of 49'-0" x 49'-0"
Variant Names
Shah Nimat Allah Wali
Variant
Shah Niamatullah Wali
Variant
Building Usages
funerary
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