Sher Afghan's Tomb

Sher Afghan's Tomb is a historic Mughal-era tomb located in Bardhaman (Burdwan) town in Purba Bardhaman district, West Bengal. It marks the burial place of Sher Afghan Khan, the first husband of Empress Nur Jahan, who died in Bardhaman in 1607. The simple brick-built tomb is noted for its historical association with the early reign of Mughal Emperor Jahangir and is maintained as a protected heritage structure of local significance.

Visitors can expect a modest, historic brick tomb structure set in an open area within Bardhaman town. The site consists of the main grave enclosure with simple Mughal-style architecture, surrounded by a low boundary. The surroundings are urban with nearby roads and residential areas. Visitors can view the tomb exterior, explore the immediate grounds, take photographs and learn about its historical context. The site is quiet and primarily visited for historical interest rather than elaborate ornamentation.

The tomb marks the burial place of Sher Afghan Khan (Ali Quli Istajlu), a Mughal nobleman and jagirdar of Bardhaman, who died in 1607 following a confrontation with Qutbuddin Khan Koka, the governor of Bengal. He was the first husband of Mehr-un-Nissa, who later became Empress Nur Jahan, wife of Emperor Jahangir. The event is noted in Mughal history and the tomb remains a surviving structure from the early 17th century Mughal period in Bengal.

The tomb is a locally significant heritage and historical landmark associated with Mughal history in Bengal. It is visited for its connection to the story of Nur Jahan and as an example of early Mughal funerary architecture in the region.