Sher Mandal, Astronomical library in Purana Qila, India
Sher Mandal is an octagonal two-story tower of red sandstone with deeply recessed arches on each side and a dome crowning the top. The structure sits within the Purana Qila complex and features a cruciform upper chamber with four doors opening onto a veranda, with remnants of stone shelving visible inside.
Emperor Humayun used this tower as his library and observatory until 1556, when he fell from its steep stairs and died two days later. The structure dates to the Mughal period and reflects the intellectual pursuits of that era's rulers.
The building blends Persian and Indian design through its geometric patterns, marble work, and traditional sandstone craftsmanship that you notice as you walk around it. The construction reflects how artisans from different backgrounds worked together to create something built to last.
The tower sits within the Purana Qila complex and is open to visitors, though upper levels are closed for conservation. Good walking shoes are helpful since the ground is uneven and the stairs are steep.
The design with its steep staircase and four doors to the veranda created a maze-like layout that made movement through the space complicated. This unusual arrangement shows how the practical needs of daily life in a royal residence sometimes conflicted with aesthetic and symbolic choices.
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