Located in the tranquil village of Jhor, approximately 15 km from Dholpur, the Mughal Garden, also known as Bagh-i-Nilufar or the Lotus Garden, is the oldest surviving Mughal garden in the Indian subcontinent. Commissioned by Emperor Babur in 1527, this garden exemplifies early Mughal landscaping and architectural ingenuity.
Babur, inspired by the natural beauty of Dholpur’s hills, directed his chief architect, Ustad Shah Mohammad, to transform the rugged terrain into a terraced garden. The central feature is a foliated octagonal water tank, measuring 8.8 meters in diameter, carved from a single rock outcrop. Surrounding this are smaller lotus-shaped ponds connected by intricate water channels. Additional structures include a hammam (bathhouse), an octagonal well with radiating chutes, and remnants of Sikander Lodi’s bund (dam) on a nearby reservoir
The garden was rediscovered in 1978 by Elizabeth Moynihan, wife of the then U.S. Ambassador to India. Using Babur’s memoirs, she traced the garden’s location from Uzbekistan to Dholpur, leading to its excavation and preservation by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI)
Octagonal Water Tank: The centerpiece, carved from rock, reflects Persian garden design principles.
Lotus-Shaped Ponds: Smaller ponds connected by water channels, showcasing intricate Mughal water engineering
Hammam: Remnants of a bathhouse, indicating the luxurious lifestyle of the Mughal elite.
Water Channels and Aqueducts: Demonstrating advanced hydraulic engineering of the period.
Location: Jhor Village, Dholpur District, Rajasthan
Entry Fee: Free
Opening Hours: Open daily from sunrise to sunset
Duration of Visit: Approximately 30 minutes
Nearest Railway Station: Dholpur Junction (15 km)
Nearest Airport: Agra Airport (65 km)
Best Time to Visit: October to March, avoiding the extreme summer heat.
What to Wear: Comfortable clothing and sturdy footwear suitable for walking on uneven terrain.
Photography: Permitted; ideal for capturing the unique architectural features and serene environment.
Nearby Attractions: Consider visiting the Sher Shikhar Gurudwara and Machkund Temple, both located in proximity to Jhor.
The Mughal Garden in Jhor offers a rare glimpse into the early Mughal era’s landscaping and architectural prowess. Its serene environment and historical significance make it a must-visit for history enthusiasts and architecture aficionados.
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