Hoshang Shah’s tomb in Mandu in Madhya Pradesh that worked as an inspiration for Shah Jahan. (Photo, as it appears on guides.travelindia.com)

Hoshang Shah’s tomb is one of the oldest marble buildings of India and is one of the finest examples of Mughal architecture in the country. It is said that Shah Jahan sent his architects to Mandu, a hill-fort in Madhya Pradesh, to study this tomb before embarking upon the design of the Taj Mahal.

The edifice is part of the fort and is rather squat. At the entrance is a porch with arched openings, crowned by a marble dome. The inn attached to it has a spectacular tunnel of symmetrical pillars. The tomb itself has a soothing interior because of the perforated jaalis (nets) that let in sunshine.