Mir Jumla's tomb is one of the most well-known locations in the West Gharo Hill District. The tomb is also being promoted as a tourist attraction in the state. Even though it is not widely known among the public at large.
The name of the tomb itself implies that Mir Jumla's Tomb was built in memory of Mir Jumla. During the reign of Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb, he was the Governor of Bengal. It was only recently that this tomb was considered for development as a tourist attraction. However, the tomb has been maintained for centuries by local Muslim associations. Mir Jumla's Tomb is a reflection of a remarkably long grave that bears witness to how enormous a man Mir Jumla was.
Location of Mir Jumla's Tomb
Mir Jumla's Tomb is located in Thakuranbari village, about 8 kilometers from Ampati, on the Assam-Meghalaya border. It is precisely stationed on a hillock in Mankachar, West Garo Hills District, Meghalaya. It is considered to be in the westernmost part of the West Garo Hills.
According to history, the Mughal emperor Aurangzeb appointed Mir Jumla as Governor of Bengal in 1659. Mir Jumla was regarded as one of the most capable and exceptional Mughal generals. He had invaded Assam and was leading a vast army. However, the region was experiencing toxic weather and climate at the time. As a result, the region’s difficult terrain and malaria-prone climate took a heavy toll not only on the Governor but also on the entire Mughal Army. As a result, Mir Jumla was forced to retreat in 1663, despite having completed the subjugation of Assam.
But, before he could return to Bengal, the general became ill with malaria. Unfortunately, he died of the disease on March 30, 1663, and his mortal remains were buried on a hillock near Thakuranbari in the Garo Hills that is maintained by the local Mazar Sarif committee.
The tomb reflects a remarkably long grave and bears witness to Mir Jumla's towering stature. It is a way for the community to honor and respect him.
About Mir Jumla
Mir Jumla was the son of an oil merchant and was born in Iran. Mir Jumla worked as a clerk for a diamond merchant with ties to the Kingdom of Golkonda when he was young. It is located near the modern city of Hyderabad, Andhra Pradesh. One of India’s most beautiful states. He later moved to the Mughal Empire and established his own diamond business. He became involved in maritime commercial ventures and was successful.
Aurangzeb delegated the task of dealing with Shah Shuja to Mir Jumla upon his accession to the throne. Shuja was Auranzeb’s brother and a rival for the Mughal throne. In the Battle of Khajwa, he was defeated. Mir Jumla pursued Shuja from Khajwa to Tanda and then to Dhaka, the capital of modern-day Bangladesh, where he arrived on May 9, 1660. On the other hand, the latter had already fled Dhaka, crossed the eastern border, and eventually sought refuge with the king of Arakan, modern-day Myanmar. Mir Jumla received the imperial decree appointing him subahdar (Governor) of Bengal soon after his arrival in Dhaka.
Mir Jumla's northeastern frontier policy, through which he conquered the border kingdoms of Kamrup (Kamarupa) and Assam, was the most crucial aspect of his rule in Bengal. Assam was a large country at the time, with very different geography than Bengal. Mir Jumla, on the other hand, was unfazed. Mir Jumla conquered Garhgaon, Assam’s capital, in less than six weeks after departing from Guwahati.
The tomb is said to be near Mankachar’s Kamakhya Temple. Mir Jumla is said to have died soon after the war in Sharaighat, near Guwahati. His tombstone is unusually large due to his enormous size. There is another unidentified grave discovered there. This location represents one-of-a-kind communal harmony, which has become increasingly rare around the world. On campus, there is also an Islamic studies school. One can also make a donation of any amount as per one’s wish that will go towards the upkeep of the tomb.
The best way to get to this location is to rent a car in Tura. If a tourist wishes to see the tomb, this is one of the most convenient modes of transportation.
Why visit Mir Jumla’s Tomb?
There is no better way to make a place more appealing than to include a historical event or a story about it. It contributes to a better understanding of the region's history and geography. It provides visitors with a greater grasp of the region and the country.
The story behind any location is a way to visualize our ancestors’ minds and the people in their community. The same can be said for the Tomb of Mir Jumla. Despite the fact that he was the Governor of the Mughal Emperor, the reign of their kingdom is an integral part of India’s and the state’s history. As a result, visiting this tomb will provide you with a closer look at the respective Governor, as it was built in his honor.
This location is also ideal for history buffs and those interested in learning about the country’s various religions. More importantly, archaeologists and history enthusiasts will be able to witness a piece of history and its construction in that area. It is an excellent way to maintain an accurate timeline of the country’s dispersed events.