Sher Mandal - Library of Sultanate era - place where Humayun died

Description

The Sher Mandal stands to the south of the mosque. This double-storeyed octagonal tower of red sandstone with steep stairs leading up to the roof. The structure was intended to be higher than its existing height but the work was stopped due to the untimely death of Sher Shah. It was built by Sher Shah and was used as a library by Humayun after he recaptured the fort. It is also one of the first observatories of Delhi. The first being in Pir Gharib at Hindu Rao at Ridge built in 14th century by Firoz shah Tughlaq.The tower is topped by an octagonal chhatri supported by eight pillars and decorated with white marble. Inside there are remnants of the decorative plaster-work and traces of stone-shelving where, presumably, the emperor's books were placed. This was also the tragic spot where, on 24 January 1556 Humayun slipped while on his way to the evening namaz, fell headlong down the stairs and died of his injuries two days later.

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