Learn the stories of spies and sadhus, loving fathers and jealous sisters, and how Dara Shukoh broke the boundaries between Hinduism and Islam by translating Upanishads into Persian and other books, even at the cost of his life.
Date: 6th September 2025
Time: 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM
Baithak Led By: Leher Zaidi
Location: Humayun's Tomb
Meeting Point: Humayun's tomb ticket counter
Nearest Metro: JLN Stadium, Nizamuddin (pink line)
Join us for an evocative Baithak on Dara Shukoh, the remarkable Mughal prince and beloved heir of Shah Jahan. Dara Shukoh is remembered as a seeker of truth, a dreamer of unity, and a prince who imagined Hindustan in the spirit of harmony, much like his great-grandfather Akbar. Celebrated for his vision of secularism, his translations of the Upanishads into Persian, and his attempts to bridge Hindu and Islamic thought, Dara remains one of history’s great “what ifs.”
In this baithak, we shall gather in the serene ambience of Humayun’s Tomb to reflect on the lesser-known sides of his life. We will talk about the warmth of Mughal–Rajput friendships and the tangled world of spies and sadhus. We will remember the tender love between father and son, the envy and rivalry of his siblings Aurangzeb and Roshanara, and the deep, unconditional devotion of his Sufi sister, Jahanara Begum.
We will also revisit Dara’s tragic end, his betrayal and execution under Aurangzeb’s orders, and the deliberate concealment of his resting place, only recently brought to light. Sitting together in a spirit of reflection and dialogue, we will reimagine Dara’s Hindustan: a dream of spiritual and cultural confluence that could have changed the destiny of India.
Why attend:
Spiritual Connection: Step into the mystic world of Dara Shukoh, the Mughal prince who sought to weave harmony between religions through Sufi thought and his engagement with the Upanishads. His search for oneness continues to inspire reflections on faith and unity.
Cultural Immersion: Immerse yourself in the vibrant cultural currents of the Mughal era, where Dara envisioned a Hindustan enriched by both Islamic and Hindu traditions, embodying inclusivity at its core.
Historical Significance: Revisit the untold stories of Dara’s life: his ideals, his struggles, and his tragic fall at the hands of Aurangzeb. Discover the hidden history of his resting place, long concealed and only recently rediscovered.
Architectural Ambience: Gather within the serene surroundings of Humayun’s Tomb, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Its gardens and grandeur form a fitting backdrop to reflect on the legacy of a prince whose life continues to stir questions of what might have been.
A Unique Perspective: Engage with one of Indian history’s greatest “What if?” moments. What if Dara’s vision of an inclusive, secular Hindustan had come to life? What if his dream had shaped the destiny of the subcontinent?
A Contemplative Experience: This baithak is an invitation to sit together, exchange stories, and reflect, not just on Dara Shukoh’s life, but on the timeless quest for unity, belonging, and peace.
Qissa Go:
Lehar is an Epidemiologist and freelance journalist, with MS and MPH graduate degrees, educated and based in the USA and Delhi. She has written for the Indian Express, Columbia University's 'Story South Asia', Stanford Arts Review, and the Hindustan Times among others. She was the finalist for the Jaipur Literature Festival Writing Competition 2020, for her articles on global geopolitics and the relevance of 'Akbar and Dara Shukoh’. She was born and brought up in Delhi in H. Nizamuddin, close to Humayun’s tomb, and is the founder of the heritage cultural group "Sanjhi Virasat". Her interests include Delhi’s syncretic heritage, human rights, Hindustani literature and the environment.
Key Takeaways:
Spiritual Unity and Secular Vision: Discover Dara Shukoh’s profound efforts to bridge Hinduism and Islam through his translations of the Upanishads and his vision of a united Hindustan inspired by Akbar’s secular ideals.
Tales of Love and Betrayal: Relive the poignant stories of familial love, envy, and betrayal, including Dara’s close bond with his Sufi sister Jahanara, his rivalry with Aurangzeb, and the ultimate tragedy of his martyrdom.
Architectural and Mystical Discovery: Explore the mystic beauty of Humayun’s Tomb and the recently discovered mausoleum of Dara Shukoh, hidden for centuries, uncovering its significance and historical mysteries.
Mughal-Rajput Alliances: Gain insights into the strong Mughal-Rajput friendships that shaped Dara’s worldview and political strategies, reflecting a confluence of cultures and ideologies.
A “What If” of History: Contemplate the enduring question of how Dara Shukoh’s vision could have changed India’s history, offering a fresh perspective on his legacy as a tragic yet inspiring figure.
Cultural and Historical Immersion: Deepen your understanding of the Mughal era’s spiritual and cultural richness, while appreciating the serene ambience and intricate architecture of Humayun’s Tomb.
Personal Reflection and Inspiration: Leave with a renewed appreciation for the values of tolerance, unity, and spiritual exploration that defined Dara Shukoh’s life, inspiring introspection and connection to India’s diverse heritage.
Highlights:
Special viewing of Dara Shukoh's newly discovered mausoleum.
Engaging stories about Dara Shukoh's life, his translations of the Upanishads, and his secular ideologies.
A journey through the lanes that resonate with tales of love, betrayal, and the quest for spiritual truth.
Recommendations and Instructions for Participants
Dress light and comfortable - a cap and sunglasses will make the walk easier.
Carry an umbrella, in case of any unexpected downpour.
Don’t forget to apply sunscreen.
Comfortable walking shoes are highly recommended.
Carry a bottle of water to stay hydrated
Please reach the meeting point 15 minutes prior to the scheduled time.
Additional Tickets for the monument, an ASI ticketed site requiring government ID, must be purchased through the ASI website.
(
https://asi.payumoney.com/ )
Also check out other Arts events in New Delhi, Meetups in New Delhi, Literary Art events in New Delhi.
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