PHOTOGRAPH BY : RAJESH CHOPRA

The dado frames and archway spandrels
have been decorated with pietra dura inlays of highly 
stylised, almost geometric vines, flowers and fruits. 
The inlay stones are yellow marble, jasper and jade, 
levelled and polished to the surface of the walls.

PHOTOGRAPH BY : RAJESH CHOPRA

Here the inlay work is not pietra dura, but lapidary. 
The inlay material is not marble or jade 
but precious and semiprecious gemstones. 
Every decorative element of the tomb's 
exterior has been redefined with jeweler's art.

PHOTOGRAPH BY : RAJESH CHOPRA

Eight pishtaq arches define the space at ground level. 
As is typical with the exterior, each lower pishtaq 
is crowned by a second pishtaq about midway up the wall. 
The four central upper arches form balconies 
or viewing areas; each balcony's exterior window 
has an intricate screen or jali cut from marble.

In addition to the light from the balcony screens, 
light enters through roof openings covered by the
chattris at the corners of the exterior dome.