Abu's Tomb Merat (Meerut)

A detailed hand-coloured engraving drawn by T. C. Dibdin after a sketch by T. Bacon and engraved by Finden for ‘A Gazetteer of the World’ Vol 5 published by Fullerton in 1856. The engraving is titled “Abhu’s Tomb Merat” and depicts the tomb of Abu Mohammed Khan Kamboh, the Nawab of Meerut which was constructed in 1688. Abu Mohammad Khan Kamboh, is often hailed as the visionary behind Meerut's foundation, and emerged during the 17th century, a period marked by the reigns of Jahangir and Shah Jahan. As some historians would argue, Abu Mohammad was also the Wazir at the Royal Court during the reign of Alamgir I, Aurangzeb. While the precise date of his birth remains shrouded in historical ambiguity, his influence on the city's development is undeniable.
The mausoleum is recognised as exceptional, largely owing to its impressive ten-tomb layout – an elegant arrangement of nine smaller domes encircling the central dome, at the heart of the main tomb pavilion. In total, eight chhatri or smaller pavilions with hemispherical domes circumscribe the central pavilion. Sources further reveal that sangemarmar, the finest of marbles, once graced the floors of the red stone tomb pavilions, and colourful ornamented frescos adorned the ceiling of the pavilions.
The tomb is also locally known as the “Mutineers Mosque” because it not only provided sanctuary, but also served as a strategic military base during the the Great Uprising - the Mutiny of 1857 – against the British rule in the subcontinent.
Thomas Robert Colman Dibdin (1810 - 1893) was an English water colour artist and teacher. His paintings can be seen in galleries in London and Sheffield.

The engraving measures 5 x 6.5 inches without the frame and 10.5 x 12.5 inches with the frame.