The Untold Story of an Abandoned Mausoleum in Maharashtra

An abandoned Ottoman-style mausoleum in Khuldabad, Maharashtra, tells a captivating story of the Nizam of Hyderabad and the last caliph of the Ottoman Empire. Commissioned by Mir Osman Ali Khan, this neglected structure was meant to honor Abdulmecid II, who sought a burial place in India after his exile. The mausoleum symbolizes a significant historical alliance and the potential revival of the caliphate from the Indian subcontinent. Despite its grandeur, the mausoleum remains unused, as Abdulmecid was buried in Saudi Arabia. Explore the rich history and cultural implications of this forgotten monument.

By Narendra Chaudhary Mar 19, 2026, 19:30 IST

A Forgotten Ottoman Legacy

Located near Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, in Khuldabad, Maharashtra, lies an Ottoman-style mausoleum that has fallen into disrepair and is devoid of visitors. This neglected structure was originally commissioned by Mir Osman Ali Khan, the Nizam of Hyderabad, who was the first billionaire in India and the wealthiest man before India's independence. The mausoleum was linked to the alliance between the Nizam and Abdulmecid II, the last caliph of the Ottoman Empire, during a time when Khuldabad was part of the princely state of Hyderabad.

This mausoleum was intended to be the final resting place for Abdulmecid II, who became a symbolic leader of the Islamic world after the Ottoman Empire's fall. Born on May 29, 1868, in Istanbul, he belonged to the House of Osman, which had ruled extensive territories for centuries. Unlike many of his predecessors, Abdulmecid was recognized for his artistic and intellectual pursuits, being a painter and a supporter of constitutional governance. However, his brief time as caliph coincided with the dissolution of the Ottoman political structure. In 1924, the Turkish Republic abolished the caliphate, leading to his exile first in Switzerland and later in France. Despite his circumstances, he never accepted the end of the caliphate, famously expressing his plight through a Shakespearean quote, reflecting his resilience.

During his exile, Abdulmecid forged a connection with the Nizam of Hyderabad through a marriage alliance. In 1931, his daughter, Durru Shehvar Sultan, wed Prince Azam Jah, the Nizam's eldest son. This union linked the last Ottoman caliph's lineage with one of the wealthiest families globally, earning her the affectionate title of Hyderabad’s Nagina. Observers noted the potential significance of this alliance, particularly regarding the revival of the caliphate from the Indian subcontinent.

Abdulmecid expressed his wish to be interred in Hyderabad after Turkish authorities denied his request to be buried in Istanbul. In 1940, the mausoleum's construction commenced in Khuldabad, funded by the Nizam. Abdulmecid had also designated his grandson, Mukarram Jah, as his successor. However, despite these plans, Abdulmecid passed away in Paris in 1944 and was buried in Al-Baqi Cemetery in Medina, Saudi Arabia, leaving the grand mausoleum unused.