Kashmir Pulse · Hidden Gem
Budshah Tomb, Srinagar: The Brick Domes by Zaina Kadal
Quick Answer: The Budshah Tomb is a 15th-century brick tomb with tiled domes on the Jhelum near Zaina Kadal in old Srinagar. Most accounts say Sultan Zain-ul-Abidin, remembered as Budshah, the great king, built it for his mother around 1430. It is one of Srinagar's oldest standing buildings, and few visitors find it.
Last updated: 12 November 2026. By Kashmir Pulse Editorial. Kashmir Pulse is Via Kashmir's editorial channel, written by locals.
Ask in downtown Srinagar for the Budshah Tomb and someone will point you to the domes. They rise above tin roofs and old timber houses on the river near Zaina Kadal, the fourth of the old bridges. Visitors walk past them every day on the way to Khanqah-e-Moula without knowing what they are. They belong to one of the most loved rulers in Kashmir's history and to the woman he honoured with them.
At a Glance
Best time: a dry morning, before downtown traffic builds
Getting there: Zaina Kadal, downtown Srinagar, on the Jhelum; about 20 to 30 minutes from Dalgate by cab
Budget range: a half-day walk; combine with nearby shrines and the old bazaars
Plan with locals: ViaKashmir.in old city walks
Who built the Budshah Tomb?
Sultan Zain-ul-Abidin ruled Kashmir in the 15th century and died in 1470. Kashmiris still call him Budshah, the great king, for his tolerance, his patronage of crafts and learning, and his public works. Zaina Kadal, the bridge beside the tomb, carries his name; one history dates it to 1427.
Most accounts say he built the domed tomb for his mother, which is why many locals simply call it the tomb of Budshah's mother. Sources disagree on her name and on exactly who lies where in the enclosure, so treat any single version with care. What is settled is the place: the sultan and members of his family are buried in the royal graveyard here, known as Mazar-e-Salatin, the graveyard of kings.
What does the Budshah Tomb look like?
The Budshah Tomb is built of brick, which makes it stand out in a city of timber and stone. A large central dome sits over the tomb chamber, with smaller domes around it, and traces of glazed tilework survive on the surface. Historians writing about the precinct say the enclosure stands on the remains of a much older Hindu-period site, and you can see reused stone in the walls and gateway.
It is not a polished monument. Decades of neglect show in cracked brick and weeds on the domes, and the neighbourhood has grown right up to its walls. That is part of its honesty. You are looking at a 600-year-old building that a living city has kept beside it, not a restored set piece.
How does the Budshah Tomb compare with other old Srinagar monuments?
| Monument | Built | Material | Why go |
|---|---|---|---|
| Budshah Tomb | 15th century, about 1430 by most accounts | Brick, domes | The sultan's family graveyard, rarely visited |
| Khanqah-e-Moula | Founded in the 14th century, rebuilt in wood | Carved and painted timber | Kashmir's finest wooden shrine, on the same river |
| Pathar Masjid | 1623, by Nur Jahan | Grey limestone | Mughal stone mosque across the river |
| Jamia Masjid | Founded around 1400 | Timber pillars and brick | The great congregational mosque of the old city |
A single morning covers all four. Brick for the sultan, timber for the saint, stone for the empress: old Srinagar's history in three building materials within a short walk of the Jhelum.
How do you visit the Budshah Tomb?
- Take a cab to Zaina Kadal. Downtown lanes are narrow; ask the driver to drop you at the bridge and walk from there. Our local cabs can wait while you walk.
- Look for the domes from the bridge. The tomb sits on the riverbank close to the bridge, and the domes are the easiest landmark.
- Ask before you enter the enclosure. It is a graveyard. Neighbours are usually happy to show the way; go in quietly and do not climb on graves or walls.
- Dress modestly and keep photos respectful. Photograph the building, not the people living around it.
- Walk on to Khanqah-e-Moula. It is a short walk along the river, and our old city walking tour links the rest of downtown.
Friday midday prayers make the downtown lanes busy; a weekday morning is calmer. In winter, the domes look their best under a light dusting of snow, with smoke rising from the chimneys around them.
Where to stay for a downtown morning
Downtown has a few heritage guesthouses, but most visitors stay by the lake and drive in. Our houseboats on Dal and Nigeen are 20 to 30 minutes away, and our verified hotels in Srinagar include quieter old-city options. Many of our Kashmir packages leave a free morning in Srinagar for exactly this kind of walk. Via Kashmir can add a local guide who knows the families and the lanes, which turns a building into a story.
Frequently asked questions about the Budshah Tomb
Where is the Budshah Tomb in Srinagar?
It is on the bank of the Jhelum near Zaina Kadal, the fourth of old Srinagar's bridges, in the downtown area. Khanqah-e-Moula is a short walk along the river.
Who is buried in the Budshah Tomb?
Most accounts say Sultan Zain-ul-Abidin built the domed tomb for his mother. The sultan and members of his family are buried in the royal graveyard, Mazar-e-Salatin, in the same enclosure. Sources disagree on the mother's name.
How old is the Budshah Tomb?
It dates from the 15th century; most accounts place it around 1430, during Zain-ul-Abidin's reign. That makes it one of the oldest standing buildings in Srinagar.
Is there an entry fee for the Budshah Tomb?
It is not run as a ticketed attraction; it is a graveyard inside a living neighbourhood. Go respectfully, ask before entering the enclosure, and avoid prayer times on Fridays.
Can I combine the Budshah Tomb with other sights?
Yes. Khanqah-e-Moula, Pathar Masjid and Jamia Masjid are all close, and together they make a good half-day walk through old Srinagar.
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