Hijron ka Khanqah: a secret spot in South Delhi for hijra community

Only someone who has been living in Mehrauli in Delhi or who has explored the area like the back of his/her hand would know of Hijron ka Khanqah. Marked for its protruding tombs and the quiet ambiance, this place is a haunt of Delhi’s hijra (eunuchs) community. ‘Khanqah’ refers to a religious structure which serves as an assembling place for the Muslims of Sufi religious for the sake of experiencing peace and moral growth.
A Sufi place and cemetery frequented by the Hijra community

Hijron ka Khanqah is an Islamic monument in Mehrauli, South Delhi. It is a Sufi monument, an oasis for the local hijra community (eunuchs) also known as kinnar. The graveyard was constructed when the Lodi dynasty ruled the region i.e. from 1451 to 1526 AD. As many as 49 hijras are buried in the white tombs dotting the cemetery. There is a distinguished, larger and beautiful tomb which houses the body of a hijra called Miyan Saheb.
Hijras were an honoured community in the Mughal era. However, their socio-economic condition suffered a setback during the British colonial rule in India.
What remains now?

Hijron ka Khanqah is being maintained and taken care of by the eunuchs of the Turkman Gate for more than a 100 years now, though no one comes for burial of dead bodies now. This site remains nearly deserted on regular days except on festive occasions when food is distributed to the poor in a celebratory atmosphere.

Going there

On festive occasions, visiting the cemetery won’t be an issue, but other days, a special permit might be required by the visitors.