Khokri Tombs, Murud Janjira: History, highlights and visitor guide

History and context

The story behind Khokri Tombs

The Khokari or Khokri tombs near Murud commemorate early rulers of the Janjira state. The largest is the tomb of Sidi Surul Khan, who ruled from 1707 to 1734, and two smaller tombs are for Sidi Kasim (Yakut Khan) and his brother Khairiyat Khan. Wikipedia describes the style as Indo-Saracenic and notes that the Mumbai Circle of the Archaeological Survey of India is restoring the monument. Dates in accounts vary, so treat them as approximate.

Useful facts

Khokri Tombs facts at a glance

Location

Khokri, a few kilometres from Murud

Experience type

Walk-around monument

Known for

Indo-Saracenic tombs of Janjira rulers

Architect/Built

Largest tomb is for Sidi Surul Khan (ruled 1707-1734)

Time or schedule

Daylight; confirm current access

Why it matters

Why Khokri Tombs is worth your time

The tombs show that the Siddis were more than fort builders. They were a ruling family who built mausoleums in the Indo-Saracenic idiom, with local stone and arches borrowed from the courts around them. Wikipedia says the largest tomb is that of Sidi Surul Khan, chief from 1707 to 1734, and that two smaller tombs commemorate Sidi Kasim and Khairiyat Khan.

They are also a reminder of how the Janjira state paid for upkeep: Wikipedia notes that the Nawab funded Surul Khan's tomb through a village revenue grant. Today, the Archaeological Survey of India is restoring the monument, which makes it one of the few places where the Siddi story sits on the mainland.

Highlights

What not to miss

1. 01

   Sidi Surul Khan's tomb

   The largest of the three, with domes and arches in Indo-Saracenic style.

2. 02

   Two smaller tombs

   Commemorating Sidi Kasim (Yakut Khan) and his brother Khairiyat Khan.

3. 03

   A quiet corner

   Few tour buses come here, so it is a calm break between the fort and the beach.

Plan your visit

How to experience it

Go to Khokri in the morning, when the light is soft and the site is quiet. The tombs sit a few kilometres from Murud and are usually reached by auto or car. You will see three domed structures, the largest being the tomb of Sidi Surul Khan, with arches and decorative stonework in an Indo-Saracenic style.

Walk around the outside first and look at the detail on the arches and domes. If conservation work is going on, keep your distance from scaffolding. Travel guides describe the site as partly ruined, so condition varies, and it is a good place to slow down after the busier fort visit.

The tombs are best paired with the Nawab's palace in town and the fort across the water. Together, the three show how the Janjira rulers lived, governed and were buried.

Know before you go

Timing, access and comfort

Area

Khokri, a few kilometres south-east of Murud

Time needed

30 to 45 minutes

Best time

Morning or late afternoon for softer light; October to February

Walking level

Easy

Senior comfort

The site is largely level, with a short walk from where cars or autos stop. Seating is limited and shade is patchy, so go early or late and carry water.

Tickets and access

Entry arrangements are not clearly documented. The tombs are an ASI-protected monument, so look for any posted notice and respect any conservation work. Dress modestly and avoid climbing on the structures.

Plan it with

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