VARANASI: A mausoleum is being built at the grave of Ustad Bismillah Khan at Fatman graveyard in Sigra. The work on it started in Ramzan. It is expected to be completed by the end of October. The state government had approved Rs 29 lakh for its construction.

“We have roped in artist Arun Singh, who has prepared the design of the mausoleum. The work was started in Ramzan. Chunar sandstones will be used. The budget approved for it is Rs 29 lakhs,” director of Folk and Tribal Art Culture Society Ratnesh Verma said on Friday.

Artist Arun Singh said, “Mausoleums are sacred places where people of all faiths go to seek blessings. Since this is of Bharat Ratna Ustad Bismillah Khan, hence special emphasis was laid on his work and life. The mausoleum will be a blend of Islamic and Hindu architecture.”

“The mausoleum has been designed, keeping the Islamic architecture in mind. The engravings of Hindu structure will also be included in it. Earlier, the space for main mausoleum (14x14 feet) seemed less so we decided to use the wall situated behind the grave. This wall will be beautified so that the composition of 'mehrab' (minaret that indicates direction of Kaaba) is clearly visible on both sides of the mausoleum.” Due consideration has been given to Khan's endearment for the ghats along Ganga. He would rehearse at Balaji and Man Mandir ghat. Heart-shaped designs (those in raised platforms at ghats) will be carved on the first step of his grave, Singh added.

The USP of the mausoleum will be a 20-kg brass shehnai, synonymous with Ustad Bismillah Khan, which will be placed upside down at the mausoleum. With the help of ‘Pacchikari technique', 'Bismillah' will be engraved on coloured stones on a white marble. It would be brought from Agra and placed on the wall adjacent to his grave.

The magnificent 23-ft tall mausoleum will also have detailed information on the life history of Ustad Bismillah Khan in English and Hindi.