Following the discontinuation of its original function as a madrasa, it successively housed colonial-era educational institutions, such as Delhi College and the Anglo-Arabic school.

The complex is an example of later Mughal architecture - it displays Central Asian inspiration in its format, and Shah Jahani elements in its scheme.

The madrasa was founded by Ghaziuddin Khan I (also referred to by his titles Bahadur and Feroze Jung), a noble who rose to prominence during the reign of Mughal emperor Aurangzeb.

It was one of three major madrasas operating during the reign of Aurangzeb's successor, emperor Bahadur Shah, and was funded privately.

The madrasa was closed in the 1790s for lack of funds, but was reopened in 1792, financially supported by wealthy Muslims of Delhi.

They found that the madrasa was in use as a Maratha headquarters, and deemed the structure a security threat due to its proximity to the Ajmeri Gate.

Following the Indian Mutiny of 1857, British police occupied the premises until 1889, after which the Anglo-Arabic school began operating in the building.

[2][1] An enclosure at the southern side houses the tomb of Ghaziuddin Khan, who was buried in the complex following his death in 1710.