Tomb of Bahlul Lodi

Bahul Lodi's tomb (Urdu: بہلول لودھی کے مزار‎;) is the tomb of an emperor of Delhi Sultanate and the founder of Lodi Dynasty, Bahlul Lodi (Reign:1451-1489 A.D) situated in Delhi, India. The tomb is located in a historic settlement, Chirag Delhi, located within the fort walls of the Jahapanah city (built by the Tughlaqs). This tomb is one of the finest examples which demonstrate the evolution of Lodi architecture. It was built by Sikander Lodi, son and successor of Bahlul Lodi after the demise of his father in July 1489 A.D.^[1]

Architecture

The tomb is constructed in rubble masonry. The roof is crowned by five domes, the central one being fluted. The tomb chamber is surmounted by a dome of red sandstone surrounded by a broad dripstone : it has been much modernized at various times. A Gold cup hangs over the grave, as in the Khizri mosque at Nizam-ud-din. In the north-west corner of the enclosure is a fine Assembly Hall. The central columns springs from four monolithic stone columns, a unique architectural feature of that period. Each of its four facades is broken by three archways supported on red sandstone columns and their spandrels are ornamented with medallions. The arches are also decorated with inscriptions incised in plaster.^[2]

It is an unusual shape for a tomb, having five domes over it ; the details of the Sandstone decoration are all Hindu. To the front of it on the south side is a grave enclosure surrounded by a very beautiful pierced screen of red sandstone, which contrasts happily with the Green Shade above it. The octagonal motif that juts out between the cramped 3-storey buildings is typical of Lodi Architecture, though the five domes are unusual considering the architecture of that period.

Premises

Graves inside Bahlul Lodhi's tomb

The monument is located in the alleys of the modern day Chirag Dilli, behind the shrine of Hazrat Nasiruddin Mahmud, a disciple of saint Hazrat Nizamuddin Chishti, commonly referred to as Chirag-e-Dilli, where the king wished to be buried.

About a dozen graves are scattered out in the open; and Bahlul Lodi's grave is located next to two other graves inside the enclosure. It is a simple octagonal structure with 3-arched openings on all sides, perceivably reflecting the king's humble demeanour, bearing inscriptions from the Quran. Hindu carving styles in red sandstone are also visible, reminiscent of the fusion processes of Indo-Islamic architecture that would reach its crescendo with the Mughals. The structure does not have much decorative materials or heavy precious stones used, only it has some Quranic verses inscribed over the arched walls.^[3]

Conservation

The tomb is under the protection of Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), and was repaired and restored in 2005. According to a survey report, the site was under a layer of earth which had to be excavated. With reference to the archival images, the tomb was conserved and the missing portions were reconstructed. As the original site was encroached and boundaries were altered, a new wall and entrance to the tomb were constructed and the site was handed over to ASI for conservation and preservation.^[4]

Habitation

The tomb of Sultan Bahlul Lodhi is occupied by the attendants of the dargah, so that only its exterior can be seen. There are some families that live right by the tomb and may be a bit unwelcoming to strangers at first (do consider that arrogance is a poor man's only defence) and their stray dog pets might make one jumpy, but a polite request would easily sort things out. Considering so many heritage sites existing in Delhi, one is often tempted to overlook these tough-to-locate monuments, but they are worth a visit simply for the poignant reminders they throw at you of how history more often than not is the great leveller.

Gallery

See also

• Bahlul Lodi
• Delhi Sultanate
• Lodi Gardens
• List of Monuments of National Importance in Delhi

References