Visiting Lodhi Garden was a mesmerizing experience. The cold breeze accompanied by warm sunshine filled the day with warmth and great enthusiasm. One could find a variety of people from every corner of the world. In the era where people have become less socialized, the garden provides a friendly ambience and also serves as a suitable platform where people can meet each other. The park abounds in greenery and diverse flora and fauna. It provides a great backdrop, a serene atmosphere, an oasis of calm in Delhi where people can sit and experience the exquisite beauty of nature. The garden has well-preserved historical monuments which are an added attraction for the tourists. The Mughal tombs, radiating a timeless charm, sit at ease in a pleasure garden.
It is truly said “Architecture is a visual art and the building speak for themselves”.
TOMB OF SIKANDER LODI
The Tomb Of Sikander Lodi built by his son Ibrahim Lodi is a fine example of Lodi architecture. The Tomb has an elaborate enclosure and a ‘Wall Mosque’ (middle part of western wall also known as Mihrab), which represents ‘Qibla'(the direction that Muslims should face while praying), indicated through arches and the paved area in front. In the centre of the enclosure is an Octagonal Tomb decorated with extensive and fairly preserved tile work and painted high ceilings.
BADA GUMBAD
Another excellent piece of architecture is encountered at Bada Gumbad, also known as Bara Gumbad. It is located near the Tomb of Sikander Lodi and Sheesh Gumbad , and is believed to have the earliest constructed dome of any building in Delhi. It is speculated that Bara Gumbad serves as a gateway for Friday Mosques. In front of the Mosque, a raised structure, could have been the ‘Mehman Khana’ or Guest – House for pilgrims. During Lodi period tombs were raised in two different styles–square and octagonal. Bara Gumbad and Sheesh Gumbad represent the square style. The tomb has wide and long darwaazas. The main element used is grey quartzite with red to give beautiful touches. In the front of the tomb is a grave of a personage who was buried in the Bara Gumbad ,whose identity is not known, but it is believed that he must have occupied an important position during Lodi period.
SHEESH GUMBAD
Sheesh Gumbad which is to the North of the Bara Gumbad is an attractive structure. Though similar in shape to the Bara gumbad, this building is somewhat different in ornamentation. The top half of the exterior is covered with tiles. The ceiling is decorated with design and painted plaster. It too has large square chamber(10meters) which contains a number of graves.
MOHAMMAD SHAH SAYYID’S TOMB
Mohammad Shah Sayyid’s Tomb captures the sight through it’s appealing architecture. It has distinctive features – an octagonal plan, corner buttresses, decorative plaster, corbelled doorways finish and chhatris(pavilions) on the roof. This Tomb belongs to Sayyid dynasty. The chamber contains several graves and it is believed that one of the grave placed in the center of the chamber belongs to Mohammad Shah and the rest belongs to his family members. The architecture styles displayed here influenced later Indian architectural style including Rajput style and Sikh style.
These monuments offer an engaging glimpse into history. It is heartening to see this heritage well conserved.
The Garden has refreshing ponds and the charming sight of swans makes the garden more alluring. It has a butterfly conservatory as well. Different species of plants (eg.purple and pink lotuses)and animals can be easily found in the garden. Tourists and visitors flock to see the ponds, swans and ducks in the garden.
~Aristotle
People can be seen engaging in different activities: singing, playing, sketching, having a get together. One of the visitors at the garden told us that they frequently visit Lodhi Garden (after every 2-3 weeks) with their family. They believe that the garden provides a suitable space where they could spend good family time in serene environs, seemingly away from the hustle bustle of the city . Another visitor I encountered was a student pursuing fine arts. He confided that he likes to visit Lodhi Garden and loves to make sketches of monuments which he usually places at a small art gallery owned by him.
Lodhi Garden is considered one of the posh areas in Delhi and therefore its maintenance is good. garden has important buildings that surround it. IIC(India International Centre), which is a hub for intellectuals and for hosting cultural events is right next door . IHC(Indian Habitat Centre) is a comprehensive multi-purpose site, situated near Lodhi Garden, that provides commercial and social spaces, as well as hosting conferences, art galleries and cultural events. WWF(World Wildlife fund) is a non-governmental International organization founded in 1961 and works for preserving wildlife and towards reduction of human impact on the environment. The famous Khan market is also within a range of few kilometres from the Garden. All these add to the attractions of this very popular garden.
– Compiled by Aditi Nagpal
Rediscovering Delhi 