Spread across 90 acres, Lodi gardens is a park in Delhi and contains tombs of Mohammed Shah and SikandarLodi along with, Sheesh Gumbad and Bara Gumbad. Protected by archaeological survey of India Lodi gardens are known for the architectural works of the 15th century by lodhis.
Lodi garden is situated between Khan Market and Safdarjung tomb on Lodi road. Lodhi garden is a main hotspot for severalDelhiites walking in the morning. Lodi gardens are treated as an important place of preservation as it comprises of architecture from two great periods in India.
You can watch the tomb of Muhammad shah from the road itself. The tomb was one of the earliest structures constructed in the garden. The architectural beauty of the tomb lies in the characteristic octagonal chamber, stone chajjas on roof and bouquets on the corners.
Sikandar Lodi
The garden comprises of another tomb which belongs to Sikandar Lodi. Similar to Muhammad Shahs tomb, the umbrellas on Muhammad shah’s tomb and not umbrellas on SikandarLodi’s tombs is what sets the two tombs apart from each other. Sikandar lodis tomb is also mistaken as the Sheesh Gumbad and is situated near tehsil office in Panipat. Sikandar tomb lies very close to the Sufi saint Bu Alis Shah Qalandars Dargah. The tomb underwent renovation by the British and Ibrahim Lodi’s defeat to Babur was inscribed along with the renovation date in 1866.
The Mughals would renovate their places dependingonthe occasion and purpose of use. UnderAkbar’s rule the garden was used as an observatory and was also used to keep records in a library. After the 15th century two villages grew under the canopy of the monument.
History of Lodi garden
When the British regime took over India, the garden was landscaped by Lady Willingdon who was the wife of Governor General of India- Marquess of Willingdon. It was Lady Willingdon after whose name the park came to be known as “Lady Willingdon Park” in 1936. However after independence in 1947 the garden got its original name “Lodi Gardens”.
Delhi tour packages The garden underwent re-landscaping by J.A. Stein in the year of 1968. He incorporated a glasshouse within the park. There is period gateway from the British time that was used as entrance to welcome the visitors to Willingdon Park, the gateway is still operational.
The garden has paved way for students and general public to visit this heritage garden. The garden has attracted morning walkers and it serves as a perfect setting for yoga enthusiasts. The garden is a perfect location for a family picnic too.
In the middle of the garden stands the big dome called Bara Gumbad. This is not a tomb but a gateway to a three domed mosque. Opposite to the Bara Gumbad is the sheesh Gumbad the glass dome. It is called so because of the use of glazed tiles in its construction. You will further find watercourse connecting Yamuna River to Sikandar Lodi’s tomb.
