Bagh-I-Alam Ka Gumbad — Attraction in Delhi

Bagh- e- Alam ka Gumbad is the largest of the three monuments in the deer park. It is an example of typical Lodi era architecture. The date of  its construction (1501)  is mentioned in a Persian inscription on a panel on the western wall. Delhi Gazetteer says the tomb is of a saint Shihab- ud -din Taj Khan. The panel also names the builder of the tomb as Abu Syed.

Surrounded by unruly vegetation and massive trees is this imposing structure with walled quibla or mosque on one side.  The facade of the monument gives a false impression of it being three- storey. Three sides of the monument have trabeated entrances barred with locked grill doors and the forth west one that faces Mecca has a mehrab recess characteristic of all the Lodi era structures. It is decorated with Quranic inscriptions.

Similarly like all Lodi era structures this too is built with locally quarried red and grey stone blocks intricately placed together to create a stunning patchwork. There are arched windows over the entrances. The entrances and the windows are set within a larger arched niche which is further placed in a rectangular frame projecting outwards through the wall face. The Eastern wall has stairs to the roof. I tried to peer through the grills to get a glimpse of the roof but the interior was shrouded in darkness and nothing was visible so I just walked around to see the gumbad from other angles. It is then I spotted a parakeet happily settled in one of the arched niches.

The dome springs from a sixteen-sided drum. The roof and the drum (base) of the hemispherical dome are decorated with a line of battlement-like ornamentation...

Location: Inside Deer Park, Delhi

Tucked away in the bustling city of Delhi, Bagh-I-Alam Ka Gumbad stands as a testament to the rich architectural heritage of the region. This hidden gem, often overshadowed by more prominent historical sites, offers a serene and captivating experience for those who appreciate the beauty of ancient craftsmanship.

Grass grows from its shattered stone slabs. Squirrels scale the arched niches. Pigeons sit atop the battlements. The bird chatter becomes so loud at times that you believe there must be hundreds of them inside the monument, ready to uproot and lift the hefty thing up into the Delhi sky.

But, of course, the Gumbad has endured the test of time. Its beauty, however, is not as dazzling as Humayun's Tomb. The monument, like a piece of slow-moving music, operates slowly on the senses. The seemingly ordinary stony exterior gradually reveals, for example, the handful of blue tiles that remain clinging to it.

The inner compartment is shut. A few gravestones can be seen through a grill of cobwebbed metal bars lying in the musty gloom. The ceiling is covered in artistic patterns. The atmosphere is eerie. The lovely wall-mosque next to the ruin is even more cheerful. Its yard is a wasteland of fallen leaves and abandoned graves. This morning, the tombstones are drenched in a hazy golden sunlight, as if a mystical entity is attempting to reawaken the sleeping dead. The scene is a work of perfect...

Bagh-I-Alam Ka Gumbad is a captivating historical tomb, distinguished by its impressive stone architecture. The exterior features a prominent dome and a symmetrical facade adorned with a series of arched windows. Intricate stone latticework, though aged, still adds to the monument's enduring charm and character. ​Upon entering, the tomb chamber reveals a solemn atmosphere, housing two graves. The interior of the dome above is particularly noteworthy, as it still retains remnants of vibrant painted patterns. These faded frescoes offer a tantalizing glimpse into the artistic style and grandeur of its original construction. ​Situated within a serene, grassy landscape, the gumbad stands as a quiet and dignified monument. The weathered texture of the stone tells a story of centuries, inviting visitors to ponder the rich history of the structure and the people associated with it. ​The gumbad is a testament to the skilled craftsmanship of a bygone era. Its structural integrity and surviving decorative elements make it a compelling site for history enthusiasts, providing a peaceful escape and a deeper appreciation for Delhi's...