Top 5 Tombs Visiting Places In Delhi -Delhi Information

 

Here we talking about these Top 5 Tombs Places In Delhi.

1. Humayun's Tomb
2. Maulana Azad's Tomb
3. Razia Sultan's Tomb
4. Balban's Tomb
5. Tombs within Lodi Tombs

Top 5 Tombs in Delhi.

Humayun's Tomb

Human's Tomb commonly known by the Indian name of 'Humayun Ka Maqbara' is situated in Nizamuddin East and in close proximity to Dina Panah Fort or 'Purana Qila' (Old Fort) in Delhi. It can be approached via local cabs, buses and auto rickshaws. The Complex was in fact the first Garden to be constructed with a Tomb in the history of India.

The Humayun Tomb Complex houses various monuments including the famous Tomb of Humayun; all built during the Mughal era, within its precincts. The monuments include the Tomb of Hamida Begum who was the wife of Mughal Emperor Humayun, Tomb of Dara Shikoh who was the son of Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan, Tombs of Farrukhsiyar, Emperor Jahandar Shah, Alamgir II, Rafi Ul-Darjat and Rafi Ud-Daulat.

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The Garden spanning over an expanse of 13 hectors where the Tombs and Monuments are located was constructed in the typical Persian Style known as 'Charbagh' which means a 'Four-square Garden'. This style showcases a garden area divided into four equal square shaped gardens separated by pathways and a waterway leading from the centre of the garden right through and underneath the Tomb symbolising Paradise. This site was in fact chosen due to its proximity with the Yamuna River and the Dargah of Nizamuddin Aulia, a revered Sufi and Mystic Saint.

Emperor Humayun passed away on 20th January 1556 after which he was buried within his own Palace in Delhi. Later, his Tomb was shifted by Khanjar Beg to Sirhind in Punjab as instructed by Emperor Akbar (Humayun's son). Nine years after Emperor Humayun's demise, Hamida Begum, his wife, decided to construct an elaborate Tomb in his memory. The works commenced in 1562 AD at the cost of Rs. 15 lakh and Haji Begum, who was the Emperor's cousin sister, supervised the construction and its completion. Mughal Emperor Akbar also visited his father's tomb in 1571 before it was almost completed. 

Humayun's Tomb was designed by a Persian architect named Mirak Mirza Ghiyas also known to many by the name of 'Mirak Ghiyathuddin'. He belongs to a small town named Herat in Northwest of Afghanistan and was invited to India to design this Tomb. Mirak Mirza Ghiyas is accredited with numerous works including several monuments and buildings designed by him in Herat, Bukhara (ancient name of Uzbekistan) and India. He passed away before the completion of Humayun's Tomb and further works was designed by his son, Sayyed Muhammad ibn Mirak Ghiyathuddin up till its completion in 1571 AD.

In 1611, Humayun's Tomb was graced by the presence of a famous English Merchant named William Finch who admired the Tomb illustrating the elaborate and richly decorated interiors and the well furnished central chamber of the Tomb. He describes the presence of rich Persian carpets; a small tent covered with pure white silk sheet over the cenotaph; the Holy book of Quran placed before the grave and alongside was the Sword of Emperor Humayun with his Turban and Shoes.

The many fortunes that lay within the Tomb of Humayun and its surrounding monuments have seen a change after its completion. After Emperor Humayun's demise, the capital of the Mughal Empire shifted to Agra 1556 AD and further decline of the dynasty hastened the deterioration of the Tomb and its Monuments. Wealth was limited and the upkeep of the Garden area along with its assets became an impossible task. 

The Humayun Tomb Complex and Garden gradually transformed into a Vegetable Farm used by people who had settled nearby. Later, towards the turn of the 18th Century, the last Mughal Emperor, Bahadur Shah Zafar was imprisoned and exiled during the 1857 Indian Rebellion while his three sons were executed by the British. This caused further decay of the Garden and the Tombs of Humayun and his relatives. 

In 1860 AD, the British re-planted the entire Garden. Central water pools along the axial walkways of Charbagh were extravagantly planted with beds of flowers and trees which is typical of a British garden style. Later, during the 20th Century, Lord Curzon noticed this imperfection and ordered a complete restoration of the Humayun Tomb Complex. The Project lasted from 1903 AD to 1909 AD wherein the Monuments were re-plastered with red sandstone and the Charbagh or the Garden was reconstructed as per the Mughal Style. In 1915, the garden was re-planted to add emphasis to the central water pools while the axial pathways were lined with trees. The Platform was also embedded with trees which was the only addition not corresponding to the Mughal style of designing as these platforms were originally used for hoisting tents.

During the partition of India and Pakistan, the Humayun Tomb Complex and the Old Fort were used as refugee camps which lasted from August 1947 up till 5 years. This caused inconsiderable damage to the Tombs, the water fountains as well as the main Tomb structure and in order to avoid vandalism, bricks were laid around the cenotaphs to protect them.

Recently, the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) ensured complete reservation and conservation of the Humayun Tomb Complex. In 1985, the original water features of Charbagh were restored which had earlier failed despite four attempts. In 1993, the Humayun Tomb Complex was deemed as a protected World Heritage Site by UNESCO and the most significant phase of restoration commenced. ASI teamed with the Aga Khan Trust to carefully research and excavate the Complex. Since then, The Garden and the Tombs within the Humayun Tomb Complex have completely been restored. 

Humayun Tomb are can be approached from two massive high arc gateways on the South and West measuring two storeys and 16 metres high that leads you into rooms caved on either side of the passage while the upper floor also houses a small courtyard. The Tomb was built of rubble stones and red sandstones clad with white marble. The Dome, the Floor, 'Jalis' or Lattice screens and Frames of the door are also clad with white marble. Supported on a vaulted terrace measuring 8 metres high spread over an area of 12000 Sq. Mts., it is square in shape and slightly chiselled on the edges to appear octagonal in shape and to add design and make way for further ornamentation of its interiors. The lower base area of the Tomb Structure also seen on a raised platform and a few steps higher from the ground level made of rubble stones has 56 cells caved in all around the Tomb circumference which homes over 100 gravestones. Taking all these factors into account, the entire Tomb stretches at a height of 47 metres and a width of 91.44 metres. 

The Main Monument of Humayun Tomb Complex depicts a unique blend of Indian as well as Persian Architecture which include small canopies or 'Chattris' that surround the central dome that were once dressed with blue tiles. The Tomb also showcases the first of a kind Persian architecture that depicts a double layered Dome supported on a high neck drum measuring 42.5 metres and crowned with a Brass pinnacle topped with a crescent as seen in Timur's Tomb at Samarkand. The outer layer of the 'double layered dome' is dressed with white marble while the inner layer provides shape to add to the volume of its vast interiors. The rest of the Tomb is seen in red sandstone decorated with strips of black and white marble and yellow sandstone to add to its visuals. 

The rectangular gravestone depicting Humayun's grave sits at the centre of the Tomb Chamber just underneath the White Dome. It holds a cenotaph revealing that Emperor Humayun's body is aligned on the north-south axis where in the head is placed on the north and head is tilted to face Mecca according to Islamic tradition. The real burial chamber of the Emperor is way below and underneath this upper cenotaph which is accessible via a separate passage aligned with the main structure that remains locked and prohibited for public view.

The main chamber holds a Mihrab over the central marble lattice screen that faces Mecca or the West. 'An-Noor' of Quran is seen inscribed on this Mihrab and its outline allows a strip of light to enter into the chamber from the direction of Mecca or 'Qibla' in order to increase the status of Emperor Humayun.

The Tomb chamber of Humayun depicts a high ceiling that houses four principle octagonal shaped chambers on both the storeys and each of these principle chambers homes eight smaller chambers and hence revealing a total of 124 caved chambers. Most of these smaller chambers are seen with cenotaphs belonging to the Imperial families and Nobility of Emperor Humayun including a cenotaph of Hamida Begum (Humayun's wife) sitting beside another cenotaph belonging to Dara Shikoh (son of Emperor Shah Jahan). This Tomb Complex is also known as the 'Dormitory of the Mughals' as it houses more than a hundred graves of which some are known and a few unknown under the main Tomb site and on the first storey. 

Even today, Humayun Tomb Complex is undergoing extensive restoration work by ASI. Tourists and visitors can view this complex on all days from early morning hours up till evenings for an entry fee of INR 10.00 per head for Indian Citizens and visitors from SAARC and BIMSTEC countries which comprise of Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Maldives, Myanmar, Nepal, Thailand, Pakistan and Sri Lanka. Children who are 15 years of age and below are allowed free entry while Foreign Nationals need to pay INR 250.00 or $5.00 per head as entry fee.

Maulana Azad's Tomb

The Tomb of Maulana Azad lies just before the great eastern gateway of Jama Masjid which is close to the famous and ancient street of Meena Bazaar in Old Delhi. One can approach this area via local cabs and auto rickshaws or alternatively board the Metro up till Chawri Bazaar Metro Station.

Maulana Abul Kalam Muhiyuddin Ahmed was born on 11th November 1888 to a Muslim family. He was fond of writing and at a very young age, composed many Urdu Poems and wrote treaties on Philosophy and Religion. He began his career as a journalist and became a prominent personality through his works on British Rule in India and propagating the causes of Nationalism in India. He then joined the Khilafat Movement as the Leader of the pack during which he became very close to the legendary Mahatma Gandhi Ji. He was enthused with the ideologies of Gandhi Ji which supported non-violence and became his most prominent supporter representing the Muslims in the freedom fight movements. 

Maulana Azad also actively organised the non-cooperation movement in 1919 which protested the Rowlatt Acts. He also promoted Swadeshi or 'Indigenous' products and actively assisted in the cause of Swaraj or 'Self-Rule'. In 1923, Azad became a member of the Indian National Congress and served as the President of the Congress Party between 1940 and 1945 making him the youngest President of the Indian National Congress Party. In 1931, during his tenure, he organised the 'Dharasana Satyagraha' which made him a prominent Muslim National Leader propagating Hindu-Muslim Unity along with promoting Socialism and Secularism in the Country. 

Maulana Azad was an active leader in the 'Quit India' Movement during which he was imprisoned with his entire Congress leaders for three whole years. Post Independence, Azad became the first Minister of Education of India and is accredited with the establishment of the World Renowned Indian Institute of Technology. He also established the University Grants Commission which supervises and worked towards enhancing higher education In India.

Throughout his lifetime, Maulana Azad dedicated his life towards the upliftment of the Indian Society, its causes and the common civilians because of which he was also conferred with the 'Bharat Ratna' Award which is considered as the Country's Highest Civilian Honour Award. A captivating Orator and an eloquent writer, he wrote many books of which 'India wins Freedom' is one of his most popular works. He later adopted 'Azad' which means 'Freedom' as his pen name and hence is remembered by all as Maulana Azad. 

Maulana Azad died on 22nd February 1958 and was buried in full honour and rituals near a sacred mosque in Old Delhi where his Tomb lies. The Tomb is made in the form of an arched structure depicting Islamic style overlaid with white colour marks. It sits quietly amidst the busy streets of Old Delhi surrounded by a well trimmed garden dotted with beds of flowers. The Tomb is opened for visits on all days with free entry to all.Thanks

Razia Sultan's Tomb

The Tomb of Razia Sultan lies near the Turkman Gate in Old Delhi within the Bulbul-i-Khan locality which is located east of Kalan Masjid. This area is at close proximity to Sitaram Bazaar and can be approached by local taxis and from Chawri Bazaar Metro Station.

Razia Sultan was known as the first Muslim woman ruler of Delhi born in 1205. Her real name was Jalalat-ud-din Raziya and she was born to Sultan Shams-ud-din Iltutmish who was a descendant of the Turkish Seljuk's Slave Clan and the fourth Mamluk Sultan of Delhi. She was known to assist her father during his reign and learnt about the state affairs contrary to what a girl child would have been allowed to at that period. She was disinterested in learning the customary behaviours of a Muslim woman and preferred dressing in a man's robe and turban rather than a woman's dress. The Sultan announced that Razia would ascend the Throne of the Delhi Sultanate upon his demise but this was greatly resented by the other Muslim Nobility and hence after the Sultan's demise on 29th April 1236, Raziya's brother, Ruk-ud-din Feroze Shah was voted as the new Ruler of Delhi. 

Sultan Rukn-ud-din ruled for a short span of six months along with his mother Shah Turkaan (Sultan Iltutmish' widow). He was practically drowned in debauchery and personal pleasures. This angered the Courtiers and on 9th November 1236, Ruk-ud-din and his mother were assassinated. Since, Razia was the only heir to the Throne, with reluctance, the Turkish Nobility agreed to Razia ascending the Delhi Sultanate Throne and hence a new leader was born. 

Razia Sultan grew to be one of the most powerful rulers of the Delhi Sultanate and learnt to be a shrewd politician. She always kept a close watch on her Nobles and Courtiers and was an expert in politically manipulating the conflicts of rebels into acting against each other. As per legendary tales, Razia became a close confidante of Jamal-ud-din Yaqut who was a descendant of the Abyssinian Siddi (Habshi) Slave Clan. This was not a known fact as Yaqut was always seen tending to the Stables whereas Razia was known to ride elephants only. However, for whatever the reasons may have been, the Turkish Nobility were carried away by this rumour and opposed the favouritism of Razia towards Yaqut as he was not a Turkish descent. Their resentment became stronger, especially after she appointed Yaqut as the Superintendent of the Stables.

Different versions surround the actual death of Razia Sultan. One version states that Razia Sultan's childhood friend, Malik Altunia who was also the Governor of Bhatinda, joined hands with the Turkish Provincial Governors who has opposed to Razia ascending the Delhi Throne and rebelled against Razia Sultan. This broke into a battle between Altunia and Razia Sultan and as a result, Yaqut was killed and Razia was imprisoned after she lost the battle. Altunia proposed that he would pardon her death sentence if she married him and Razia Sultan agreed.

Another version states that Razia Sultan lost the battle against her brother, Muiz-ud-din Bahram Shah who later had captured the Throne of the Delhi Sultanate. Malik Altunia and Razia were lovers and they both prepared a battle to reclaim the Throne of Delhi. They lost the battle on 13th October 1240 and escaped to Delhi. In the interim, Razia's forces also abandoned them due to which both were captured by their enemy and killed on 14th October 1240. In fact, Sultan Muiz-ud-din Bahram Shah was later asked to descend the Delhi Throne due to sheer incompetence.

Another legend has that Razia Sultan lost the battle against the Hindu Jats and escaped in the guise of a man. She found shelter but was later seized by the Jats and killed near Kaithal in Haryana. Another claim is that she was killed in a jungle when she was riding on her elephant on her way back from the Battle with the Jats in 1239 while another version claims that she was killed by an arrow during the battle as she cried over her husband's death. Since, there are no accounts of these stories; her death remains a mystery even today. Razia Sultan will always be known as a brave Muslim Princess who was an excellent administrator and impressively lead her country and Army and is noted as one of the legendary woman sovereigns in the history books of the Islamic Rule. 

There are numerous controversies surrounding the original grave of Razia Sultan though the obvious states that her grave lies in Bulbul-i-Khan near Turkman Gate in Old Delhi as she was killed in Delhi. These controversies emerged due to the fact that Altunia and Yaqut's graves are missing and there are no archaeological evidences or inscriptions on this stone grave to reveal that it is the Tomb of Razia Sultan.

The first claim is that the Tomb of Razia Sultan sits on a raised platform in a 35 square feet courtyard at Bulbul-i-Khan in the ancient city of Shahjahanabad now known as 'Old Delhi' near the entrance of the Turkman Gate. The Tomb is masked with dust and filth and is seen in a dilapidated state due to the ravages of time. Another Tomb is seen beside which is said to have belonged to her sister, Shazia and two smaller Tombs are seen on the South-west corner of the courtyard which may have belonged to Razia Sultan's children. Some state that Razia's brother and successor to the Delhi Throne may have built these graves after her demise. Today the Tomb site has been converted onto a Mosque by the Muslim residents of this area but during the 13th Century, this area was a jungle and there is no evidence as to how Razia Sultan's body ended here. Tourists and visitors can enjoy a view of these Tombs on all days with free entry.

The second claim is that the Tomb of Razia Sultan sits in Haryana at Siwan near Kaithal which lies north-west of the city. A Jail is seen established in this site today, however, it is a possibility that Razia Sultan may have been buried here first and later her Tomb was shifted to the present location in Old Delhi, however, these are just speculations and may not be the fact due to lack of evidence.

The third claim is that the Tomb of Razia Sultan lies at Tonk in Rajasthan. This version states that the Princess was buried beside her Slave and Confidante, Yaqut, at Tonk. Sayed Sadique Ali who is an Urdu lecturer at the Government Post-Graduate College in Rajasthan claims that this is the real Tomb site of Razia Sultan and Yaqut after he had re-examined the historical facts and deciphered the irregular pattern of the Arabic inscriptions seen on the grave stones. The smaller Tomb reads 'Shahide Muhabbat Quvvatul Mulk Jamal-ud-din Yaqut', whereas, the larger Tomb situated on a higher platform reads 'Sultanul Hind Razia'.

Balban's Tomb

The Tomb of Sultan Ghiyas-ud-din Balban, who was once the ruler of the Delhi Sultanate, is located close to the entrance gate of the Archaeological Survey Park which lies west of Mehrauli-Gurgaon Road. Tourists can hire taxis, auto rickshaws or board the Metro up till Central Secretariat from where they can hire a rickshaw to arrive at the place.

The Tomb of Balban is a 13th Century AD Mausoleum where the last Sultan of the Slave Dynasty was buried in 1287 AD and hence is the Sultan's final resting place. Being an ancient monument, the Tomb is seen in a dilapidated state and in complete neglect.

Ghiyas-ud-din Balban was the Sultan of the Delhi Sultanate during the reign of the Mamluk Dynasty known to many as the 'Slave Dynasty' between 1266 AD and 1287 AD. He was born in the year 1206 AD; however, the date is unknown to a Turkish Noble who belonged to the Ilbari Tribal Clan. Balban was unfortunately captured by the Mughals as a child and sold to Ghazni Khwaja Jamal-ud-din Basri, a merchant from Baghdad. In 1232 AD, he was then bought as a Slave by Iltutmish who later released Balban from the bondage of Slavery upon royal orders of his Emperor, Qutb-ud-din Aibak, who was then, the reigning Sultan of the Delhi Sultanate. 

Sultan Qutb-ud-din Aibak took great care of Balban in a manner befitting a royal prince and educated the boy. Balban further introduced a Persian Culture called 'Zaminbos' wherein people had to lie flat on the ground face down in front of the Emperor. He was then appointed as the Personal Attendant and a close confidante of the Sultan and later the leader of 'Chalissa', which is a group comprising of forty Turkish Nobles of the Country. 

Balban conquered many neighbouring regions after the defeat and demise of Razia Sultan. When Sultan Nasir-ud-din Mahmud ascended the Throne of the Delhi Sultanate, Balban was appointed as the Prime Minister of the Empire between 1246 AD and 1266 AD and married the Sultan's daughter. Balban then ascended the Throne on 1266 AD at the age of 60 after the demise of Sultan Nasir-ud-din Mahmud since the Sultan did not have any son and was conferred the title of Ghiyas-ud-din Balban. He also introduced Silver Coins during his reign as the Ruler of the Delhi Sultanate.

Ghiyas-ud-din Balban was a fierce and strict administrator and leader known to have ruled with an iron fist. He demolished the system of 'Chihalgani', who were known as the administrative and military elite of the Ilbari tribal Clan. He also constructed outpost in high crime areas attended and supervised by his able and loyal guards and set order and peace in the Country. He introduced a well organised and strong espionage system consisting of reporters who would captured every minute events and happenings in the country and would implicitly report the news to the Sultan on a daily basis. 

Ghiyas-ud-din Balban was not only a strict ruler but was known to be very just. He would not spare anyone who committed a crime or who disobeyed the law and created disorder in the Country. On the contrary, Balban would also respect and show kindness to his slaves and servants who were loyal to him. History has that Balban administered a death sentence to Malik Barbaq who was a powerful land-owner of Badaun. Malik apparently killed a loyal servant of the Sultan which angered the King. The Sultan also ordered an execution of the news reporter who failed to report this unjust event to the Sultan. 

Ghiyas-ud-din Balban ruled Delhi up till 1287 AD and upon his death; the Throne was succeeded by his grandson, Muiz-ud-din Qaiqabad, who ruled only for three years between 1287 AD and 1290 AD. Due his incompetence and weakness, the Delhi Sultanate was eventually seized by Jalal-ud-din Firuz Khilji in 1290 AD, hence, ending the reign of the Slave Dynasty and commencing the reign of the Khilji Dynasty.

After the demise of Ghiyas-ud-din Balban in 1287 AD, he was buried with royal honour in the area known today as the Archaeological Survey Park at Mehrauli in South Delhi. The Tomb is almost in the state of ruins and lacks the extensive ornamental style seen in the Tomb of Iltutmish who was the Master of Balban. What exists today is a rubble square chamber that surrounds the Grave of Balban opened to the sky with arched openings on all sides. The Tomb represents the first Indo-Islamic architectural style to have been built in this Country and was in fact discovered only during the mid 20th Century AD. Before its discovery, Alai Darwaza was known as the first surviving monument of the Country built in 1311 AD.

As you walk towards the east of Balban's Tomb, you will notice a rectangular structure also in complete ruins which is believed to be the Tomb of Khan Shahid who was the son of Sultan Balban. Khan Shahid or Muhammad (his original name) died in 1285 AD fighting near Multan against the Mughals. The Tombs can be visited on all days with free entry as well as no photography and video filming charges.

Tombs within Lodi Garden

Lodi Garden lies on the main Lodi Road and just a kilometre away from the famous ancient Tomb of Safdarjung and before Khan Market. Easily accessible via local taxis, buses and auto rickshaws, the Garden is a welcome respite to all Delhiites especially from the scorching summer heat. It spreads over a green expanse of 90 acres and houses the Tombs of Mohammed Shah and Sikander Lodi along with ancient monuments like Bada Gumbad, Sheesh Gumbad and Athpula which are protected and conserved by ASI or the Archaeological Survey of India.

Sikandar Lodi's Tomb

The Tomb of Sikandar Lodi sits within the lush greens of Lodi Garden. Though it lacks the extensive Chattris as seen in many tombs, the rectangular shaped structure, indicating that it belongs to a high ranking person during that era, sits on a raised platform and depicts a typical Lodi Style of architecture with a huge central dome. It is flanked by an arched opening on each side that leads you into the grave of Sikander Lodi. The Tomb was built by Ibrahim Lodi (His son and the last Sultan of the Lodi Dynasty) in the year 1517 AD. During the British rule, the Tomb was renovated and the defeat of Ibrahim Lodi after the war against Emperor Babar makes a mention in an inscription added by the British in 1866. 

The British vacated the villages that surrounded Sikander Lodi's Tomb to another area in 1936 and the beautiful manicured garden that we see today took shape. The Garden and its landscapes were designed by Lady Willingdon and hence was name after her in her honour. It was opened to public view on 9th April 1936 and was renamed as 'Lodi Gardens' post Independence. In 1968, J. A. Stein and Garrett Eckbo re-structured the Gardens and constructed a Glass House within the Garden premises. Even today, this glass house is being used as the entrance gateway into the Garden.

Muhammad Shah Sayyid's Tomb

The tomb of Muhammad Shah Sayyid is known as one of the bigger ancient Tombs that have survived from the Sayyid era up till today. This is where the 3rd Ruler of the Sayyid Dynasty was buried after his demise in 1444 AD. Located within the Lodi Gardens, it was designed by the Lodi as well as the Sayyid Dynasties sometime between the 15th and 16th Century AD. The Tomb is designed in a typical octagonal shaped structure surrounding the exterior of the Tomb.

The Tomb is crowned with a central dome that is surrounded by eight Chattris which typically depict Hindu architectural influences. The entrance into the Tomb is from the Southern end however each octagon side of the chamber is supported by a Lentil Beam entrance. Each colonnade of the octagonal faces measure 10 metres and are perforated with three arched openings supported by stone brackets and seen with protruding eaves that have been re-strengthened with sloping bulwarks.

The Chamber of the Tomb measures 8 metres in diameter also shaped as an octagon while its ceiling is carved with exquisite stuccowork that depict serpentine lines and calligraphic as well as linear motifs. There are a total of eight graves within this Tomb and one of them belongs to Muhammad Shah Sayyid. This Tomb is also considered as a more refined structure than the Tomb of Mubarak Shah Sayyid who was Muhammad Shah's father as it has a higher dome and a more exquisite design that lends a better view.

Bada Gumbad and Masjid

The Bada Gumbad or 'Big Dome' lies in the heart of Lodi Gardens and is crowned with a big rubble domed structure. It is situated on the north-eastern side of the Tomb of Muhammad Shah Sayyid about 300 metres away. It was once a gateway to the Bada Gumbad Masjid [Mosque] constructed in 1494 AD. The Mosque was built with three domes and lies towards the west of the Tomb of Muhammad Shah as per inscriptions seen on a Mihrab that survives even today and was once known to occupy a very significant place during the Lodi reign. 

The Bada Gumbad was also built during the Sikander Lodi reign in 1494 AD that formed the entrance gateway into the Bada Gumbad Masjid and showcases spires and facades. It was built in the shape of a square structure with a huge dome and hence the name was derived. The interiors were once engraved with exquisite stuccowork and intricate paintings which has disappeared today. An unidentified grave can be seen within this square shaped structure that may have belonged to a high ranking officer of the Imperial courts of the Lodi Dynasty. A central Courtyard that is surrounded by a residential complex today had once housed a water tank and its remains are definitely visible even today.

Sheesh Gumbad

The Sheesh Gumbad also spelt as 'Shish Gumbad' which means a 'Glass Dome' is situated just a few metres north and opposite of Bada Gumbad. Both these Gumbads are similar in structure except for the glazed blue tiles that once covered the dome from where the name was derived. However, today these tiles are visible only above the main facade of the Sheesh Gumbad. The western end of this Gumbad houses a Mihrab that was once a part of a Mosque while its interior was once covered with plasterwork engraved with floral designs and inscriptions from the Holy Book of Quran. The Dome houses the graves of an unidentified family that may have been a part of the royal courts of Emperor Sikander Lodi.

Athpula

Further east of the Tomb of Sikander Lodi is the Athpula which means 'Eight Piers' from where it derives its name. It is known as the last ancient and Mughal structure in Delhi constructed by Nawab Bahadur during the reign of Mughal Emperor Akbar. This is a stone bridge supported by eight piers and seven arches of which the central arch is the highest which is typical of the Tughlaq architectural style that had greatly influenced the Mughal architects who took its design and style to a different height all together. This bridge crosses over a small water canal that runs through the Lodi Gardens which meets with a waterway that connected the canal to the main Yamuna River as well as the Tomb of Sikander Lodi. 

Even today fortifications are visible near the Garden which is seen in ruins, however, the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) has awarded the restoration work of this garden along with five monuments to INTACH which is funded by the Steel Authority of India Limited or 'SAIL' and conservation works are underway since 2009. ASI also organises Heritage Walks for Tourists and Students within and around Lodi Gardens. In fact INTACH has printed out small booklets providing information on the history and construction of the monuments within this garden including names of trees, birds and flowers that occupy the complex.